The Pros + Cons of Bags that Cling to You

It’s no secret that fanny packs are having a major moment. (Read: Celebrity Style: Luxury Fanny Packs?) And luxury backpacks have been a hit for quite some time now. But that doesn’t mean this niche within the bag world is beloved by all fashionistas. As we’ve seen from discussions in our PurseBop community, not everyone can get behind the “bags that cling to you trend,” and some have pretty ambivalent feelings about them.

Aside from whether we find them visually appealing, there are a number of other factors to keep in mind when we judge backpacks and fanny packs. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the divisive bags!

@chiaraferragni

Pro: They're Hands-Free

When it comes to hands-free convenience, fanny packs and backpacks stand out. This is probably the best feature of bags that cling to you—you get to carry a bag without the hassle of, well, literally carrying a bag. And unlike a crossbody, these bags don’t swing around, since they’re so closely strapped to your body, and their weight is evenly distributed.

@mylifeincolors_

Con: Size Restriction

What goes hand-in-hand with convenience is the fact that these bags are quite small. While backpacks are certainly bigger than fanny packs, the vast majority of luxury backpacks bear little resemblance to your jumbo L.L. Bean backpack from school. Sometimes, these backpacks are even the size of an average crossbody (read: YAY or NAY: Mini Backpacks?). While there are many benefits to small bags, and it all boils down to personal preference, there simply aren’t many options—your fanny pack will always be pretty tiny.

@adashoffash

Pro: Security

With these bags so closely tied to your body, it’s hard not to feel secure. We’ve often heard our readers sing the praises of backpacks and fanny packs (especially the latter) for crowded public transport or events such as large concerts. Aside from being hassle free, they help you feel secure throughout the experience, since your belongings are attached to you and therefore are much more difficult to steal.

@idiotic_tivi

Con: Less Ideal for Bad Weather

Okay, so this only applies to backpacks. (Fanny packs, on the other hand, are pretty ideal in less-than-ideal weather conditions.) When it’s raining, having a bag on your back can be a little concerning. Since you can’t see the bag, and don’t really know how much water is getting under your umbrella, you might have to resort to taking it off and clutching it to you, essentially defeating the purpose of a backpack. You ultimately have less control. This is a minor concern, of course, but could definitely be a factor in deciding to splurge on this particular kind of luxury bag.

@missirynad

Pro: They're Statement-Making

If you want to make a big fashion statement, look no further. Especially with how popular these bags—especially fanny packs—are among celebs and IG stars right now, wearing them alerts others of your bold, trendy fashionista status. These bags are undeniably chic, but they’re also edgy, saying something different about your style than, say, a Chanel Classic Flap or Lady Dior.

@chiaraferragni

Con: They're Statement-Making

But wait. Making a statement can also be a con, especially if it’s not the kind of fashion statement you want to make! These bags take us back in time to school and to the 80s, and maybe that’s just not your vibe. If you’re into retro-glam, perfect. But if not, they may ultimately be a step back for you, your aesthetic and your fashion journey. The divisiveness over these bags ultimately lies in their statement-making essence…where do you fall?

@mylifeincolors_

Now that we’ve been through the pros and cons of luxury bags that cling to you, what do you think? Do you have any pros/cons to add from personal experience? And are you swayed one way or the other? Ultimately, are these bags a YAY or NAY for you? Tell us below!

Read related articles below:

Celebrity Style: Luxury Fanny Packs?
Top 10 Backpacks to Carry You Into 2018
YAY or NAY: Mini Backpacks?
The Bags You Bagged in 2017
The Top 10 Bags We’ve Been Seeing on Instagram Lately

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