As the cyclical nature of the fashion world dictates, what comes around goes around. And, as the Spring/Summer 2019 style season demonstrates, sometimes it goes around your waist.

Brace yourselves. The fanny pack is back.

Rebranded as waist or belt bags, the modern iteration of the ‘80s hip-slung accessory is staging a successful return.

Formerly seen as a taboo accessory reserved for strolling tourists, fanny packs are gaining serious high fashion cred with the stylish set (think Kim Cattrall and Katie Holmes). Even high-end designers such as Prada and Balenciaga sent models down SS19 runways with pouches. The fashion scene in Boston is clearly in on it, with versions spotted in local shops such as All Too Human, Rag & Bone and Burberry.

While fanny pack purists can still turn to designers such as Adidas, Free People and Alexander Wang for sporty, old-school styles, most designers have thankfully modernized the bag’s shape — abandoning the signature bulky banana form and horizontal zipper for a sleeker approach that resembles a luxury bag attached to a thin belt.

When navigating this revival in style, the bag’s placement is also a place to play. Instead of securing the bag around your waist, as the name suggests, transform it with a chic and on-trend diagonal drape by tossing it on across your chest as you would a crossbody bag.

Whatever your love/hate relationship with fanny packs, consider this an exercise in “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Belt bags are wrapping themselves around the fashion industry and, like it or not, they are secured fashioned. 

FIND IT

All Too Human: 236 Clarendon St., Boston

Rag & Bone: 111 Newbury St., Boston

Burberry: 2 Newbury St., Boston

Free People: 200 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill