Why 2018's must-have accessory is the bumbag

The industry is well known for its questionable comebacks, often presented to us under the guise of a fancy new moniker

Friday 30 March 2018 12:54 BST

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The start of a new season provides the perfect opportunity to give your style an overhaul. But just as some pieces will be relegated to the back of your wardrobe, there’s one sartorial mishap from years gone by that’s steadily making its way back into the fashion fold.

The industry is well known for its questionable comebacks, often presented to us under the guise of a fancy new moniker – case in point: scrunchies have been rebranded as hair clouds – and the bumbag is no exception.

Belt bag, fanny pack or whatever you want to call it, the divisive accessory which was once the preserve of snap-happy tourists is officially “in” once more.

A style that’s dominating the fashion scene, bumbags have been seen on the hips of some of the world’s most influential figures, from Chance The Rapper and A$AP Rocky to Kendall Jenner and model-of-the-moment Adwoa Aboah.

But, like most trends, the revival of this Nineties favourite started on the runway.

At Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia – a designer who coincidentally has also sent Crocs down the runway – presented a series of chunky bumbags covered in the brand’s luxury logo. While Marc Jacobs continued the theme of dadtastic sportswear with retro-looking versions in shades of yellow, orange, pink and aqua blue.

Elsewhere, Gucci offered a more refined take on the typically garish design with bumbags made from beige canvas and smart leather trims as well as the classic double-G style.

While it’s hardly the most timeless of purchases, finding the right one has the power to make your outfit infinitely cooler in an instant but how should you wear it?

Gucci, GG Marmont Quilted Leather Belt Bag, £765, Net-a-Porter

The options here are endless. Wear it on your hips, across the body, through the loops in your favourite pair of jeans or, our favourite, layered over the top of a jacket to cinch in the waist.