Baggy jeans keep going in and out of fashion. And just when we thought that they were long gone, they are here again.
Their comeback brings the perk for men to broaden their style horizons. You might find it hard to style your wide-leg jeans, and that’s normal.
The thing is that, unlike other fits, wearing loose-fitting jeans tends to require a bit more strategy.
The return of these jeans doesn’t mean you have to change your personal style. That’s gonna be a problem, especially if you’re used to wearing regular fits.
But consider this a chance to try something out of the ordinary. After all, not everyone can pull off boxy fits stylishly — be one of the few. Here’s everything we’ll cover today:
What are baggy jeans?
The thing about jeans is that they come in different shades and fit (as discussed in our post on different types of jeans for men).
Baggy jeans, in particular, are not that common among menswear these days. Why is that? For one, the loose fit is kind of outdated as it was only a thing in the 80s and 90s. But what can I say? Old trends are coming into the spotlight again.
What’s so special about these jeans?
They give our legs the allowance to breathe more. And some of us find it inconvenient and uncomfortable to wear slimmer fits because they’re too tight.
It has something to do with the “drape.” By definition, it is how the fabric falls, hangs from and contours to your body.
The famous Levi’s 501, for instance, isn’t for all body types. It’s also not that easy to find the “just the right” size for you, especially when buying off the internet.
Fit is a general style rule suggesting that an outfit must be well-fitting. It happens that baggy denim pants are not. So what can we do about it?
Well, rules aren’t set in stone. Besides, it won’t hurt you to explore and defy the norm once in a while. Also, loose fits are kind of a trend these days, so don’t break a sweat!
But what do you wear with baggy jeans? With a lot of possible dressing combos you could imagine, it’s kind of hard to decide.
Luckily, you can narrow down your options with factors like weather, occasion, and mood (yes – you read it right).
Here are some additional pointers:
Tips On How to Wear Baggy Jeans
- Know Your Shade. Jeans come in various colors – black, grey, and blue. The last one comes in different shades – dark-washed and light blue (also known as faded).
- How Baggy Is Baggy. Baggy jeans give you the leeway to opt for an unusual fit. These days, most men tend to wear regular jeans, including slim and regular fits. If you want to give baggy jeans a shot, make sure they’re not that baggy to the point that it keeps you from walking properly. And you will feel it yourself once you try them on in front of a mirror. It’d also help to walk around and stretch a bit.
- Make Smart Choices When Buying Online. Imagine wearing very tight jeans, and you can’t move anymore. That’s awkward, right? And not to mention problematic. The same goes for baggy jeans. Make sure you get the right measurements when buying baggy jeans online.
- Choose Your Denim. The weather shall be your basis as to which denim type to pick. This fabric is known for its “warming capabilities,” so don’t say I didn’t warn you. In summer and spring, have the pants made of lighter denim materials. And of course, in winter and autumn, thicker denim suits best.
- Oversized Tops. You need to balance to get along with how the jeans fit you. So it’s a great idea to wear slightly bigger tops with your baggy trousers. Steer clear of small and tight tops as they’d ruin the silhouette.
- Footwear. As your shoes play a significant role in your style, don’t let the baggy jeans drown them. Opt for chunky designs like boots, sneakers, and skate shoes. Ditch the Oxfords and brogues for now.
- Accessories. Stand out to accessorize. Borrow some pieces from the same era where baggy jeans came from. Think of pocket chains, for example. They have a certain appeal that makes your dress aesthetic. But don’t go overboard. I personally find that crossbody bags for men look great with these jeans, especially when traveling.
- Show some ankles. Simple style hacks like cuffing the hem would make a big impact. The dilemma of the hem sitting loose on your shoes is common among baggy trousers. You can get more ideas on this from our sockless guide for men.
What To Avoid
- For Skinny Guys, I would advise scrawny men against wearing excessively baggy jeans. The sole reason is that loose pants tend to make them appear thinner and smaller. Our legs play a big part in creating a good silhouette, and disproportion can get in the way of that. Short guys should steer clear of these trousers as well. Opt for slim, relaxed, and regular fits instead.
