Gen Z men embrace loose fits, cool colours and unstructured style as fashion shifts to comfort, says SAKSHI PRIYA
Have you ever seen a lad in an oversized shirt and thought, “Surely, that’s a hand-me-down?” Think again. Today’s Gen Z men are not borrowing clothes out of desperation. They are setting the tone for fashion, and that tone is cool, roomy and quietly confident. Slim fits and muscle-hugging tees are no longer the only way to look good. The younger generation moves through the world in flared jeans, wide-legged trousers, flowing shirts and jackets that seem made for comfort. Their colours? Calming. Cool blues, soft greens and quiet greys have become wardrobe staples. Take Justin Bieber. His daily outfits often include hoodies the size of tents, trousers with enough space to lounge in and a muted colour palette. That look is not accidental. It is intentional, curated and very now.
At the Versace Spring Summer 2023 men’s show, loose trousers dominated the runway. There were light jackets, untucked shirts and fluid tailoring throughout. It is fashion-forward. Beyond the runway, pop culture figures have amplified this trend. Harry Styles is a perfect example, effortlessly mixing oversized blazers with bold accessories, creating a look that defies gender norms and exudes confidence.
Similarly, actor Timothée Chalamet’s preference for wide-legged trousers and flowing coats signals a new form of masculine elegance, one that is less about rigid structure and more about fluid expression. Kendrick Lamar, known not only for his music but his fashion sense, wore wide flared jeans and layered oversized pieces during his Super Bowl performance. That outfit trended for weeks. During a stroll in Delhi’s Khan Market, I spoke with Anubhav, a 22-year-old student in a faded oversized denim shirt and soft trousers. “This is just more me,” he said. “I feel free and not boxed in like I used to in skinny jeans.” So next time you see someone swimming in fabric, remember. He chose that look. And it suits him just fine. It allows movement, ease and a laid-back cool that feels modern and self-assured.
Comfort vs Criticism
The oversized movement has its admirers, but also detractors. For many young men, loose clothing is liberating, a way to express individuality while prioritising comfort. It rejects the pressure of conforming to sharp, often uncomfortable tailoring that can feel restrictive. Yet, some critics see oversized fashion as sloppy or lacking refinement. They argue that the sharp lines of fitted suits and tailored shirts hold a timeless appeal that oversized silhouettes sometimes dilute. Moreover, oversized clothing can sometimes obscure the wearer’s shape and personality, leading to concerns about the loss of personal definition in style. Does the volume amplify confidence or drown it out?
Stuck in a cycle?
If you thought men’s fashion was stuck in a cycle of tight jeans and fitted shirts, think again. Today’s younger generation is embracing oversized, loose-fitting clothing with gusto, challenging old-fashioned ideas about how men “should” dress. This shift is a quiet rebellion, a redefinition of style and personality