When looking around the halls of an average high school you start to notice a pattern within the students: sweatpants and hoodie galore, maybe with a splash of denim here or there. As you look at the recent years, you’ll start to see a certain shift in teen fashion.
Since the pandemic, what is considered ‘loungewear’ is becoming more socially acceptable, and it’s not hard to see why. Sweatpants and pajama pants are simply more convenient when doing school work and activities, and effortless to put on when wanting to take a short trip in a public space.
This also takes a part in the current fashion trends on minimalism. Simple one-color hoodies and plain jeans are common, straightforward and laid-back clothing seem to be what’s popular. Many designers make stylized sweatpants and jeans to make them easier to integrate into a daily outfit.
Now, what’s the deal with hoodies and sweatshirts? While they’re good for fighting cold weather, many are still seen wearing them in hotter sweltering weather. So, what’s the science behind why? While it is a fashion choice, there’s actually a psychological response when you put one on. The research made by Madhumanti Majumdar is a good representation.
After interviewing high school students, they described hoodies as a safety net, secure, and comfortable. Many students even said that wearing a hoodie made them feel more confident.
Hoodies make teens feel more protected, like a cocoon around their anxieties. The rise in hoodies is because of casual fashion, yes, but also due to mental comfort.
Though, some people may not have realized it, the people who definitely notice the style changes are older generations. Many parents have asked, “Why do I never see people wearing jeans?” Or question the color choice, “All they’re wearing is black, oh I see some blue!”
It’s hard for some parents to understand the change from bolder brighter colors, to more neutral tones. The switch is also partly due to changing social norms, more teens are drawn to more gender-neutral outfits and hues. The colors are also promoted on social media for being more aesthetically pleasing.
All this in turn, are the main reasons for the current fashion trends in comfy and more lightweight clothing. Though there could be a big change in future generations, the current standard fits teens today.
