She explained that wearing baggy jeans to bars and clubs serves as a subtle rebellion against societal expectations of “dressing up” in the same way previous generations did, such as the millennial trend of opting for business casual for nights out.
Because fashion has gotten tighter and smaller and more revealing and the younger generation rejects it. Baggy pants are anti male gaze AND way more comfortable than most skinny jeans.
Indeed, baggy jeans are far easier and more comfortable to wear. With more breathable space, and its casual yet chic look, many people have switched to baggy jeans, embracing a unique, yet comfortable style. A generational divide may also have played a part in the comeback of this new trend.
Moreover, baggy jeans have evolved from being a simple fashion statement to symbolizing freedom and self-expression. In an era where individuality is celebrated, these jeans give wearers the ability to showcase their unique style without the pressures of adhering to societal norms or beauty standards.
Straight, but not skinny jeans: Madewell The 1991 Straight-leg Jeans. Make room for Madewell in your closet. These 100% cotton, extra-slouchy jeans are a favorite among Gen Z men. They have just enough room in the hips and legs for maximum comfort all day long, and they're not dipping on style points either.
Four of Gen Z's top five reasons to exercise are linked to health and happiness, with this demographic demonstrating a strong appreciation for the holistic benefits of activity. That said, they still want to look good, with 47 per cent listing 'improving their appearance' as a key reason to work out.
They were largely an underground trend in the early 1990s, but took off in popularity in the mid-1990s. The baggy jeans were very popular along with baggy bondage pants during the nu metal era which lasted from the late 90s to the early-to-mid 2000s along with pop punk during the same time.
Origin. The style was popularized by hip-hop musicians in the 1990s. It is often claimed the style originated from the United States prison system where belts are sometimes prohibited due to fear that they could be used as a makeshift weapon, and there can be a lack of appropriately sized clothing.
Skinny jeans are cropping up on runways and Google search trends, and analysts expect they could be back at mass retailers by the end of the year. One of the most divisive garments in fashion is expected to look a bit different this time around, and will be more tailored than its skintight predecessor.
With models like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid to actresses like Laura Harrier, Dakota Johnson and Katie Holmes wearing the roomier denim trend, the style notes are endless. For example, one popular piece I spotted them pairing with baggy jeans is a black leather jacket.
It's all about wearing what you want, mixing styles, and representing inclusivity, diversity, and equity in fashion. A typical Gen Z streetwear outfit consists of oversized clothing, such as custom t-shirts, baggy pants, custom hoodies, and chunky sneakers.
Self-Expression: Oversized fashion is a way to break free from traditional, form-fitting styles and express your individuality, making it feel unique and personal for some. Body Positivity: The trend embraces a wider range of body shapes and sizes, arguably promoting a more all-inclusive approach to fashion.
Yet, there are others who remain steadfast in their love for the 2010s skinny jean trend, asserting it came to an undeserved demise at the hands of the younger generation during the start of the 2020s. Then, skinny jeans were dubbed, at best, out of style.
“Emotionally and psychologically, not wearing a bra can be a statement about how you want to present yourself to the world, and also how you want to cover up very normal body parts,” she said. Dober said many women feel “liberated” by not wearing a bra, which is a sign of young women wanting to reclaim their “agency.”
Gen Z are occasional make-up wearers
While a majority of Gen Z isn't wearing make-up daily, 22% say they wear it occasionally – higher than any other generation. This suggests that Gen Z treats make-up more as an option for special moments rather than an everyday necessity.
So where does that leave skinny jeans? Are they still in style? Fortunately for millennials, the answer is yes—even if TikTok tells you otherwise.
Ripped jeans have been with us for many decades in a variety of iterations; they don't look to be going anywhere anytime soon. "Distressed jeans could be making a comeback in 2025 as we saw on the spring/summer runways, including Ralph Lauren," says fashion expert and stylist Naina Singla.
Most sources report that sagging pants began in the prison system. Belts are not allowed to be worn, due to the fact that they can be used as weapons or as a means to suicide. This resulted in the ill-fitting generic pants, too large to stay up on their own, to ride low on prisoner's hips.
It was later declared a symbol of freedom and being aware of fashion culture with many teenagers and young adults. It was also the symbol for rejection of the values in the mainstream society. It is often said the style got started with the United States' prison system. In that system, belts are sometimes not allowed.
The problem with baggy clothing lies in its lack of structure and definition. Loose-fitting garments tend to have excess fabric that hangs away from your body, obscuring your natural shape and proportions. This excess material can overwhelm a smaller frame, making you appear broader and consequently shorter.
JNCO-style jeans. For those unaware, JNCOs are super-shapeless, super-wide-legged jeans favored two decades ago. They were seen on teens in iconic '90s films like Clueless and Can't Hardly Wait.
Harem Pants
The loose, baggy fit and gathers at the waist and ankles are what define these pants. For a loose, flexible fit, drawstrings or elastic waistbands are sometimes used on harem trousers to keep the gathers in place.
Some people argue that wearing oversized clothing is a way to hide your insecurities while others consider the oversized trend liberating as the loosely fitting clothing practically works as an armor against body objectification.