Browsing today’s online clothing stores, there’s no doubt about the general weariness of clothes that are too slim, too fitted, too short… The trend these days is oversized, in other words, very loose, comfortable, and breathable—much to the delight of those who love to lounge around! Let’s take a look at this global trend:
A trend with very deep roots
The oversized movement seems to be reviving the dress codes of the 1980s and 1990s, updating them for today’s tastes. The trend is indeed a nod to the American college attire of our older siblings’ era. Like the look of the iconic characters from the TV series Friends (Rachel Green in particular), the world is embracing ultra-large sweatshirts with vintage logos, high-waisted or carrot-cut jeans, and oversized coats. Oversized clothing can be found in just about everything wearable – sweatshirts, sweaters, T-shirts, shirts, pants, dresses, coats, etc. – and seems to be accompanying the movement everyone is hooked on: normcore, which could be translated as studied non-style. In any case, both trends share the same quest for coziness and comfort, especially with winter just around the corner. The coat, for example, has become a key item in the oversized style and is available in all colors, materials, and styles, but always in the same size: triple XL. And the trend seems to be catching on with ordinary young people around the world as well as major ready-to-wear brands.
Fashion is fine, but comfort comes first!
The trend towards oversized clothing primarily offers its followers the pleasure of feeling good in what they wear. No more feeling constricted, no more overly styled looks: today, we move freely and breathe! Those who favor a less oversized style will opt for a large hoodie, preferably white, topped with a puffer coat and paired with wide-leg light denim jeans. But those who are more cautious will choose to wear just one oversized piece within a more fitted outfit to create a sense of balance. The XL coat, once again, becomes the centerpiece of a classic look, such as slim-fit trousers and a tailored top. Accessories, too, will add a touch of volume to an otherwise understated outfit. We’re thinking, for example, of the trend for very large, flowing scarves, capes, and ponchos, which Peter Hahn’s style guides feature in an article.
Wearing oversized clothes is a real challenge!
The art of wearing oversized clothing properly comes with a few rules. And the first rule is this: to avoid looking ridiculous, steer clear of the head-to-toe oversized look! Instead, opt for a single XL item paired with a more classic, fitted outfit. A baggy sweatshirt over slim jeans, baggy pants under a tight blouse, or a chunky bomber jacket over leggings—the combinations are endless. Since an oversized piece is extravagant enough, we’ll skip too many details or garish colors: this trend aligns with the normcore movement, which favors simple denim and jersey fabrics. The American fashion house “69” offers a beautiful example of this in the designs they created for Mas Ysa’s “Margarita” music video.
