BAGGY JEANS ARE BACK

Where did baggy pants and jeans come from?

Throughout the decades, pants were getting looser and wider in underground scenes. Baggy pants played an integral part in zoot suits, a symbol of cultural identity and resistance in the 1920s. For hippies in the ‘60s, loose bottoms were a symbol of freedom.

Then came the ‘90s. A staple of hip hop fashion at the time, baggy pants were popularized by MC Hammer and his 'hammer pants,' a loud billowy piece which tapered in at the ankle, modeled after 'harem pants' from the Middle East or the Turkish şalvar.

The loose fit eventually reached denim, with baggy jeans being a regular for artists like Tupac and Aaliyah. Often paired with a loose T-shirt, this unconventional fit rejected the expectation to squeeze into a tailored mold, both in fashion and in identity. Simply, it symbolized being able to do (or wear) whatever you want.

Meanwhile, for skateboarders and dancers, baggy jeans enabled movement and visual fluidity, gaining traction as a functional piece for sport. In the UK, loose jeans gained popularity in the rave scene for comfort while dancing. The use of baggy denim pays homage to the communities’ urban homes, where streetwear is a crucial influence.

Whether a form of self-expression or a practical piece, baggy jeans proliferated in many communities. Until the skinny jeans arrived and firmly took the spotlight in the late ’00s.

So, when did baggy jeans become popular again?

The comeback of baggy jeans started in the late 2010s, though it increased during the early 2020s pandemic. With the internet being our only link to the world, a Y2K resurgence across social media was a wide-reaching catalyst for the style's popularity. During lockdown, comfort also became non-negotiable. Coupled with a post-pandemic need for authenticity, the path was paved for effortless loose jeans to thrive.

Today, it's hard to ignore the resurgence of looser-fitting jeans that were so popular in the 90's and ‘00s. Whether it’s the front row, the high street, or your parents’ closet. And, this season, they're bigger than ever. Explore our new collection of loose denim styles. Made for all.