Why adopt the oversized style: Complete guide

Origin and definition of oversize style

The term "oversize" comes from English and means "oversized". It describes clothing and accessories larger than the usual size.

This trend was born in the 80s and 90s in the streetwear and skate culture in California. Brands like Stussy and X-Large created loose-fitting t-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets for a casual look.

Quickly, the oversize style was adopted by rappers and sneakers as a way to assert their bold personality . Indeed, wearing very baggy clothes sent a message of confidence and relaxation.

Today, oversize refers to wearing clothingone or two sizes larger than your body type. The goal is to achieve a loose cut that floats around the body.

We also speak of "slim oversize" for a less extreme effect, where only certain sections and details are oversized.

Also read: Understanding the oversize cut

How the oversized style invaded fashion

After the American rappers and sneakers, the oversize style quickly conquered the podiums. avant-garde designers like Martin Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto and Demna Gvasalia imposed this new casual chic.

Echoing a desire for freedom and comfort, the oversize brings a subversive and anti-conformist dimension fashionable.

Today, we find streetwear and oversized influences in many brands, from Dior to Zara, including The Kooples and Sandro. Even traditionally tailoring brands like Celine or Max Mara offer oversized jackets and coats.

The millenials and the generation Z favor this style for its cool side and its adaptability to casual outfits or more dressed. It corresponds to their search for freedom of expression and unique pieces.

At The Oversized Hoodie, we adopted the oversize style from our beginnings in 2012 to offer our customers maximum comfort and style. Our oversized hoodies and sweatshirts are a big hit with millennials and Gen Z looking for casual, authentic fashion.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: Everything you need to know about the oversize sweater

Why wear oversize: its advantages

Advantage	Description
Ultimate comfort	Loose cuts and cozy materials for unparalleled comfort.
Trendy style	Offbeat, unique and fashion-forward looks.
Freedom of movement	Great ease in movements and self-expression.
Camouflage of complexes	Elegance and discretion to hide less popular areas.
Sustainable fashion	Timeless pieces promoting responsible consumption.

Besides its modern style and offbeat, the oversize has many advantages:

• It provides an ultimate feeling of comfort by allowing the body to breathe under roomy clothing. We feel relaxed and zen.
• The loose cut camouflages complexes, enveloping the silhouette without molding it.
• The oversize offers great freedom of movement for activities of everyday or leisure.
• It's a style adaptable to many morphologies and occasions, from casual to chic.
• Wearing oversize allows you to assert your personality: it’s the ultimate fashion statement piece!
• By focusing on durable materials and timeless cuts, the oversize is part of responsible fashion.

In short, with the oversize you are sure to be stylish, comfortable and to display an extra soul !

Also read: How to wear a women's hoodie?

The different oversized pieces to adopt

Many pieces are suitable for this: t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, shirts, dresses, pants. Here are our tips for adopting the essentials of the oversize style:

Wearing an oversized t-shirt: tips and tricks

The oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt is THE key piece of the streetwear look. Here's how to wear it with style:

• We go for one or two sizes larger than usual.
• We combine it with tight bottoms like slim jeans or a pencil skirt to create a contrast effect.
• We don't hesitate to layer several oversized t-shirts for a very fashionable effect.
• Accessorize with a belt to highlight the waist and feminize the silhouette.
• For a casual chic look, wear a loose t-shirt under a well-tailored suit jacket.

The oversized jacket: a style essential

The oversized jacket or blazer brings a touch of cool to any outfit. Our tips for adopting it:

• We opt for a jacket 1 or 2 sizes larger, for a very fashionable effect.
• We combine it with 7/8 pants or a straight skirt to balance the volume.
• Belt, jewelry and shoulder bag help structure the silhouette.
• We dare to use original materials: corduroy, knit, tweed effect.

The oversized jacket goes just as well with a casual outfit as it does with an office look or a chic evening!

Also read: Oversize: for which body shape?

