International Fanny Pack Day celebrates the versatile, often-debated accessory every second Saturday in March. This day goes beyond fashion, honoring the practical history and cultural resurgence of the waist bag. Strap on your favorite fanny pack, share your style, and explore its surprising journey from utility to trend.
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History of International Fanny Pack Day
International Fanny Pack Day was invented in 2007 by a man called Nick Yates from Portland, Oregon. While returning from a party, Yates came across a homeless man, and out of compassion, he gave the man the fruitcake in his fanny pack. This encounter then inspired Nick Yates to start a charitable campaign to donate food to the poor and needy of society. This is how International Fanny Pack Day came into being.
Though the first observance of the holiday took place on the first Saturday in March, subsequent celebrations after 2008 were observed on the second Saturday in March.
Fanny packs have been a trend since the 1980s and were worn around the waist by both men and women. It was safe to carry valuable items without the fear of theft, as the purse is situated at the front of a person’s body where it can be properly guarded. They became the height of fashion during the 1990s but later fell into decline during the 2000s.
However, in 2012, some designers attempted to revive the trend, offering new designs, some going for as high as $1,995. They were called belted satchels or hands-free bags. In 2018, top celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, Jaden Smith, and Rihanna, were seen wearing fanny packs that cost over a thousand dollars. Designers like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton were responsible for spearheading this resurgence.
Though fanny packs are traditionally worn at the front of the body, the name implies that some people wore it at the back, above their buttocks. A fanny pack is also known as a waist bag, a belt bag, a moon bag, a belly bag, or even a bum bag. They can also be worn cross-shoulder style.
International Fanny Pack Day timeline
Fanny packs become a fashion trend.
Nick Yates creates International Fanny Pack Day.
Fashion designers revamp the concept of the fanny pack, renaming them ‘belted satchels’ or ‘hands-free bags.’
Fanny packs experience a resurgence, and designer packs are seen on top actors and celebrities.
International Fanny Pack Day FAQs
When is International Fanny Pack Day?
In 2027, International Fanny Pack Day is observed on Saturday, March 13. This annual observance is the perfect excuse to showcase your style and appreciate the versatility of the fanny pack.
How did the fanny pack get its name?
The term ‘fanny pack’ became popular in the 1980s due to its common wearing position. While the name has stuck, many modern designs are now worn across the chest or shoulder, leading to alternative names like ‘sling bag.’
How popular are fanny packs today?
The global market for fanny packs and similar waist bags continues to grow, driven by their convenience, versatility, and adaptability to various fashion trends. They appeal to a wide demographic, from students to travelers and fashion-forward individuals.
What's the difference between a fanny pack and a sling bag?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the primary distinction lies in their intended wearing style. Many modern fanny packs are now designed with longer straps, allowing them to be worn as sling bags, blurring the traditional lines between the two.
How to Celebrate International Fanny Pack Day
Wear it
Celebrate this awesome day by wearing a fanny pack on this special day. If you don’t have one, go ahead and shop for a fanny pack that suits your style!
Give to the needy
The true motive behind this day must be remembered and honored. So let’s lend a helping hand to those around us, either by giving directly to a person in need or volunteering your time at a soup kitchen orphanage or charitable organization.
Use the hashtag
Don’t forget to spread awareness about International Fanny Pack day by using a hashtag such as #fannypackday to get the information across to more people. As they say, the more, the merrier.
5 Important Facts About Fanny Packs In Various Countries
America
In America, they are called fanny packs, belt bags, or belly bags.
The United Kingdom
In the U.K., fanny packs are known as bum bags.
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, they are called Skippy or Canguru, from the T.V. series “Skippy the Kangaroo.”
France
In France, fanny packs are called banana bags.
Spain
In Spain, a fanny pack is called a kidney bag.
Why We Love International Fanny Pack Day
Ease and convenience
We love fanny packs because of how easy and convenient they are. They take away the strain of a backpack and free up our hands to carry other important things.
Safe and secure
The very style of fanny packs makes them secure against pickpockets or even our carelessness. Being strapped to the front of our bodies reduces the odds of the bag getting lost or stolen.
A charitable holiday
This holiday is great because aside from the fact that it celebrates a fashion trend, it also offers us the opportunity to reach out to the needy in our societies. It’s a reminder to share both our time and resources with others.
