Why is it called a fanny pack?

Where does the name fanny pack come from?

One of our star accessories this summer has been the Fanny Pack Pura Vida, better known in Spain as riñonera. Its name in English, Fanny Pack, was given in the late 80's and mid 90's when this peculiar accessory became fashionable. The name derives from the fact that this accessory was often worn at hip or fanny height.

Despite the boom in the 80's and 90's, fanny packs became a taboo accessory reserved for tourist attire. More than a cute accessory, it was a way to keep in sight important items such as: money, passport or others; and avoid the theft of these in crowded places.

Although its history is not the most attractive, this spring-summer 2020 has positioned the fanny pack as a basic accessory in our daily outfits. Leading the trends in accessories, fanny packs are perfect to be trendy in street style and, although we do not stop seeing them in many of the brands that rule the fashion world, we do not stop wondering: Why fanny pack?

Basically, the fanny pack is a small bag, which comes with a belt, which allows you to adjust it either at the waist or hip. However, it is its practicality that makes us fall in love with this accessory. The possibility of going out for a walk only carrying: mobile phone, identification documents and lipstick, makes our outings easier without losing the trendy touch that we all look for.

The fanny pack leads the world trends and has become the bag of the summer. Depending on the region where it is used, it has been given unique names. For example in Venezuela we call it Koala because it resembles the bag where marsupials carry their young and for the same reason they are called cangureras in Mexico, while in Chile, they call it banano referring to the shape of a banana or plantain.

Riñonera, as we call it here in Spain, is because it is placed at the height of the kidney, although nowadays brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton wear it crossed over the chest.

Who invented the fanny pack?

There is talk of many origins, such as the buffalo pouch that was worn by Native Americans along with their clothing. Actually, we don't know for sure who invented the fanny pack, but we do know that it is one of the oldest and most practical accessories in the world.

In 1991, when Ötzi the ice man who died around 3255 BC was discovered, the leather fanny pack was part of his clothing where he kept practical tools. If you don't believe us, his body and belongings are on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano in Italy.

Fanny pack and fashion

Which fanny pack to buy?

It all depends on its use, shape and size.

The trend is once again becoming apparent and adorning all kinds of outfits. There are fanny packs for running, mobile fanny packs, hippie fanny packs, inner travel fanny packs, women's fanny packs, leather fanny packs, etc. No matter which one you choose, their practicality will allow you to carry out any activity with ease.

Which fanny packs are the most popular?

There are infinite brands that have available fanny packs in their showcases and websites, from sports and casual brands like Nike, Reebok and Fila to the most famous and elegant brands in the fashion world such as Chanel, Fendi, God or Stella McCartney, who with her vegan option stands out firmly in the fashion market before its competitors.

And it is that with alternative designs, the return of this garment has been a success. This 2020 we have seen it on the most famous catwalks, in the street scene and boho style.

How to wear fanny packs?

Crossed to the chest, as a bag slung over the shoulder, as a belt to close a jacket or give life to a simple jumpsuit, or go back to the classic and use it behind or in front of your hips, it never goes out of fashion.

What are Casa de Vera's fanny packs like?

Our Pura Vida fanny packs, like the rest of the collection, are colorful and fun. We have presented for this year 5 options in terms of skins: black, camel and taupe as the infallible basics; and yellow and light blue as different and bright options for a summer look.

Our fanny packs and respective belts are made of 100% leather, which makes them perfect for everyday wear. The size is 21cmx11cm, not too big and not too small, but the perfect size for the essentials.

We have two sizes of belts, one 85cm and one 90cm, if you have a smaller waist don't be afraid to adjust it by opening the holes to the size of your preference! As for the bags; black, camel, taupe, yellow and light blue; they have a variety of between 2 to 5 pompom combinations, which makes it difficult to choose which one to keep, but makes it easy to find the ideal choice for your outfits.

Versatile and with a nineties feel, this accessory is your best companion for this summer. From the most basic to the most elegant looks, this garment allows you to add a fun touch to your style. You can mix it with skirts and dresses to get a comfortable look, you can also combine it with suits to achieve a more delicate styling.

Where to find the fanny packs?

You can buy the Pura Vida fanny packs by Casa de Vera in the section of: Summer --> Accessories, on our website, or if you would like to take a look at them in person you can find them at:

And if you happen to be reading our blog from Switzerland, we want to offer you the opportunity to see them at Atelier Elvira in Richterswil.

If you are still hesitating, don't do it anymore! It's time to get your hands on the star accessory of the summer. We assure you that it will be super useful and that it will combine with most of your wardrobe.

June 19, 2020 — Julio Gonzalez

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Why Fanny Pack?