Oversize for men: how to adopt it

Gentlemen, to adopt the oversize style brilliantly:

• We focus on tops (t-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts) one size larger.
• Loose cargo pants or joggers add a casual streetwear touch.
• We balance it with trendy sneakers or derbies.
• We structure the silhouette with a beautiful belt and accessories (bag, cap, jewelry).
• We dare to wear an oversized jacket paired with slim jeans and sneakers for a casual chic look.

As a specialist in oversized hoodies since 20xx, I recommend men to twist their look with an ultra-comfortable statement piece. An XXL zipped hoodie combined with slim jeans and sneakers will give a chic sportswear touch to all your outfits!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: What is the average price of a sweatshirt?

The oversized women's look: how to master it?

Ladies, to be trendy in an oversize version, while remaining feminine:

• We play on volume contrasts, for example with an oversized wrap dress belted at the waist.
• Accessorize with delicate jewelry, a shoulder bag and heeled mules.
• A pencil skirt or cigarette pants refine the silhouette under a loose sweatshirt.
• We feminize the total oversize look with glowy makeup and wavy waves.

Create a comfortable and stylish outfit with the oversize

Here is a suggested look mixing casual style, femininity and oversize:

• We twist the traditional skirt suit with an oversized jacket.
• We wear an openwork knit tank top and a pleated midi skirt underneath.
• On the feet, wedge babies add a glam rock touch.
• The small studded baguette bag contrasts with the masculine jacket.
• Golden jewelry brightens everything up with style.

This look proves that you can be comfortable, feminine and trendy at the same time thanks to the oversize!

Also read: How to wear an oversized sweater?

Oversize trend: why it's here to stay

Unlike ephemeral fashions, the oversize style has everything it needs to last:

• It responds to a permanent quest for freedom, cool attitude and comfort in our modern societies.
• Its unisex and non-gendered dimension corresponds to the aspirations of Gen Z in terms of fashion.
• The designers reinterpret the oversize spirit each season through new materials and cuts.
• It’s a style adaptable to many body shapes, styles and budgets.
• The oversize is part of responsible consumption, with durable materials and timeless cuts.

For all these reasons, it's a safe bet that the oversize style will continue to appeal to us for a long time to come!

Also read: Fuzzy sweater: how to remove pilling?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the oversize style is:

• The ultimate comfort with its loose cuts and cozy materials.
• The promise of trendy, offbeat and unique looks.
• A great freedom of movement and self-expression.
• The ability to camouflage your complexes with elegance.
• A sustainable fashion, thanks to timeless pieces.

So, convinced by the advantages of the oversize? All you have to do is adopt this style in your dressing room!

FAQ

How to wear oversize women?

To wear the oversize with style while remaining feminine: play on contrasts with tight bottoms, accessorize to highlight the waist, and feminize with a wavy hairstyle and glowy make-up.

Why dress oversized?

We dress in oversize for: ultimate comfort, camouflage our complexes with style, display a cool and relaxed attitude, express our personality in a unique way.

When did the oversize style appear?

The oversize style was born in the 80s in the USA, in streetwear and skate culture. It was popularized by rappers and basketball players before conquering the fashion catwalks.

What size to take for oversize?

For an oversized effect, you should choose your tops 1 or 2 sizes larger than your usual size. For a “slim oversize” style, you can simply opt for slightly larger pieces.

What does oversize mean?

"Oversize" is an English word meaning "oversized". It qualifies clothing and accessories larger than the standard size, for a very trendy fashion effect.

How to wear an oversized t-shirt?

We wear the oversized t-shirt with close-fitting bottoms and accessorize with a belt, jewelry and a shoulder bag to balance the volume. You can also layer several loose t-shirts.

Sources

[1] "Why Oversized Fashion Trends Are So Popular", The Rocket - Slippery Rock University Newspaper

[2] "Is Oversized Clothing for Everyone? Trend vs. Style", Sterling Style Academy