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College Freshman Must-Haves: Fanny Packs

College Freshman Must-Haves: Fanny Packs

Aug 9, 2021

With school just around the corner, you’re probably grabbing coordinating dorm room bedding set to match your bestie, checking ISBN numbers on textbooks, and stocking up on tees and hoodies in your new school team colors. 

Hear us out: While your backpack is perfect for storing binders, books and your laptop, smaller items like your dorm key fab, ID card and keys might get lost in the abyss. Enter the fanny pack. You heard us right, the around-the-waist, 90s vacay accessory staple. Smaller than most purses or satchels and gender-neutral in style, the fanny pack is ideal for on-the-go college students.

Wear it around your waist in tandem with your shoulder bag or pack for quick access to your cell, lip gloss, or AirPods while you’re clocking it across campus to your first class of the morning. Is your campus keeping it old school and hasn’t installed card readers on the vending machines yet? Store extra change for that afternoon can of caffeine in your fanny pack too.

Have to catch the campus shuttle for your next course and don’t want to get PopTart crumbs in your laptop ports? Fanny packs are great for stashing snacks in a pinch.

And while the functionality of the fanny pack is pretty much the same today as they were when your mom wore one, fanny packs are much more fashionable and trendy than they once were. Stepping out on the red carpets and into clubs in bedazzled, designer and understated chic styles, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, A$AP Rocky, Beyonce, and Kim K are all among the A-list celebs bringing the fanny pack back in a big way.

This back-to-school season, jump on the bandwagon and stunt all semester long with the college freshman must-have fanny pack that we’ve paired with these insta-worthy OOTD.

Kickin’ It Old School 

Run-DMC name-checked their fave adidas shoes in a mid-’80s song, but even in 2021, you can keep those feet funky fresh with a pair of men’s Superstars and an adidas fanny pack to match the vibe. If you really want to keep up with the sweet beats of Rev Run and Jam Master Jay, add a classic adidas tracksuit to the ensemble, too. 

A+ on the Vibe Check

Water bottle stashed in your backpack to help rehydrate after a night of partying? Check! No-show socks and a pair of comfy shoes for accounting class? Yes, and yes. Sweat-wicking Nike tank and leggings? Uh-huh! Pair that fit with a Nike fanny pack for all your walking-to-class must-haves, and you’ll definitely pass the vibe check even if you don’t pass the class.

Fri-yay Night (or Saturday Afternoon) Lights

Keep your student ID close and your wallet even closer when it’s college game time with a Nike Tech hip pack. It’s like a Nike fanny pack but even more streamlined. Whether you’re at your sorority tailgate or cheering in the student section, dress in your most bougie NCAA fan gear or that favorite, well-worn football tee, and enjoy the game without worrying about your stuff later.  

Loungewear 101

Chilling in the dorm’s common room with your hallmates or date? Swipe right on a comfy, coordinating fit, like this patterned Le Tigre look. Or take a brisk stroll around the university lake. Stash your earbuds and your phone in a Jordan fanny pack or a crossbody fanny pack.

Add fanny packs to your must-have college packing list, and keep all your essentials right at hand (errr, your waist). Don’t sleep on this trend! Shop Hibbett | City Gear’s selection of fanny packs online and in-stores.

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