Oversized apparel officially became a global fashion phenomenon a year back, and the popularity of the trend shows no sign of slowing down. But this is not a new trend. It’s what you can call a revival of a long-forgotten style from the late ’80s hip-hop scene. You could say the late ’80s and early ’90s hip-hop gave shape to what we know as the street culture today. The oversized style got its own reshaping, and now blends a little retro vibes (mostly) with modern functionality. It has created a new, intriguing chapter in streetwear fashion.
When the “Size Up” Cultural Shift Gained Speed
Post-pandemic fashion permanently changed how we view comfort. The once uncommon “baggy fits” went on to become a cultural statement from being a simple style choice. Gen Z and millennials were at the forefront of the early adopters, seeing the trend as a more comfortable, flowy alternative to skin-tight fits. The rise of gender-neutral fashion accelerated this shift further. Oversized cuts have already broken traditional sizing boundaries.
Potential for Retailers
The demand for oversized tees and hoodies continues to rise, encouraging more apparel retailers and fashion stores to invest in them. Intriguingly, stores that don’t focus on streetwear styles are also jumping on the bandwagon. Several apparel manufacturers in the wholesale and retail market offer oversized apparel now. For retailers, wholesale sourcing helps keep the investment minimum. Wholesale apparel brands like Shaka Wear and Next Level rose to the top most preferred sources for apparel retailers in America.
Shaka Wear wholesale shirts gained a lot of praise for their signature drooped shoulders and amazing comfort. Following close behind, Next Level shirts have captured the market with their street-ready, customization-friendly oversized tees. Many other manufacturers have seen good results after bringing oversized tees and hoodies into their inventory.
Potential for Designers
Oversized apparel, particularly tees, allow designers to try new stuff with the proportions, creating unique silhouettes. Drop shoulders hit lower, sleeves run longer, and hemlines extend past traditional stopping points. These exaggerated elements when combined with solid prints turn basic pieces into statement streetwear must-haves. With even small sizes now bigger, print shops get more room for their creativity for every size. Bigger garments mean bigger design possibilities. We can see awesome and innovative design placements – side panels, wraparound prints, and 3D embroidery have all been well-received. Screen printers report higher profits from oversized pieces, as customers willingly pay more for impactful prints.
The Sustainability Angle
Oversized styles also come in sustainable options with more brands in the American market shifting towards sustainability. But the underrated merit of oversized apparel is that because they are loose-fitting, they generally accommodate multiple body types, reducing size-specific inventory in stores. This most likely leads to fewer returns for most stores, and subsequently higher customer satisfaction. Eco-conscious buyers don’t have to compromise on their ideals when buying streetwear now, or they don’t have to resort to regular-fit apparel while the rest of the world sizes up.
The Movement in Social Media
TikTok and Instagram are flooded with styling videos featuring oversized wholesale pieces. Stores have started investing more on social media ads to showcase their oversized pieces specifically. Content creators transform basic blanks into high-fashion looks, driving demand for wholesale suppliers.
The Oversized Picture
The oversized trend is thriving. As streetwear continues to influence mainstream fashion, the demand for oversized apparel will keep growing. Brands that adapted early are well on their way to lead the pack soon.
If you wish to capitalize on this trend for your apparel brand, start by:
- Expanding your size range upward
- Investing in established wholesale blanks
- Experimenting with the designs
- Developing oversized-specific marketing campaigns
The future of oversized streetwear is truly oversized and profitable at present. Time to size up your strategy.