Why “Ugly” Fashion is Back: Gen Z’s Obsession with Crocs, Baggy Fits & Quirky Accessories

767

What if the shoes your parents once teased you for wearing are now the hottest thing on the runway? That’s the paradox of “ugly” fashion. Crocs, baggy jeans, oversized jackets, and unusual accessories that were once dismissed as awkward or unstylish have found their way into the spotlight. However, this style isn’t just a random trend; it’s a cultural movement that reveals a great deal about what Gen Z values and how fashion operates in today’s world.

In Nigeria, this wave is more than just a quirky fad. It has already started shaping how young people buy, style and even build brands around fashion.

Comfort First, Style Second

For years, style was about slim cuts and clean lines. Then came the pandemic, and comfort took centre stage. Baggy jeans, Crocs and oversized shirts fit perfectly into that new mindset. They feel good, they’re easy to wear, and most importantly, they let people focus on self-expression without sacrificing comfort.

The Rebellion Against “Perfect”

Gen Z is rejecting fashion rules that once defined coolness. Where millennials gravitated toward polished Instagram aesthetics, Gen Z prefers authenticity, even if it looks odd. Wearing Crocs with socks or pairing an oversized shirt with quirky beaded jewellery isn’t about being careless. It’s a deliberate way of saying, “I don’t need to fit into outdated standards of beauty.”

Nostalgia, But With a Twist

The return of Y2K and 90s style explains why baggy fits and chunky shoes feel familiar. Many Nigerian thrift markets (like Katangowa in Lagos or Dugbe in Ibadan) thrive on this nostalgia. Shoppers hunt for second-hand denim, oversized jackets and colourful accessories that echo the past but are styled in fresh, new ways.

Social Media is the Amplifier

What once would have stayed niche now becomes mainstream overnight through TikTok and Instagram. One viral styling video is enough to turn Crocs into a must-have. Nigerian influencers are also part of this wave, styling thrifted oversized jeans with bold Ankara tops or mixing Crocs with native attire to spark conversations online.

Business Moves That Made “Ugly” Profitable

Crocs’ success was not solely due to chance. They leaned into the trend with collaborations from Justin Bieber to Post Malone and created customisable charms (Jibbitz) that made every pair personal. The numbers back it up. Crocs generated over $4 billion in revenue in 2024. Baggy jeans are no different. Retailers abroad and in Nigeria report a higher demand for loose-fitting clothes than skinny jeans, indicating just how profound the shift has become.

Read Also:

• Lagos Street Style: How Nigeria’s Fashion Capital Redefines Global …
• Gen Z Revives Y2K Fashion in Nigeria: Nostalgia Meets Modern Style
• Circular Fashion in Nigeria: Turning Textile Waste into Opportunity

The Nigerian Fashion Connection

This “ugly” wave is actually opening new opportunities for Nigerian fashion. Thrift shopping, also known as ‘okrika’, already has a strong culture in Nigeria. Gen Z is now reframing it as fashionable rather than just economical. Local accessory makers, beaded jewellery artisans, crochet bag makers, and even custom shoe designers are benefiting from this shift toward quirky, personal styling.

What once seemed cheap or unserious is now celebrated as creative and unique. For Nigerian designers, the trend means breaking away from only chasing “polished” Western silhouettes. It creates room for experimenting with exaggerated cuts, bold prints, and accessories that look handmade or imperfect. In other words, “ugly” fashion could be one of the forces that help Nigerian fashion stand out globally for its originality.

Sustainability and Individuality

Another driver is the culture of thrift and resale. With global conversations about sustainability, Nigerian youths are embracing “bend down select” and vintage stores not just to save money but to build identities through unique fashion pieces. Ugly fashion thrives here because nothing feels more authentic than a one-of-a-kind thrifted item.

Conclusion

“Ugly” fashion isn’t really ugly; it’s a rejection of old definitions of beauty. It’s comfort meeting self-expression, nostalgia colliding with creativity, and irony transforming into identity. For Gen Z, Crocs, baggy jeans, and quirky accessories aren’t just clothes; they’re cultural statements. And for Nigeria, this shift is more than a trend; it’s a chance to elevate local fashion, thrift markets and creative startups in the global conversation.

‘Ugly’ is no longer an insult. It’s a new way of being stylish.

FAQs

1. What factors have contributed to the renewed popularity of Crocs?

Because comfort, nostalgia and influencer culture aligned. Social media made them trendy, and collaborations turned them into must-haves.

2. Why do Gen Z love baggy clothes?

They’re comfortable, reference 90s/Y2K nostalgia and allow for expressive styling. Baggy fits also challenge the old idea that tight clothing is automatically stylish.

3. How does ugly fashion affect Nigerian fashion?

It gives more visibility to thrift markets, encourages local accessory makers and pushes designers to experiment with bold, unconventional looks.

4. Is ugly fashion sustainable?

Yes, partly. Many ugly fashion pieces are sourced from thrift stores or second-hand shops, reducing waste. But fast-fashion brands also profit from the trend, which complicates the sustainability story.

5. Will skinny jeans and fitted clothes come back?

Fashion is cyclical. Baggy is in now, but slimmer silhouettes will eventually return. The real difference is that today’s fashion world embraces multiple styles at once.