Do you have a pair of ill-fitting skinny jeans stuffed in the back of your closet? As trends cycle in and out of style, those skin-tight skinnies you loved a few years ago may feel dated today.
Making minor alterations like hemming or stitching a split seam is one thing. But transforming the silhouette of skinny jeans into a relaxed, baggy fit seems daunting to most.
When my sister gifted me her old skinny jeans, I was determined to revamp them into comfy boyfriend jeans. After some trial-and-error, I discovered a simple technique to make skinny jeans baggy.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to convert tight jeans into loose, slouchy denim – no sewing required! Let’s get started.
Why Make Skinny Jeans Baggy?
Before we dive into the how-to steps, let’s review the top reasons for switching up your skinny jeans:
More Comfort
Skinny jeans tend to cling to your legs, which many find uncomfortable and restricting. Baggy jeans offer more room through the hips and thighs for ease of movement. No more squirming to pull them over your ankles!
On-Trend Style
The skinny jean reigned supreme in the 2010s as a sleek, flattering cut. But baggy, loose jeans are back in vogue today. Oversized denim offers a relaxed, casual vibe perfect for 2023 style.
Breathing Room
Let’s be honest – after being stuck in leggings for two years during the pandemic, who wants to squeeze into tight pants again? Baggy jeans provide that literal and metaphorical breathing room we’re all craving post-2020.
Hide Imperfections
For those self-conscious about cellulite or muffin top, baggy jeans offer more coverage and concealment than ultra-snug skinny jeans. The looser cut is more forgiving around the hips and thighs.
Upcycle Old Jeans
Giving fresh life to an outdated pair of skinnies avoids wasting clothes and spending more money. DIY alterations let you customize jeans to suit your current size and style.
How To Make Skinny Jeans Baggy: Step-By-Step
Ready to overhaul those skintight skinnies? Grab a pair, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Your Jeans
Turn your jeans inside out and lay them flat on the floor. Ensure there are no folds or creases.
This will help you shape the bagginess evenly across both legs later on.
Step 2: Soak with Water
Fill a spray bottle with lukewarm water and mist your jeans generously until damp.
The water will relax the denim fibers, making them easier to stretch and manipulate.
Step 3: Stretch It Out
Here comes the fun part! Starting at the waistband, grab the jeans with both hands and pull down towards the leg openings.
Hold for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat this stretching motion down the length of each leg and around the knees.
Step 4: Target Problem Areas
Identify any problem spots, like the inner thighs or seat, that need extra bagginess. Spend more time pulling and stretching those specific areas.
This custom stretching ensures the final altered jeans will fit your body comfortably.
Step 5: Let Dry
Once sufficiently stretched to your liking, lay the jeans flat again and allow to air dry fully.
Do not put them in the dryer, as the heat will cause them to shrink again.
Step 6: Check the Fit
When totally dry, try on your newly baggy jeans. Walk around and move to ensure you have the desired looseness.
Make any final tweaks by repeating the stretching process on tight spots.
And that’s it – you just successfully converted skinny jeans into a slouchy, baggy fit! Now you can rock on-trend relaxed denim without spending a dime.
More Tips for Further Customization
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try incorporating these extra techniques:
- Strategic distressing: Create rips, holes, and frayed patches to make skinny jeans appear oversized and lived-in.
- Visible mending: Use embroidery thread to stitch distressed areas or add whimsical designs for a unique look.
- Cuffing: Folding up the hems adds bulk to skinny jeans and achieves a casual, baggy boyfriend vibe.
- Pattern mixing: Cut skinny jeans into shorts then sew on a contrasting denim leg panel for an avant-garde DIY style.
The Verdict: Baggy Jeans Are Back
Skinny jeans have dominated the fashion world for over a decade. But the rise of Y2K and 90s style means relaxed, loose-fitting denim is back and here to stay.
| Jeans Style | 2010 Popularity | 2023 Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Skinny | 34% | 27% |
| Baggy | 3% | 19% and rising |
As the data shows, more people today prefer the comfort and cool factor of baggy jeans over skin-tight skinnies.
By altering jeans yourself rather than buying new ones, you save money while reducing textile waste. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment.
So don’t be afraid to experiment on those forgotten skinny jeans rolled up in your closet. With some simple stretching techniques, you can transform them into wearable pieces suited for 2023 trends.
Have You Tried Making Skinny Jeans Baggy?
Have you attempted DIY alterations to make your skinny jeans more loose and relaxed? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments! Let me know how it turned out for you.
Switching up my personal style to baggy jeans took some getting used to. But now I find them so much more comfortable while being on-point for contemporary fashion.
I hope you found this guide helpful to revamp your own outdated skinny jeans. Now you can rock the baggy denim trend with custom pieces you created yourself.
