Why do skaters wear baggy clothes? Find out the real reason here

Why do skaters wear baggy clothes? Find out the real reason here

Grace Waruguru
updated at September 12, 2023 at 3:11 AM

Why do skaters wear baggy clothes? The fashion trend is one of the distinct features of the sport and has been around for years. Some fans believe it is functional to wear loose-fitting clothes, while others believe it is associated with the 'cool' status of the sport. Scroll on to discover why skaters prefer this kind of attire.

why do skaters wear baggy clothes
Skaters wear baggy clothes to facilitate their movement as they train and learn new tricks. Photo: Steve Russell (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Skating dates back to 1743 and has always been associated with flashy clothing. The outdoor activity has numerous benefits, including physical fitness. Additionally, the dress code is a significant part of skating, and netizens are eager to discover why players choose a particular mode of dressing. Why do skaters wear baggy clothes?

Why do skaters wear baggy clothes?

Skaters are known for their distinctive clothing, which includes loosely fitting t-shirts and trousers. Some players exercise creativity by branding their outfits to identify or represent their favourite clothing lines. Skating involves massive body movements and techniques that require the athlete to dress appropriately to prevent injury.

What type of clothes do skaters wear? You will frequently see these individuals wearing baggy clothes, including jeans and cargo pants, to accommodate their movements on rough surfaces. So, what is the reason skaters wear baggy clothes?

For comfort and freedom

Skaters need comfortable clothing for protection and to offer flexibility and mobility. Baggy attire serves a functional and stylish role. They give them freedom of movement, allowing them to perform their tricks and techniques without restriction. Oversized clothes do not show patches when the players sweat after an intense session because they allow for ample airflow.

For protection

why do skateboarders wear baggy clothes
Baggy clothes give the skaters freedom of movement and stability as they jump and flip. Photo: Chepa Beltran (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Skaters frequently fall as they glide away; these clothes offer protection when they wipe out. The extra fabric gives their bodies extra space to twist and flip as they come into contact with rough surfaces. They cushion them against injuries and direct impact in case of a fall. Common injuries that skaters suffer include head injuries, ankle fractures, and wrist fractures.

Baggy clothes embody the skating culture

Oversized clothes are synonymous with the skating culture and lifestyle. Skaters have a distinct dressing style that helps to identify them as they make a fashion statement. The dressing style also imitates several Hip-Hop legends that wear baggy clothes representing the trendy street lifestyle.

They help with stability and coordination

Baggy attire helps to distribute the skater's weight evenly on the board. It also allows them to perform numerous foot drills and skateboarding styles. Since the clothes do not hug the body, the athlete can manoeuvre comfortably and remain stable as they move around. Tight clothes could also strain the muscles as they cruise in the streets.

Why do skaters wear jeans?

why do skaters wear baggy pants
Loose-fitting clothes keep the skater comfortable as they practice on different terrains. Photo: Jun Sato (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Jeans are a common attire among roller skaters, preferred because of their durability and comfort. Additionally, players can fold them up or cut them off at the bottom to prevent them from hindering their movements, especially when they squat, bend, or jump.

The material used to make jeans also protects skaters from minor injuries that are a common occurrence. Jeans can be styled in different ways, paired with hoodies or t-shirts, so the racers still look stylish as they move around.

Why do skaters wear baggy pants?

Slightly oversized pants are a signature look for the skating community. According to boostedplanet.com, three theories support the origin of baggy pants among skaters:

  • They were adopted to imitate the style that skateboarders rocked in the 70s.
  • Baggy pants gained popularity in the 80s with the Hip-hop culture, becoming a symbol of rebellion against mainstream society.
  • The 1990s grunge culture saw an increase in the popularity of baggy jeans, symbolizing angst and frustration with mainstream society.

Where did the skater style originate?

what is the reason skaters wear baggy clothes
Baggy pants are a core part of the skating subculture that was inspired by music genres like Hip-Hop and punk. Photo: Christopher Jue (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Baggy attire is part of the skating subculture, giving it authenticity and heritage. The style finds its roots in California, America, and gained popularity in the 90s during the rise of the punk-rock era.

This form of dressing style brought together individuals sharing a common ideology. It is a form of self-expression that sets the skaters apart from normal fashion norms and gives them a unique identity.

Why do skateboarders wear baggy clothes? Free-sized clothes are comfortable and stylish, giving skaters a unique identity and comfort as they learn and compete. The sport has stayed true to its unique culture and association with Hip-Hop and other music genres.

READ ALSO: A history of figure skating. What is its origin?

Sports Brief published an article delving into the roots of figure skating. The sport is one of the most popular, finding its origins in Scandinavia in 4000 BC. Initially, players were required to carve patterns or figures derived from the number eight onto the ice while skating, which helped to coin its name.

Edward Bushnell and Jackson Haines are the brains behind the sport that previously used animal bones. The first competition was held in 1882 in Austria. Check out the above article for all the details about the history of the sport and the developments it has undergone so far.

Authors
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.