The Complete History and Style Guide to Dropped Crotch Shorts

The History of Dropped Crotch Shorts

Dropped crotch shorts, also sometimes called low crotch shorts or saggy shorts, refer to shorts that sag significantly below the natural waistline. This style has its origins in skateboarder culture in the 1990s, when skaters would wear oversized shorts and pants to allow for better movement and coverage while doing tricks. The style was picked up by hip hop culture as well and became a streetwear staple in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Origins in Skateboarding and Hip Hop Fashion

As skateboarding culture grew in popularity in the 80s and 90s, skaters began wearing baggier clothing both for comfort and style. Oversized t-shirts, hoodies, and shorts allowed more freedom of movement and kept skin covered when doing tricks. Skaters would also often wear shorts and pants low on the hips, leading to the saggy dropped crotch aesthetic.

This skater style was soon adopted by hip hop artists like Kris Kross, who famously wore their clothes backward in the early 90s. Other rappers and hip hop figures like Jay Z and Diddy began wearing extra baggy jeans and shorts as streetwear took off. The dropped crotch look allowed freedom of movement for dancing, became associated with street culture, and gave rappers their own distinctive fashion.

Rise in Mainstream Fashion

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, dropped crotch shorts and pants came back into the mainstream in a big way. With the rise of celebrity figures like Justin Bieber and One Direction sporting the style, saggy crotch shorts and pants were soon seen all over from the runways to schools. What originated partly as a functional skater aesthetic became a full-on fashion trend.

During this time dropped crotch shorts and jeans were offered by higher-end designers and retailers alongside the standard streetwear brands that sold them. However, some schools banned overly baggy or sagging pants at this time, considering them inappropriate attire.

Dropped Crotch Short Styles

There are a few distinctive style elements that set dropped crotch shorts apart from standard shorts:

Oversized, Baggy Fit

Dropped crotch shorts have an oversized, loose fit that is much baggier than typical shorts. They are designed to sag significantly, sometimes even reaching mid-thigh level at the crotch. The baggy style gives complete freedom of movement and a very slouchy silhouette.

Low-Slung Waist

The waistline of dropped crotch shorts is worn very low, below the hips, which leads to the saggy crotch appearance. Sometimes the waist almost blends into the legs with hardly any differentiation.

Long Inseams

Dropped crotch shorts tend to have longer inseams than usual, which increases the baggy appearance. Inseams of 8-15 inches are common for these shorts.

Distressed Details

Distressed details like ripped knees, fraying hems, and bleaching add to the rugged streetwear vibe of most dropped crotch shorts. Intentionally worn and damaged touches align with the casual skater-inspired aesthetic.

Wearing Dropped Crotch Shorts

When sporting dropped crotch shorts, there are some styling guidelines that can take the look from sloppy to street savvy:

Pair with Tighter Tops

Balancing the voluminous shorts with a more tailored top prevents looking overwhelmed. Form-fitting t-shirts, tank tops, or crop tops complement the shorts well.

Add Some Bulk On Top

Adding some bulk up top through an oversized hoodie, flannel, or jacket helps balance proportions. Keep the shorts baggy but balance with looser layers.

Play with Proportion

Cropping a tee at the waistband or tucking in a slim shirt plays up the extreme volume of the shorts for dramatic styling.

Keep It Simple

Let the statement shorts shine by keeping the rest of the look simple and muted. Basic t-shirts, sneakers or sandals, and minimal accessories give the shorts maximum impact.

The Future of Dropped Crotch Shorts

Though they originated decades ago, dropped crotch shorts cycle in and out of mainstream fashion while remaining a staple of streetwear and skater style. Here are some predictions for their future:

Continued Presence in Streetwear

In skating and hip hop culture, the saggy dropped crotch style will always have a place. As a cornerstone of iconic street style, these shorts are here to stay even as trends change.

Periodic Comebacks

Every 5-10 years dropped crotch shorts seem to penetrate mainstream fashion again after lying dormant for a while. Based on the cyclical nature of trends, saggy shorts will likely have surges in mass popularity in the future.

Evolution of Styles

While the fundamental silhouette remains the same, dropped crotch shorts adopt new design details like distressing, cut-outs, zippers, and dye techniques. The style evolves but keeps its signature oversized shape.

Gender Fluidity

Unisex and androgynous fashion is on the rise, opening the door for looser, baggier shorts styles to be increasingly worn by all genders. Dropped crotch shorts could enter further into women's fashion.

FAQs

Why do dropped crotch shorts sag so low?

Dropped crotch shorts are designed to sag below the natural waistline. This originally provided freedom of movement for skateboarders and breakdancers in the 90s. The low-slung silhouette also became part of the oversized streetwear aesthetic.

Are dropped crotch shorts still in style?

While they peaked in the late 2000s and early 2010s, dropped crotch shorts remain popular in streetwear and skating subcultures. They also cycle back into the mainstream every 5-10 years as styles from the 90s and 2000s are revived.

Who can pull off wearing dropped crotch shorts?

With the right styling, dropped crotch shorts can work for many body types. Balance the volume on bottom with tighter and cropped tops. Let the shorts make the statement by keeping other pieces simple.

Why were dropped crotch pants banned in some schools?

In the early 2010s some schools banned overly baggy pants or shorts with low hanging crotches. Administrators considered the style inappropriate and disruptive to the learning environment.

What is the difference between dropped crotch and regular shorts?

While regular shorts sit at the natural waistline, dropped crotch shorts have a low-slung waistline far below the hips. They also feature much baggier, oversized fits and longer inseams for an extremely slack silhouette.