The fashion world is weirdly obsessed with making us uncomfortable, but the resurgence of low rise baggy shorts feels like a collective exhale. Seriously. After years of high-waisted "mom" fits that practically hugged your ribs, we’ve finally pivoted back to something that doesn't require a tactical plan just to sit down for dinner. It’s that slouchy, effortless look that dominated the late 90s and early 2000s, now rebranded for a generation that values comfort over literally everything else.
You’ve probably seen the shift on your feed. It’s not just about nostalgia. It’s a reaction. People are tired of restrictive denim.
The messy history of the drop-waist silhouette
To understand why we’re all suddenly wearing shorts that sit precariously on our hip bones, you have to look at the DNA of the trend. It’s a mix of skate culture, 2000s R&B music videos, and the "McBling" era. Think Aaliyah or Gwen Stefani. They weren't wearing tiny, tight hot pants; they were wearing oversized, low-slung bottoms that looked like they were borrowed from a boyfriend or a thrift store's men's section.
Fashion historians often point to the Alexander McQueen "Bumster" trousers from his 1993 "Nihilism" collection as the spark for the low-rise movement. McQueen wasn't just trying to be provocative. He wanted to elongate the torso. He once told reporters that he found that specific part of the body—the bottom of the spine—the most erotic. While the baggy shorts of today aren't quite that extreme, that philosophy of shifting the proportions of the human body remains the core driver.
It’s about the "V" shape.
When you pair low rise baggy shorts with a cropped top, you’re creating a silhouette that emphasizes the midriff in a way that feels athletic rather than just revealing. It’s a look that feels lived-in. You aren't trying too hard. You just happened to throw these on.
Why high-waisted dominance finally cracked
For a decade, high-rise was king. It was marketed as the "universal" flatterer. But honestly? It can be suffocating. By 2023, search data from platforms like Depop and Pinterest showed a massive spike in "Y2K aesthetics," specifically targeting "baggy fits" and "low-slung waists."
The pendulum always swings.
We spent years cinching our waists as high as possible. Naturally, the only place left to go was down. This isn't just a "Gen Z" thing either, though they certainly spearheaded the TikTok tutorials on how to fold down the waistband of Dickies 874s to achieve that specific look. It's a broader move toward "anti-fit" clothing. We want clothes that move with us, not clothes we have to fight against.
The technicals of the fit
Not all baggy shorts are created equal. If you get the proportions wrong, you just look like you’re wearing a diaper. It’s a harsh truth.
The modern iteration focuses on a few key details:
- The Inseam: We’re seeing a lot of 7-inch to 10-inch inseams. It’s that "jorts" (jean shorts) territory.
- The Rise: Usually sitting 2-3 inches below the belly button.
- Fabric Weight: Heavyweight 14oz denim or thick canvas. This is crucial. If the fabric is too thin, it loses the architectural "baggy" shape and just looks limp.
Brands like Carhartt WIP and Stüssy have leaned heavily into this. Even high-fashion labels like Balenciaga and Diesel have spent the last few seasons sending models down the runway in shorts so wide they could pass for skirts at a distance. It’s a deliberate play on volume.
Celebs and the "off-duty" look
Look at Justin Bieber or Bella Hadid. They are the unofficial patrons of this movement. Hadid, in particular, has been photographed countless times in vintage Adidas or oversized cargo shorts that sit dangerously low. It works because of the contrast. She’ll wear a tiny, fitted baby tee with massive, structured low rise baggy shorts.
It’s balance.
If everything is baggy, you look like a tent. If everything is tight, it’s a different vibe entirely. The low-rise element provides the "skin" break that prevents the outfit from swallowing the wearer whole. It's a calculated messiness.
Addressing the "flattering" myth
We need to talk about the "only skinny people can wear this" myth. It’s pervasive. It’s also wrong. The beauty of low rise baggy shorts is actually in their inclusivity if you know how to style the proportions. For people with shorter torsos, a low rise can actually create the illusion of a longer midsection.
Fashion stylist Allison Bornstein often talks about the "Three Word Method" for finding your style. If your words are "effortless," "oversized," and "cool," these shorts are your holy grail. It’s not about hiding the body; it’s about framing it differently.
