Key Takeaways
The oversize cut consists of wearing clothes size larger than your usual size for a casual and comfortable style. It's a trend inspired by streetwear and the 90s, both cool and easy to adopt.
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Understanding the oversize cut: Style and Comfort
The oversize cut is a trend which consists of wearing clothes deliberately larger than your usual size. Shirts, sweatshirts, coats. Many pieces are now available in loose, wide and unstructured versions. But what does the term “oversize” actually mean? Where does this fashion come from? We tell you everything about this fashion phenomenon which offers style and comfort!
Also read: All you need to know about the oversize sweater?
Definition of oversize style
The term "oversize" comes from English and means "oversized", "tailor-made" or "out of standard". Concretely, an oversize garment is a garment whose cut is deliberately loose and the size is larger than that of the wearer.
This trend therefore consists of choosing your clothes several sizes larger than your usual size. The desired effect? A casual, cool and ultra-comfortable style. Exit close-fitting silhouettes, make way for volumes and soft materials!
The oversize style is generally characterized by:
- loose clothing that floats on the body
- Exaggerated proportions
- Widened waists and dropped armholes
- soft and comfortable materials such as cotton, jersey, etc.
In short, everything is about excess and exaggeration for maximum style and comfort!
Also read: What is the best material for a sweater?
Origin of the oversize trend
If the oversize trend has been very present for several years, its origins can be found in streetwear fashion and the 90s.
Impact of streetwear fashion
The oversize style has its roots in streetwear culture. At the beginning of the 80s, Californian skateboarders popularized the wearing of loose sportswear and streetwear clothing for greater ease in their movements.
Quickly, this casual and relaxed aesthetic conquered the streets. XXL sweatshirts, baggy pants and imposing sneakers are becoming the hallmark of urban style.
Today, the oversize remains a pillar of streetstyle. Many brands like Vetements, Supreme or Stussy have even elevated it to the rank of ultimate signature.
The influence of the 90s
But it was in the 90s that the oversize trend really exploded with the general public. Breaking with the sophisticated look of the Eighties, it embodies the carefreeness and relaxation specific to this decade.
Teenagers are eagerly appropriating XXL sweatshirts, baggy jeans falling on the hips and other loose t-shirts. A casual sportswear look that’s all the rage!
Today, generation Z does not hesitate to revisit the iconic silhouettes of the 90's: oversized crop tops, XXL cardigans, cargo pants, etc. The oversize draws cheerfully from the wardrobe of this vintage decade!
Oversize in haute couture
Finally, the oversize style has also spread widely thanks to the haute couture catwalks. From the 80s, designers like Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons imposed the oversized aesthetic in their collections.
More recently, Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga, Rick Owens, Vetements and Jacquemus have perpetuated this taste for exaggerated volumes and unstructured silhouettes.
The oversize has thus established itself on the most prestigious catwalks, giving it style and legitimacy. From street to luxury, it has spread to all spheres of fashion.
Also read: What pilling material?
Who can wear the oversized style?
Contrary to popular belief, the oversize trend is easy to adopt for all styles and body types! A few tips are enough to tame it.
Morphology and oversize cut
One of the benefits of oversize is to blur complexes and highlight each person's strengths. Round people can thus camouflage their complexes thanks to skillfully chosen volumes.
Similarly, men enlarge their frames and short girls gain presence. Even androgynous body types will find what they need in this gender-neutral wardrobe where lines blend together.
In short, there is room for everyone in the oversize as long as you play with the proportions!
Oversize for men: tips and tricks
Gentlemen, dare to go oversized! For you, we favor larger tops (sweatshirts, shirts), combined with close-fitting bottoms like slim or skinny jeans.
This allows you to maintain a balanced and masculine silhouette. The simplest pieces to adopt: hoodies, bombers, oversized blazers. Don't be afraid to dare with large volumes!
Strong point: oversize allows men to highlight their natural build. Enough to assert their style and their masculinity.
