Parachute Pants, the Core of the Y2K Fashion Aesthetic, Easy to Style in Different Ways

Parachute pants, which became the latest viral trend from 2022, have continued to gain popularity this year, driven by celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber. As one of the most voguish fashion items, it was ranked 5th on the LYST index, Fashion’s Hottest Products Q2 this year.

The number of views of the hashtag “Parachute Pants” on TikTok has exceeded 1 billion. The second-hand website Depop has seen a 3,000% increase in searches for the keyword “Parachute Pants” in the past three months. Ahead, read more about Parachute Pants, including what they are and some fashion tips. 

What are Parachute Pants?

Parachute pants, also known as flight pants, got their name from the fact that the fabric they are made with is similar to the thin nylon fabric used in parachutes. They are very recognizable with a loose fit, baggy shape, and the designs of lace-up drawstring at the waist and ankles, cross between cargo pants and sweatpants.

Like Cargo Pants, parachute pants have been brought back after the Y2K style has made a comeback in recent years. With a light, airy fabric, it is easy to create an effortlessly chic style while maintaining comfort with this kind of pants. No matter if you want to go with street style, gorpcore, or night-out style, they have got you covered.

Why are Parachute Pants Trending Now?

• Noughties Nostalgia

From the 1990s to the early 2000s, when street culture was prevalent, wide pants were comfortable to wear and perfect for dancing. Since then, these exaggerated and eye-catching pants have become the favorite of fashionistas. “Fashion is reincarnated” has been heard too many times. Although fashion does not stay in one circle, some of the trendy culture of the early 2000s has never really left. In the post-Covid era, the world has awakened from unprecedented turmoil, and optimistic and positive futurism has become a key trend, which coincides with the core idea of Y2K aesthetics. People are inspired by classic looks from the 2000s, including parachute pants.

The looks of Beyoncé, TLC, David Beckham, and Avril Lavigne in parachute pants in the 2000s

• Comfortable for Everyone

The unique advantages of parachute pants are that they are lightweight, waterproof, and quick-drying. Because these pants were born for outdoor sports, the wide leg design gives more space for movement. The loose-fit tailoring can accommodate all body types, and the neutral style can be worn by both men and women. Celebrity couples like Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber have sported the Y2K-inspired aesthetic in their own stylish cute couple look.

• Practical for Most of Your Occasions

Parachute pants are suitable for all kinds of occasions. Be bold with them, just imagine doing outdoor activities, city walks, shopping with your best friend, going out with your date, and even going to work with them. With a shiny sequin top, you could be the queen in a nightclub, with a blazer, you could be the most chic fashion columnist in your office. You can create different styles with them. Just play with them.

How Do We Create a Chic Look with Parachute Pants?

Fashion Tip 1: Tight Top + Loose Bottom

The contrast of the shapes would optimize your curve to highlight the advantages of your figure. They can be worn high or low on your waist to adjust body proportions. You can build a cozy and chic look with a slim-fit cardigan or a simple tight T-shirt to go with these loose-fitting trousers.

Fashion Tip 2: Short Top + Long Bottom

Crop tops are always the perfect match for parachute pants. The unveiling of the waist creates an eye-catching sexy look, also lengthens the leg lines. Be more imaginative, a sports bra or a super short long sleeve top could all complete the look perfectly.

Fashion Tip 3: Try with Whatever you have

You can experiment, combining them with whatever you have to create the looks for different daily uses. Layer it on, go sporty, keep it comfortable, do whatever you desire. Then you will be surprised how versatile this kind pants can be. Try to break the rules, corsets, blazers, and body warmers would be your dazzle choices.

You can find the best parachute pants and outfit ideas on Lilac Blvd.