THE PAST FEW YEARS have seen a resurgence of baggy clothes, and this trend isn’t going anywhere. Gen Z wants to emulate the streetstyle looks of celebs like Billie Eilish and A$AP Rocky, and millennials just want to embrace the comfort of oversized clothes. The trend debuted in the ’90s, influenced by hip-hop, grunge and rebellion. The baggy clothes intrigue carried into Y2K before fading away with the rise of skinny jeans and athleisure. Now oversized clothes are back and baggier than ever. Adopting this trend keeps you current and can help you make a long-lasting impact. “One of the strengths of the oversized trend is its longevity,” says Dominic Mincieli, creative director at Vantage Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier. “Relaxed, oversized silhouettes tend to stay in rotation longer, which gives branded apparel a better chance of becoming a go-to piece rather than something worn once and forgotten.” This retail-inspired trend can help your branded merchandise stand out from the rest. Mincieli explains that as this trend makes its way into the promo industry, “it creates an opportunity to offer pieces that feel current, comfortable and more naturally integrated into people’s everyday wardrobes. Paired with bold decoration, oversized branded apparel becomes more than a giveaway – it becomes a piece that carries brand identity, style and cultural relevance.” When choosing how to decorate these oversized pieces, the sky is the limit. For a retro look, try a Y2K-inspired graphic with nostalgic colors. If you want to keep it more current, opt for a simple yet strong graphic or logo. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. “Creative decoration, whether it be oversized graphics, subtle sleeve placements, mixed deco techniques or textured deco methods, is shaping a new generation of promotional products,” Mincieli says. “These details turn apparel into wearable storytelling for modern brands.” Baggy Is Back Oversized and relaxed garments are all the rage right now. Learn more about this fashion trend and how to make your clients’ designs stand out. By Hanna Brookshire 18 • APRIL 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
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