I work part-time as a reference librarian at a public library. As most of you know, the reference desk of the public library is, well, a very public place. Because I am a substitute, I don’t have a desk in the restricted area of the library plus I like to keep my phone with me. I’m not allowed to use it when I’m working, but I’m the primary contact for my children and Beer Geek is often unreachable, so I need to be able to hear my phone if there is an emergency. I found this really limited my outfits for work because I had to have pockets.
Enter HipS-Sister!
HipS-Sister is a band you wear around your hips that has pockets for your cell phone, keys, and credit cards. It’s incredibly stretchy and comes in two widths – 5″ or 7″. The larger sizes can hold your passport in the front pocket! The smaller size comes in a ton of different patterns and colors.
Being the boring librarian that I am (not, well, except at work), I chose the black Left Coast Sister. This design comes with a front zippered pocket, a back zippered pocket, and a small hidden opening in the front to tuck your key or your phone. I wore it to work last week and I was able to comfortably carry my phone in the back pocket and my car key in the hidden opening. Although the website shows it as an outer layer and a fashion statement, I chose to wear it under a loose fitting top. It was super comfortable and did exactly what I needed, so it will be a major part of my work wardrobe from now on, allowing me to wear skirts that I normally couldn’t wear because they don’t have pockets.
HipS-Sister also says that it works on runs, so I wore it one morning when I was wearing a pair of shorts with no pockets. The weather that morning was pretty hot and super humid, so I wasn’t totally enamored of having extra material around my waist. However, it was super soft and comfy and did not move at all. I think once I get used to it, I will not notice the extra warmth and it will certainly be nice as fall approaches since many of my capris have no pockets. The one minor issue I have with it when running is that it settles at my waist instead of sitting on my hips. It’s so comfortable that it’s not a big deal and it’s a problem I have with anything that is supposed to be worn on the hips, but I was hoping it would stay on my hips. Perhaps if I’d gotten the Large instead of the small/medium, that would solve the problem. (And I am actually considering buying a bigger one to have for running…)
I’m really looking forward to using this more as it gets cooler out. I love having someplace to stick things as I hate carrying a purse and I’m awful about setting my phone down in random places.
Anyone else have these issues???
Disclaimer: I received this item free from HipS-Sister. All opinions are my own.
In that stock photo… the blue and the pink ones where they’re using them to carry cell phones… is that the pockets, or is it just being held in place by the stretchiness?
Pam recently posted…Mormons are Awesome
It’s a pocket, but it’s not deep enough for your smartphone to fit all the way in. I can’t imagine wearing the phone there, but maybe if you need it super accessible…
Oh this looks great. I love how you can’t even tell in the work photos that you’re really wearing it. I hate that so many women’s clothes (even pants) don’t have functional pockets.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly Review
I’m pretty sure my coworkers didn’t even notice it and it was super comfy.
We just moved to DC and this would be awesome for riding the metro! I’ve been looking for an alternate way to carry my phone sans purse!
Yep, it would totally work for that.
I also do not carry a purse often and wear pocket-less skirts a lot in the summer, so this might be a great product for me. Thanks for the review!
jan recently posted…Hydration and Nutrition on the Run?
It was perfect for that. I pretty much forgot I had it on…
What a great idea! I’ve seen one specifically for running but I had never even thought to use it for everyday use.
I like this one because the pockets actually have zippers. Less chance of losing something.
I don’t think getting a large would of made a difference. I have the Flipbelt same concept and I got a large and it still rides up on my waist. I so was hoping it would stay on my hips too, other than that I do love the belt.
Hmm, good to know.
I’ve seen these a few times but not tried them. I also like things on my hips instead of my waist
Deborah@ Confessions of A Mother Runner recently posted…Tempeh Edamame Rice Noodle salad & June Foodie Pen Pals
It stays on my hips when I’m not running, so it’s comfortable for that kind of wear.
Looks like a good solution!
Cool that you’re a reference librarian in a public library. My daughter is also! (in your home state. went to UMich for masters; moved to WI after graduation) She was working full time until the day her second baby was born last year. Went to part time after maternity leave. Sorry for rambling off topic. 🙂
Thank you for sharing the review!
That’s the beauty of being a librarian – you can often find a flexible schedule. I’ve done a ton of different things as a librarian as well. I love the variety!
That’s a really great idea. A little like a Spibelt but much more fashionable.
Char recently posted…Things Happen In Threes
I find that it’s more comfortable too, but I’m not sure I could carry quite as much stuff as in the spibelt LOL
Hmm would be a good travel belt!
Jennifer recently posted…NYC Marathon Training 6/23-6/29 – Week 2
Absolutely!
This really looks neat and would be great when I take the little one to the park. No need to lug along the diaper bag for a few minutes on the swings.
I know! I wish it had been around when my kids were little – at least to keep my phone and keys in!