Skinny vs Baggy: A Jean War

Illustration by Jayda Korn.

The baggier the jean, the better the fit: the motto that has seemed to take over the beginning of this decade. Every generation across the country seems to own a pair of jeans that possess some form of loose fit, and it’s become a cultural phenomenon. To what point, however,  does baggy become the old skinny, and is this for the better or the worse?

Skinny jeans, a word much of Gen Z winces at. They bring back the core memories of Forever 21 heavily distressed jeans being the pinnacle of 2010’s fashion. Having negative connotations of skinny jeans due to the “cringe” of 2016 fashion is understandable, but I am an advocate for the resurgence of this trend.

Baggy jeans have been in existence since the beginning of the 1990s, as youth culture centered around the anti consumerist movement, grunge. In the 2020s, they created another wave, with me having vivid memories doomscrolling on tiktoks noticing this phenomenon evolving. They had been polarizing to their predecessor, which I believe made people gravitate to them. Not only did they provide more comfort, their silhouette altered preexisting fits, giving them a fresh taste. This “freshness” arose from the disruption baggy jeans caused during the clean aesthetics that had dominated the 2010s, such as skinny jeans and more tailored looks. Instead of emphasizing the body, baggy jeans prioritized functionality and ease with a more relaxed look, aligning with the immersion of streetwear. Their silhouette makes outfits feel more effortless, being able to be paired with both tight and loose tops, making it an everyday staple, especially when rushing to class. 

It’s understandable that people became sick of skinny jeans after being possessed by them for a decade, but I believe that they do not deserve the hate they receive. When I shop for jeans, I typically look at current trends as reference for components I want in my jeans. Currently, anything mid to low rise, long enough to bunch around or cover my shoes, and a muted wash, all of which I can find in baggy and skinny jeans.This is what makes the backlash towards skinny jeans feel excessive to me, as they deliver both the functionality baggy jeans does while offering a completely different aesthetic. Both styles come with comfort and versatility, but communicate in different ways. Baggy jeans provide comfort in looseness and nonchalance, creating a relaxed look, while skinny jeans offer a more structured look that requires thoughtful styling. Some say outdated, but I say refreshing when styled deliberately.

I still love a pair of baggy jeans every now and then, they almost guarantee a good outfit, especially in a pinch, but I am in love with my skinny jeans. It is much riskier and harder to plan outfits with, but the challenge and satisfaction I have when they work is unmatched. My word of advice for jean shopping: give skinny jeans just one more chance.