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Why are Lulu belt bags so popular?

Belt bags, also known as fanny packs, have made a major comeback in recent years. One brand leading the charge is Lululemon with their iconic Everywhere Belt Bag. But why has this 90s accessory suddenly become one of the trendiest items around?

The Evolution of the Belt Bag

While belt bags have been around since the late 1960s, they really rose to prominence in the 80s and 90s. During this time they were associated with tourists and considered quite dorky. But in the late 2010s, belt bags started being spotted on runways and adopted by high fashion brands. Suddenly the fanny pack was cool again!

Year Belt Bag Context
1960s Belt bags first emerge as practical accessories
1980s-1990s Height of belt bag popularity, associated with tourists
2000s-2010s Decline in popularity, considered unfashionable
Late 2010s Resurgence among high fashion brands

This resurgence coincided with the rise of “athleisure” wear – comfortable athletic clothing suitable for everyday wear. As athleisure became more popular, so too did the practical belt bag.

Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon, the Canadian athleisure giant, began producing their version of the belt bag in 2018. Their Everywhere Belt Bag was an immediate hit. It quickly became one of their best selling products with waitlists of over 44,000 people at one point.

The Everywhere Belt Bag retails for $38 USD and comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns. It’s a simple nylon bag with several zippered compartments perfect for holding essentials like phone, keys, wallet, and more. It measures approximately 13.4 inches by 5.1 inches.

Specification Details
Brand Lululemon
Product Everywhere Belt Bag
Year released 2018
Colors Wide variety of solids and prints
Fabric Water-repellent nylon
Dimensions 13.4 x 5.1 inches
Price $38 USD

Why is the Everywhere Belt Bag So Popular?

There are several key factors that explain the immense popularity of Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag:

  • Brand reputation – Lululemon is a premium athletic brand with an excellent reputation for quality and style. Their name on a product automatically makes it seem more fashionable.
  • Athleisure trend – The belt bag perfectly aligns with the athleisure fashion movement dominating modern style.
  • Functionality – The bag is designed with useful features like multiple zippered pockets and an adjustable strap.
  • Flattering shape – The compact shape and wearable design is flattering on most body types.
  • Social media hype – The belt bag became a sensation on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, driving demand.
  • Limited supply – Lululemon’s sales tactics like waitlists and color caps made the bag seem exclusive and coveted.

Influencers, celebrities, models and everyday consumers alike have embraced Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag. Its widespread popularity makes a strong case for the belt bag as a mainstay fashion accessory rather than just a passing trend.

Everywhere Belt Bag Sales Statistics

The overwhelming demand for the Everywhere Belt Bag has resulted in staggering sales for Lululemon. Here are some key statistics:

Statistic Number
Units sold in 2018 Over 200,000
Units sold in 2019 Approximately 500,000
Units sold in 2020 Over 1 million
Units sold in 2021 Over 2 million
Average resale price $80-$200+

In 2020, the Everywhere Belt Bag accounted for approximately 7% of Lululemon’s total revenue. It has become one of their most iconic and recognizable products.

Comparison to Other Belt Bags

The Everywhere Belt Bag is far from the only belt bag on the market. Here’s how it stacks up against some other popular options:

Brand Product Price Fabric Size
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag $38 Nylon 13.4 x 5.1 inches
Fjallraven Kanken Belt Bag $35 Vinylon 11.8 x 5.1 inches
Herschel Fifteen Belt Bag $30 Polyester 9.84 x 4.72 inches
Adidas All Day 3.0 Belt Bag $35 Polyester 11.8 x 6.3 inches

While other options exist, none have surpassed the popularity and hype surrounding the Everywhere Belt Bag. Lululemon clearly has a winner with their bespoke take on the classic belt bag.

Conclusion

The ubiquity of Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag is undeniable. Its rise from functional accessory to coveted fashion item has been swift and dramatic. The combination of clever marketing, social media buzz, and strategic product placement transformed an outdated fanny pack into a must-have bag. With celebrities, influencers, and everyday folks alike proudly sporting belt bags, they are now a mainstream fashion staple. The Everywhere Belt Bag’s wild popularity shows no signs of fading anytime soon.