- For Plus-Size Men. The same goes for men with a large build. Excessively baggy jeans will make you bigger, and you don’t want that. Not that it’s wrong to be big, but fashion-wise, men (and women) prefer to look less bigger. So instead, opt for regular fits and stretchable jeans, like the Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit 5-Pocket Jean that has the most amazing reviews. If you really want to go for a baggy fit, look for ones that are baggy on the thigh part but narrower around the lower part of your legs.
- In The Office. Jeans aren’t usually a part of the workwear, let alone the baggy fit. But if the company states otherwise, stick to relaxed, regular and slim fits. The same rule applies when attending weddings requiring casual dress code for guests. Save the loose fit for casual wear.
- Formal Affairs. Jeans don’t belong in the formal setting, let alone baggy fit. Don’t let them see you wearing your wide-leg jeans in black-tie, weddings, and galas.
- Heavy Fabric. Baggy jeans tend to be bulky because of the extra fabric. But you can still look for slightly lighter types because it’s inconvenient to walk while wearing heavy trousers.
What to Wear With Baggy Jeans?
Since this is a tricky style to pull off, the chances are you’ll be searching for inspiration online – that’s great! See what your favorite models and celebrities are up to. Speaking of which, you might wanna take a look at these dressing ideas on how to wear loose jeans.
Summer Style Inspo
25 – With Your Favourite Tees
24 – Wear Vintage Baggy Jeans with a Black Tee and White Jacket
Baggy jeans are a thing of the past. They have a certain aesthetic, suitable to create stylish combos. While looking back is not okay, I think we can spare ourselves from the rule for now. Fashion has the magic of making the old trends stylish by adding a new touch. Look for a faded wash.
23 – Try Wide-Leg Jeans with Button Down Shirts
These jeans are perfect for men with wide hips and long legs. Seize the chance to sport wide-leg jeans if you have these qualities.
22 – Best Shoes To Wear With Baggy Jeans
Look for shoes with bulky designs, as they are the best pairs for baggy jeans. Choose from hiking boots, Timberlands, and chunky sneakers.
21 – With Oversized Basic Tee
Choose jeans with a cropped hem so there’s a sharpness that comes with a streamlined look. Thrift stores have a lot of good vintage and graphic tees. Another option: get designs of your choice from the internet and get them customized in printing stores.
20 – With an Open Button Down
They made their way from runway to retail, making them more accessible for fashion lovers like us. Consider cuffing them so you can walk with more comfort.
19 – With A Polo Shirt
Look for jeans with a cropped hem. Team them up with a long-sleeved polo shirt, probably one with stripes. This could be your school wear. Here are some more ideas on how to wear your polo shirts this year.
Winter and Fall Style Inspo
18 – With Checkerboard Top
Baggy jeans are a fashion trend in 2022. I think it’s only fitting to pair them with another trend – a checkerboard-printed top. This sweater shields you from undesirable weather elements like cold and rain. Unlike puffer coats and heavy overcoats, a pullover is lightweight, so need to worry about it being uncomfortable.
17 – With a Printed Top
Sport your favorite prints and patterns through your tops. Use your outfit to channel and radiate positivity. For instance, florals signify freshness and growth. This is also an opportunity to try new styles, including those your favorite designers make. Daniel Fletcher is one of my favorites. Go check out his craft to see some inspo.
16 – Try Ripped Baggy Jeans with Cardigans in the Fall
Ripped baggy jeans are the most casual pants I could ever think of. Pairing them with casual tops is a no-brainer to balance the overall look. These are ripped trousers but don’t get carried away. Others have large holes, and I hate them. To keep a bit of decency, opt for a subtle variant like this one:
15 – Try The 90s Style
These pants are naturally shapeless, so crop the legs at the ankle. Your dress should also balance the boxy fit, so opt for bigger hoodies or pullovers. Consider matching your top to your shoes.
14 – With a Striped Shirt & Denim Jacket
Aesthetic wear involves elements like stripes, boxy silhouettes, and pastels. Combine them in a single ensemble, and you are in for an edgy and avant-garde look! It comes down to your choice of clothing and how you pair them, so you have to be careful. Clashing is a big no-no! Here are some of My Favorite Striped Shirt Styles.
13 – Go Weekend Casual with Bright Tops
The rule of thumb with jeans is that the lighter the shade, the more casual they’d look. No need to worry about this, as baggy jeans are casual as they are. Try this style on your next weekend gig. Get a bright-colored top like this gold jacket.
