Written by Menswear Style in Trends on the 15th March 2018

From high street to high fashion, there is no doubt that the throwback trend has seen a significant comeback with the humble bum bag gracing the SS18 catwalks of designer powerhouses all over the world. Once a fashion faux pas, the bum bag has come a long way in the past thirty years, with the recent surge in nineties nostalgia playing a huge part in its modern rebranding. Coupled with style icons such as Jared Leto, Chance the Rapper and Skepta all jumping on the trend wagon, the bum bag is quickly becoming the street style accessory of the moment.

Why? Well, along with being your go-to for that effortlessly cool streetwear look, the simple practicality of the bum bag cannot be ignored. The hands-free option ensures that your pockets can be kept free of all loose change and essentials such as your wallet and phone – yet are easily accessible for when you need them. No longer limited to fitness fanatics and festival goers, the new wave bum bag has had a grown-up overhaul for modern fashionistas and can be styled with your workwear as an alternative to bulky backpacks, or simply worn as a daily essential for a more streamlined silhouette.

So, how best to nail this tricky trend? Traditionally the bum bag was first worn twisted to the back, however today’s modern take celebrates the street style essential as the main attraction. Although still worn around the hips, the fit is much tighter with the pouch now styled to the side. For a more stylised look, smaller bags can be worn higher around the waist (e.g. New Balance Accessories’ waistpacks), encouraging many designers to coin their creations ‘belt bags’ as a nod to this trend. 2018 has also seen the rise of bags worn swung over the shoulder or more commonly, casually slung across chest much like a cross-body bag.

Updates in shape and fabric mean the bum bag can be worn with almost any outfit. It doesn’t have to be sporty; for a more tailored look, wear belted over a blazer or with an oversized jacket cinched in at the waist. For a more laidback look, bright styles can be worn with jeans and a T-shirt crossbody or low on the hips for just the right amount of edge. Although exploding back onto the fashion scene, the bum bag still has roots within the fitness world. Once the uniform of eighties workout instructors, performance waist packs have become a training must-have which has seen everyone from marathon runners to gym bods sporting the trend.

Ideal for holding your gels, phone and keys, it is no wonder that performance waist packs have long hailed a must have accessory in the fitness community. There is no denying that the bum bag is back, so whatever you prefer to call it, we can confirm that this is a fashion trend that is here to stay.

Would you ever wear a bum bag? #Style

— Menswear Style (@MenswearStyle) March 15, 2018

We take a look at the 90s trends which has come back; the bum bag aka the fanny pack which can be worn around the waist or shoulders.