The reign of leggings may be coming to an end, at least according to the arbiters of cool: Gen Z. What was once considered a staple of youthful athleticism and effortless style is now, according to the younger generation, a hallmark of aging. The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted this sartorial shift, much to the chagrin of millennials who embraced leggings as a go-to wardrobe choice.
The Rise and Fall of Formfitting Fashion
For years, leggings and other tight-fitting athletic wear were seen as symbols of affluence, fitness, and a certain
je ne sais quoi.
Brands like Lululemon popularized the trend, marketing leggings as the perfect blend of comfort and style. Celebrities and influencers alike were frequently photographed sporting the look, further cementing its place in mainstream fashion. However, as with all trends, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction.
Oversized is the New Black
Gen Z, known for their embrace of individuality and rejection of established norms, is championing a new aesthetic: oversized and comfortable. Baggy sweatpants, loose-fitting t-shirts, and wide-leg pants are now the preferred attire for those seeking to stay ahead of the fashion curve. Lululemon, ever adaptable, is already responding to this shift with its “big cozy ultra-oversized wide-leg pant.” Similarly, Vuori offers a “generous” Seaside Sweat, signaling a broader industry move towards looser silhouettes.
What This Means for the Future of Fashion
This generational clash over leggings highlights the cyclical nature of fashion and the ever-evolving definition of what is considered “cool.” While millennials may continue to find comfort and style in their favorite pair of leggings, Gen Z’s rejection of the trend suggests a broader shift towards prioritizing comfort and individuality over form-fitting perfection. Whether this is a temporary fad or a more permanent change in fashion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Gen Z is rewriting the rules of style.
SOURCE: Vox
Based on materials: Vox