There is a certain confidence required to wear a waistband that doesn't hold you in. It’s a rejection of the "shapewear" culture that has dominated the 2010s. It’s saying, "My body is fine exactly where it sits."
How to actually style them without looking like a 2002 skater kid
Unless you want to look like you’re about to drop into a half-pipe, you need to modernize the look.
The Shoe Choice: This is the most important part. Big, chunky loafers or "dad" sneakers (like New Balance 9060s) ground the heavy fabric of the shorts. Avoid flimsy sandals. You need something with visual weight to match the volume of the denim.
The Belt Situation: A belt is almost always necessary, not just for function, but for the aesthetic. A thick leather belt helps define where the "low" starts. It creates a hard line between your torso and the shorts.
Proportion Play: Try a slim-fit ribbed tank top. It’s the classic uniform for a reason. The vertical lines of the ribbing contrast with the horizontal volume of the shorts.
Layering: An unbuttoned oversized dress shirt over a crop top with baggy shorts is the ultimate "I just threw this on" outfit. It adds layers of fabric that move when you walk.
Where to find the best pairs
You don't need to spend $500 on designer denim. In fact, the best low rise baggy shorts are often the ones you find in the men’s section of a thrift store.
Look for old Levi’s 550s or 560s. These were the "comfort fit" or "loose fit" models from the 90s. If you buy them a few sizes too big, they naturally sit lower on the hips. Use a shoelace as a belt for that authentic skater DIY feel.
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If you prefer buying new, brands like Levi's have introduced the "Baggy Dad Short," which specifically mimics this vintage silhouette. Dickies is another staple. Their work shorts are indestructible and have that stiff fabric that holds a "boxy" shape perfectly.
The sustainability angle
The rise of this trend is actually great for the planet. Why? Because baggy clothes have a longer "style life." Tight, trendy clothes are abandoned as soon as your body changes slightly or the specific "micro-trend" dies. Baggy, durable workwear shorts are meant to be beaten up. They look better with holes. They look better faded.
Realistically, a pair of heavy-duty denim shorts will last you a decade. You aren't going to grow out of them in a single season.
Common misconceptions about the low-rise return
People hear "low rise" and they think of the ultra-low "hip-hugger" jeans of the Britney Spears era that were literally four inches deep. That's not what this is.
Today’s low rise baggy shorts are more about a "mid-to-low" placement. They are designed to sit on the iliac crest—the top of the hip bone. It’s a much more wearable version of the trend. It’s less about showing off your pelvic bone and more about letting your waist breathe.
Another misconception: "They make your legs look short."
Maybe. But who cares? The goal of this specific aesthetic isn't "long and lean." The goal is "relaxed and architectural." If you’re worried about leg length, choose a pair that hits slightly above the knee rather than below it.
Actionable steps for your wardrobe
If you're ready to dive in, don't just go out and buy the first pair you see.
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- Check the rise measurement: Look for a rise between 8 and 10 inches if you want that low-slung look without it being "costume-y."
- Size up: If you find a pair you love but they sit at your natural waist, try going up two sizes. Use a belt to cinch the excess fabric. This creates those "paperbag" folds that add to the baggy aesthetic.
- The "Sit Test": Always sit down when trying these on. Since they sit lower, you want to make sure the back doesn't gap too much or feel like it’s sliding off.
- Hemming: Don't be afraid to cut them. If you find the perfect baggy pants at a thrift store, chop them off at the knee. A raw, frayed hem looks better with this style than a perfect factory stitch anyway.
The return of low rise baggy shorts isn't just a fleeting TikTok moment. It’s a shift in how we view the relationship between our bodies and our clothes. We’re moving away from the idea that clothes should "fix" our silhouette and toward the idea that clothes should provide a comfortable, stylish canvas for our lives. Whether you're heading to a festival or just grabbing coffee, there's something undeniably powerful about a pair of shorts that doesn't try to change who you are.
Start by raiding a local vintage shop. Look for the "relaxed" tags. Don't overthink the styling—just put them on, grab a belt, and enjoy the fact that you can finally breathe again.