12 – With a Trench Coat
During the colder months, team up the jeans with overcoats without a second thought. Make sure the trench coat is well-fitting despite the natural length. Failing to do so might result in the outfit drowning you; no one wants that conundrum.
11- With Your College Sweatshirts
What better way to rock your jeans at school? Pair them with a school sweatshirt like this one. And I’m admiring how white makes the trousers pop.
10 – With a Baggy Hoodie
Nothing screams streetwear like a nice graffiti print. To fully embrace the trend, get the fanciest hoodie you can find. But if you’re not game for it, stick to plain designs.
9 – Layer With Your Favorite Suede Jacket
It would be great to pair your baggy jeans with suede and bomber jackets. Opt for brown, tan, and black for best results. Here’s my latest post on styling a suede jacket.
8 – With a Varsity Jacket & Graphic Tee
Varsity jackets have a natural broad fit, making them suitable to pair with baggy jeans. Here are some more ways to wear your varsity jacket.
7 – With Knitwear
A cozy, knitted sweater could be a good substitute for your hoodies and jackets. Knitwear tends to be lightweight despite having the power to protect you from cold. Wear this at home or when going out for casual errands.
6 – With Flannel Shirts
Sport a lumberjack look with the flannel-and-jeans combo. Look for subtle flannel designs like checks in primary colors so you can also pair them with other pants.
5 – Try a Camping Outfit with a Puffer Jacket
Camping entails the challenges brought by terrain and woods. Opt for functional clothes like a fleece hoodie, and then wear a gilet over it. Boots are essential especially if you are hiking.
How Celebrities Have Been Styling Them
4 – Tom Holland
3 – Andrew Garfield
2 – Kanye West
Baggy cargo jeans are definitely something that only Kanye could bring back!
1 – Justin Beiber
This guy really decided to test the baggy limits. The look is definitely OTT and not something I would recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is denim-on-denim in style?
No. This is also known as the Canadian tuxedo, and it’s a faux pas. You might see some fashionistas wearing this, and don’t mind them. You can try the outfit if it looks good on you. But personally, I think denim tops shouldn’t go with denim trousers. Something’s really off with the outfit, even if you combine two different shades.
Q. What should I wear with baggy jeans?
Wear them with casual and streetwear clothes. Don’t team up your jeans with a formal piece like a tux. An unstructured coat is fine, however. We’ve shared lots of looks above for your inspiration but if you’re looking for something different, let us know in the comments.
Q. What looks best with baggy jeans?
Check your closet and look for wardrobe staples. Basically, anything can go with baggy – from basic tees to sweaters. I suggest you wear your baggy in winter so you can pair them with outerwear like trench coats, for example. Loose-fit jeans look better with big and slightly oversized tops.
Q. What's the best type of denim?
Selvage (also selvedge) denim is your first option. But this denim variant is more expensive. And if you can’t find any, look for cotton.
Q. Can I wear baggy jeans with blazers?
Yes. A blazer doesn’t look so good with skinny jeans. It doesn’t work with the too-baggy fit, either. So look for slightly loose jeans, and this can be your smart casual attire. This outfit is suitable for a corporate setting that allows jeans for a dress code. Make sure to wear dress shoes and not sneakers or anything casual.
Q. Where To Buy Baggy Jeans
Jeans have long been a wardrobe staple for both men and women. They are versatile enough to pair any dress you already have. That makes them worth investing in. Unfortunately, getting a pair of jeans doesn’t come in handy. There are a few things you have to consider, including the fit, the shade, the fabric and the brand. Though the last one’s a joke.
If you have a favorite clothing brand, stick to it. I believe it didn’t become your favorite for anything. But first things first, make sure the products are of good quality otherwise don’t buy them. Next, get the perfect baggy jeans for your body type and style preference. Check Nordstrom and Amazon if you’re buying online. Here are my personal picks:
- Most Affordable – Signature By Levi’s & Co. Carpenter Jeans ($24.65)
- For All Seasons – H&M Relaxed Pull-On Jeans ($19.99)
- Best Washed Black – Southpole Relaxed-Fit Core Jeans (starts at $27.88)
this jeans not baggy jeans
There are many types of baggy jeans. From moderately baggy to extremely baggy ones and we tried covering them all in this post.
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Best Regards,
Olivia,
Content Manager at Outfit Trends.