It’s High Time We Say Goodbye To The Pantless Trend

 

Do you ever get the feeling that certain fashion trends have overstayed their welcome?

I certainly do at times. Fashion is constantly in flux, with fresh trends emerging and old ones becoming obsolete. However, one trend that seems to have stuck around for a while is the pantless trend – where pants are traded for oversized tops, short dresses, or standalone blazers. For what had initially brought excitement and daring flair to us all, it’s starting to feel a bit tired now. 

The gradual disappearance of pants from both streets and runways unfolded in phases. It started with the rise in popularity of bike shorts, followed by the widespread adoption of sweatpants during the COVID-19 pandemic. As social activities resumed, pleated skirts and ultra-short skirts gained immense popularity. Subsequently, loose and slightly oversized denim also had a brief moment in the limelight at some point.

Then, in 2023, the trend escalated significantly, with celebrities from the Kardashian-Jenners to Jodie Turner-Smith boldly leaving their underwear at home. Influencers like Taylor Russell and Hailey Bieber joined in, incorporating squatting routines and relishing the sensation of a breeze on their exposed buttocks.

Not to forget when Bella Hadid wore micro-shorts and platform Uggs on a New York City sidewalk and major events like the Oscars after-parties arrived in the same year, the “pantless trend” had become very common, evolving into a more formal “naked dressing” trend where undergarments were visible under translucent gowns.

Also, the emergence of visible boxers peeking out from tiny belt skirts in the spring/summer of 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the surge of the pantless trend. By fall 2023, the Miu Miu aesthetic evolved to women confidently stepping out in mere cardigans and underwear, further highlighting the trend’s bold evolution.

Currently, we’ve moved on from pondering the roots of the controversial pantless trend to wondering if it’s nearing its end or never. Its oversaturation on social media and impracticality in everyday situations have led it to a worn-out cliché.

This is to say the trend has reached a fever pitch as we ascend into 2024. At the recent Fall 2024 Fashion Week, the no-pants looks were more daring than ever. Luar and Schiaparelli opted for a cheeky take on workwear, while Marni and Miu Miu went more minimal.

If you paid good attention during Paris Fashion Week, you’d remember how Sydney Sweeney graced the front row at Miu Miu wearing a pair of the brand’s embellished panties, while Emily Ratajkowski embraced the look in between shows.

But the crowning moment was undoubtedly Bianca Censori (née Ye) attending the Marni show in a black thong bodysuit, foreshadowing the trend’s dominance this year. Even the red carpet hasn’t been immune. Anne Hathaway recently went viral for a pantsless Valentino look, while Halle Berry rang in the New Year in just a blazer and sky-high heels.

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At the Vogue World: London, Jodie Turner-Smith shut it down in a giant bow thong bodysuit by Viktor & Rolf. And let’s not forget Kristen Stewart’s pantless “Love Lies Bleeding” press tour looks, ranging from wrestling singlet-esque bodysuits to cashmere knickers.

The actress had attended the premiere of her new A24 thriller “Love Lies Bleeding” in one of her most daring looks to date—a high-cut black body suit that looked like a wrestling singlet, hot nylon leotards, and of course, no pants.

But as we approach the dog days of summer, one has to wonder, has the pantless trend jumped the shark? With rising hemlines and plummeting waistlines, are we ready for a world of visible panty lines and sunburned bums? As fun as it’s been to see our favorite stars flash their fanny, perhaps it’s time to put the pants back on.

After all, fashion trends are cyclical. Just as low-rise jeans and whale tails had their moment in the early aughts, no-pants look will eventually run their course. And while there will always be a place for a cheeky flash of skin, maybe it’s time to leave a little to the imagination.

So as we bid adieu to the pantless pandemonium, let’s remember the good times — Kendall Jenner’s chic, pinstripe shirt pantless look, Lizzo’s sparkling Met Gala bodysuit, and all the tighty-whities in between. It’s been a wild, pants-free ride, but all good things must come to an end. Here’s to a 2024 filled with trousers, slacks, and yes, even jorts.

Photo: Mike Marsland/Getty Images