The Rise of the Banana Bag

Part crossbody bag, part fanny pack, this style is picking up steam

Hermes Buddy Pocket Bag

Earlier this year, Lyst reported that the most popular bag of the first quarter of 2023 was the most unlikely It-bag of them all. Costing no more than $20, Uniqlo’s Sling Bag was one of the most-searched, most-wanted, and most-purchased items of the start of 2023.

Pretty crazy right?

The Body-Hugging Bag

While the cost and the material almost certainly played a factor in this underdog’s rise to the top, its ease of wear, both in its shape and material, are also major selling points. Sometimes referred to as a banana bag, thanks to its rounded silhouette, it’s often defined by its curved, body-hugging shape, and suddenly this shape is picking up major steam. Offering a casual, relaxed silhouette, the banana bag is perfect for daily wear, the ideal everyday carry that isn’t too big and isn’t too small.

A Hybrid Bag

A relatively new shape, the banana bag takes elements from other popular bags, combining them into a modern silhouette that feels wearable and fresh. Part hobo, part sling bag, and sometimes, part fanny pack, the banana bag is ideal for those 2010s hobo lovers who now prefer a crossbody bag but don’t love the look of a true belt bag. Equal parts fashion and function, everyone from Hermès to The Row and Khaite seem to be picking up on the trend. This hybrid bag is here to stay; we have found the best so far!

Khaite Augusta Hobo

Hermes Buddy Pocket Bag

The Row Slouchy Banana Bag

The Row Nylon Banana Bag
via MATCHESFASHION

Proenza Schouler Belt Bag

The Row Banana Bag

The Row Banana Bag
via Net-a-Porter

Bottega Veneta Banana Bag

Isabel Marant Moon Bag

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Terri

Fun bags! Lemaire’s croissant bag is fun too

Laura W

The price of the Row nylon bag though! Are they taking the Mickey?

FashionableLena

Like the hobo bag, I like the way it looks. Function wise, it doesn’t work for me. I own one and rarely carry it. Everything settles to the bottom like a trash bag. These look like they would function the same.

Also, is it me, or do some of these look more like Fanny packs?

Ella

Really like this style and have thought about getting the Khaite but every time I consider doing I think it’s overpriced for the brand it is given you can get a YSL, Bottega etc for the same price or a bit more. Maybe if heavily discounted….

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