The era of super-tight skinny jeans is over. But even though you can still wear them, there’s something more on-trend—baggy pants.
Baggy pants are everywhere. They come in different textures and fabrics, including denim, crepe, tweed, velvet, satin, khaki, and cotton. This fashion staple is a massive comeback from the 90s when loose silhouettes reigned supreme. More than two decades later, it’s still relevant, thanks to Gen Zs and style icons reinforcing its significance on the runway, streets, and social media.
In this guide, we explore why these nostalgic pants have made a resurgence and how to style them like you’ve time-traveled to the 90s.
Why Baggy Pants are Back
Baggy pants were popular in the ’80s and ’90s. However, their popularity declined in the 2000s with skinny, low-rise jeans becoming the people’s favorite. All of a sudden, we’re experiencing a loose-fitting pants revival, lending credence to the notion that fashion trends are cyclical.
The first purported reason for the baggy comeback is COVID-19. Ever since the pandemic, laid-back fashion has been on the rise. And that’s not surprising since the world spent almost a year at home in loungewear only to return to work and see it seep into mainstream fashion. Perhaps, the laid-back routine lockdown instilled into us began to reflect in our fashion sense, making comfort a non-negotiable aspect of dressing up. As a result, clothes like baggy pants have become a top choice for those seeking an airy fit that form-fitting clothes lack.
Furthermore, the generational divide between Gen Zs and millennials has also played a part in the resurgence of this trend. Typically, fashion has always been an excellent way to tell between age groups. With Gen Z embracing loose-fitting, casual, and urban aesthetics more, it’s safe to conclude they’ve contributed immensely to its popularity.
Finally, nostalgia possibly has a hand in this revival. We’ve seen many social media trends inspired by 90s and Y2K subcultures. As more celebrities, style influencers, and fashion enthusiasts embrace trends from decades ago, they strengthen their popularity, making these pieces a staple in contemporary fashion.
Why You Should Invest in Baggy Pants
Here are more reasons to reinforce your baggy obsession:
Baggy Pants are Versatile
Loose-fitting pants come in many variations, cuts, washes, and finishes, allowing you to lean into their relaxed nature and find your own fit. Popular choices include cargo pants, sweat pants, harem pants, wide-leg pants, asooke pants, or baggy jeans. Depending on how you style them, these pants are versatile bottoms that can take you from lounging at home to errands and even business outings.
Speaking of styling them, it works in several ways, like wearing a crop top or even a baggy sweatshirt, as you’ll soon see if you keep reading.
They’re Comfy
Loose pants are cozy, laidback, and relaxed. They’re easier to wear and move around in, offering a blend of comfort and style that exudes elegance, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re going on a long trip, luncheon, or a special outing, baggy pants give you a casual chic look that effortlessly takes you from day to night. The breathable space they bring makes them the go-to companion for looking sophisticated and comfortable.
They Complement any Body Type
Baggy jeans also complement several body types. Since they don’t hug your body and emphasize your shape, they’re perfect for giving an illusion of a fuller lower body. So, whether you’re curvy or not, wear these pants and experience bliss.
How to Style Baggy Pants
Do you have a new pair of baggy pants you’d love to create a style statement with? Here’s how to transform this clothing into a showstopper:
Balance Your Proportions
Volume is the trickiest part of styling baggy jeans. Since they’re wide, you may be wondering, “Do I go baggy on baggy or tight-fitting on baggy?” The answer to that question is, it all depends on you. None of them is wrong, so if you want to go baggy all over like Billie Eilish, opt for oversized tops, such as large T-shirts (whether solid-colored or graphic tees), oversized sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, or extra-large coats and jackets.
On the other hand, if you’d rather balance things out, wear a fitted tee, crop top, tank top, turtleneck, or any tight-fitting top that allows the loose-fitting silhouette of your pants shine.
Whatever fit you choose, feel free to tuck in your top or keep it cropped to balance proportions and add a sleek contrast to your look.
Coordinate Your Baggy Pants
When confused, rock your pants with a matching top for a uniform aesthetic. It can be solid colors for a monochromatic, sleek look or matching prints for a thoughtful burst of colors.
Wear a Canadian Tuxedo
Still coordinating your baggy look, the denim-on-denim trend from the 90s is a great way to pull off loose pants. Simply pair your baggy jeans with a denim jacket, and you have an award-winning Canadian tux look.
Make it Ultra-Chic
Need something tres chic and statement-worthy for formal events? Pair your loose pants with a button-up or flannel shirt. Add a structured blazer and a cute pair of pumps, and go steal the show.
Layer Your Baggy Pants for an Avant-garde Look
Layering adds more textures, structure, and a polished fit to your outfit. So, when next you want to wear loose-fitting pants, throw on a blazer, puffer jacket, or long coat atop your shirt, tank, tee, or crop top.
For an edgier aesthetic, layer the pants with a mini flared skirt, transforming it into peplum pants. This Ria Kosher three-piece above is a classic example. It comprises baggy pants, a halterneck top, and an asymmetrical pleated skirt that gives the pants a peplum effect.
Keep it Neutral
For a clean, modern look that exudes understated elegance, wear wide-leg pants in neutral tones or muted shades like white, beige, gray, brown, or black. Then, pair it with a top in muted hues for a sleek combination.
Embrace a Sporty Look
For athletic appeal, wear sweatpants or tracksuits with tees or a matching oversized jacket or sweater. Elevate it further by adding a touch of prep style: wear a collared shirt and pop the collar out from underneath an oversized sweater, knot a tie around your neck, layer with a puffer, and then wear sneakers and a beanie to complete the look.
Define Your Waist
Cinch your waist with a minimalist or chunky belt, especially when wearing high-rise baggy pants. It’ll give you a more structured look that helps your pants stay put.
Experiment with Textures
To enjoy the beauty of baggy pants, embrace different fabrics like cotton, denim, velvet, cargo, leather, or linen. Each material brings a unique vibe, ramping up the artsy nature of these pants.
Play with Colors
If you’d like to escape the subtlety of neutral tones, wear bold hues or prints to infuse personality and flair into your ensemble. Think baggy pants in yellow, pink, red, green, jewel tones, bright-colored stripes, or floral prints that announce your presence without trying.
Explore Baggy Pants with Cut-outs
For an edgier take on roomy bottoms, don wide-leg pants with unexpected cut-outs just to a little skin. Pair them with heels or chunky sneakers, and you have a look for days.
Accessorize Like Never Before
For finishing touches, wear a gold or silver necklace and some chunky bracelets. Add some extra oomph with your sunglasses and carry a cute handbag that elevates your look. Accessorizing transforms your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. So, never fail to complete your look with punchy accessories.
Pick the Right Shoes
A variety of footwear options pair great with roomy bottoms. It all depends on the vibe you want to exude. For instance, pumps and open-toed heels give a polished appeal, sneakers and boots are perfect for that sporty vibe, and Mary Jane flats and comfy slides give you a sleek, put-together look. Just pick the shoes you’re comfortable wearing and ensure they match the aesthetics you envisage pulling off.
Baggy Pants Remain Our Newest Obsession
Roomy pants are a nostalgic take on looser silhouettes, delivering comfort and effortless style without requiring too much from you. With top celebrities frequently spotted in these fits, it’s difficult to ignore them; otherwise, you risk being left behind on the style train.
As nostalgic fashion continues to saunter into contemporary wardrobes, baggy pants remain a top obsession. Whether this revival is driven by Gen Z’s notable style or the pandemic remains unclear. However, one thing is sure—the trendy loose fits from the ‘90s is here to stay.