Oversize for women: practical guide
Ladies, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to oversize! Sweatshirts, dresses, coats, pants. Everything is permitted as long as you respect a few rules.
For example, we avoid too tight silhouettes at the top and bottom. Instead, opt for a balanced look by mixing loose tops and bottoms.
In terms of materials, choose flowing fabrics like jersey or cashmere for a glamorous look. Finally, don't hesitate to structure your oversized outfits using a thin belt.
Also read: What is the average price of a sweatshirt?
How to wear oversized clothing?
Have you fallen for an XXL piece? Here are some tips for combining it with style.
The choice of size
First step: choose the right size! Opt for one or two sizes larger than your usual size depending on the desired effect.
For a just loose look, +1 size is enough. If you want a really oversized style, you can go up 3 sizes!
Match the pieces of your outfit
Once the size has been chosen, you must balance the proportions. Avoid mixing oversized tops and bottoms so as not to appear overwhelmed.
With a loose top, choose close-fitting bottoms like thermal leggings or slim. Conversely, wide bottoms are ideally worn with a close-fitting top.
Adjust your look according to the occasion
During the day, dare to wear relaxed silhouettes with a total oversized look. In the evening, structure your outfit with a belt and heels, or just the oversized top or bottom.
For a date, choose a loose dress or a pretty, feminine oversized top combined with close-fitting bottoms. It's elegant and in tune with the times!
Finally, at work we generally avoid the oversized total look that is too casual. But a pretty shirt or a beautiful oversized sweater brings a welcome fashion touch.
Also read: How to be chic with a sweatshirt?
Why wear oversized clothing?
In addition to its fashion aesthetic, the oversize style has many advantages:
- Maximum comfort thanks to loose and flexible clothing
- Great freedom of movement ideal during the day
- A flattering silhouette that camouflages complexes
- A relaxed and casual style that is easy to adopt
- A cool and trendy look inspired by sportswear
- The possibility of overlapping pieces without “bulging” effect
- A reassuring cocooning effect with its large volumes
In short, only good reasons to adopt this charming style!
How to wear an oversized t-shirt?
The oversized t-shirt is THE basic oversize piece. Here are some tips for wearing it:
- Prefer fluid materials like cotton or jersey for a relaxed effect
- Play with lengths: oversized crop top or XXL knee-length t-shirt for a stylish silhouette
- Dare to use graphic patterns, tie & dye, logos for an assertive streetwear spirit
- Wear it with slim or mom fit jeans, a pencil skirt or tight biker pants
- Accessorize with a belt to highlight the waist and balance the silhouette
- Layer a loose t-shirt and jacket in jeans or kimono for an effortless look
Ultra stylish, the oversized t-shirt is endlessly available for casual chic looks that are in tune with the times.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the oversize trend seduces with its casual-chic style and optimal comfort. Easy to adopt, it suits all body types. In 2022, the oversize will continue to inspire fashion collections and street culture. So don't hesitate any longer, and dare to have an XXL wardrobe full of style!
FAQ
Why wear oversize?
The oversize seduces with its comfort and its flattering silhouette which hides complexes. It is also a casual and trendy style inspired by streetwear.
What size should I take for oversize?
For an oversized effect, you must choose between 1 and 3 sizes larger than your usual size. +1 size for a just loose fit, +2 or +3 sizes for a very oversized look.
Who can wear oversize?
Thanks to silhouette tips, the oversize is suitable for all body types, both men and women. A surprisingly flattering trend!
What does oversize mean?
"Oversize" is an English term which means "oversized". It refers to clothing larger than the wearer's usual size for a fashionable effect.
T-shirt too big: how to wear it?
To wear an oversized or too big t-shirt with style:
- Tie it at the side or tie it in a knot in front
- Tuck a side into pants or a pencil skirt
- Layer it with other body-hugging pieces
- Accessorize with a belt or fitted scarf
- Play with lengths: in the pants, cropped top.
Mis à jour le 6 mars 2024
