The New Shape of Style
Comfort is now currency. For Gen Z, baggy clothing isn’t just a style statement—it’s a lifestyle shift. Brands who adapt quickly can tap into this growing appetite for relaxed, expressive, and breathable fashion. The data confirms that oversized fits are more than a passing trend—they’re a cultural code for individuality and ease.
What the Data Says
- 29% of 18–29-year-olds prefer oversized clothing, including baggy jeans. Accio
- 68% of Gen Z adults follow fashion trends—more than double the percentage of adults aged 35+. CivicScience
- Baggy jeans and oversized sweatshirts are surging in popularity due to comfort and cultural influence. Woof Magazine
What Shoppers Told Us
“I've adopted the baggy clothes thing, the new Gen Z trend of baggy clothes. I like everything baggy now. All my shirts are baggy, cardigans are baggy, my blazers are baggy. I don’t even wear stuff that’s snug on me anymore. If I wear a medium, I’ll step it up to a large so it’s looser. It’s very comfortable. I don’t know what was going on back in the day when everything was skin tight and you couldn’t breathe.”
Why this quote matters: Sheila reflects a major Gen Z fashion ethos—prioritizing comfort and rejecting outdated standards of restrictive clothing.
Recommendations for Brands
- Redesign classic pieces in looser silhouettes and promote fit guides that encourage upsizing.
- Leverage social proof by showcasing everyday consumers confidently styling oversized looks.
- Align marketing with self-expression, body inclusivity, and streetwear aesthetics to meet Gen Z’s comfort-first mindset.