Bingkai Karya – In recent years, the fashion landscape has undergone a transformative shift, with designers and individuals alike embracing intentionally oversized clothing. This departure from traditional sizing norms reflects not just a change in style but also a profound shift in attitudes towards self-expression, body image, and comfort.
The roots of the intentionally oversized trend can be traced back to designers like Demna, who introduced voluminous silhouettes for Vetements and Balenciaga, and Molly Goddard and Marc Jacobs, who championed roomy proportions even before the 2020 pandemic. However, the global shift towards a lifestyle spent mostly at home in loose, comfortable clothes catapulted the oversized movement into mainstream consciousness.
Emma McClendon, assistant professor of fashion studies at St. John’s University, suggests that cultural, social, and political ruptures, such as the pandemic, often lead to profound shifts in fashion silhouette. The widespread adoption of oversized styles and fits can be attributed to the newfound appreciation for comfort cultivated during lockdowns and work-from-home experiences. McClendon notes that such shifts in fashion aren’t unprecedented, citing the rejection of corseted, multi-layered dressing post-World War I in favor of the loose, drop-waist silhouette of the 1920s.
For many individuals, including those who have struggled with body image issues and eating disorders, intentionally oversized clothing represents more than just a passing trend. It’s a means of rejecting societal pressures and embracing a sartorial freedom that goes beyond size constraints. The movement is characterized by billowy or slouchy silhouettes, elasticated waistbands, and the use of softer fabrics, all contributing to a sense of ease and comfort.
Christina Grasso, co-founder of the nonprofit dedicated to eating disorder advocacy in fashion, The Chain, emphasizes her preference for menswear-leaning, oversized clothing as a source of comfort. Brands like The Row, Wardrobe.NYC, The Frankie Shop, and Teurn Studios, known for their generously sized yet structured pieces, have become go-to choices for those embracing this transformative trend.
The intentional adoption of oversized clothing goes beyond mere aesthetics; it conveys power and comfort simultaneously. For many, this shift is not about hiding the body but about neutralizing societal pressures and embracing a more inclusive definition of beauty.
In a world where body image standards have long been rigid, the intentional embrace of oversized clothing serves as a statement of self-acceptance and empowerment. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that the option for intentionally oversized clothing remains inclusive for all body sizes, allowing everyone to experience the freedom and confidence that comes with embracing one’s unique shape and style.
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
