Belts are out, ropes and shoelaces are in. The internet’s favorite fashion disruptors—Gen Z and TikTok stylists—are taking oversized denim to the next level. Forget the perfectly tailored waistband; it’s all about that “I-just-threw-this-on” cinched look.
The Rise of Oversized Denim
Baggy jeans have cycled back from the 90s and Y2K closets. Comfort + streetwear edge = fashion gold. The bigger the better—jeans that hang off the hip are part of the point.
The Belt Problem
Here’s the thing: belts don’t actually work that well with oversized denim. They tend to ride up, refuse to sit flat, and can make the waistband gape or bunch. Instead of a clean, relaxed slouch, you end up with an awkward balloon of fabric cinched at the back. In other words: messy, but not in a cool way.
From Pregnancy Hack to Fashion Trend
Interestingly, this way of tying up jeans may have first gained traction as a pregnancy hack. More women are rejecting traditional maternity wear in favor of simply wearing their old jeans—unzipped, unbuttoned, and fastened with a shoelace or hair tie. It’s practical, comfortable, and allows them to keep their personal style. What started as a clever workaround for a changing body has now bled into mainstream fashion as a styling choice, embraced by people well beyond maternity.
The Beltless Rebellion
Ropes, shoelaces, and cords tie flat, stay put, and create an intentional cinch rather than a bulky one. On top of that, they carry an anti-fashion energy—rejecting polished accessories for something lo-fi, scrappy, and unexpectedly stylish.
DIY Appeal
Everyone has an old shoelace or cord lying around. It’s cheap, accessible, and instantly personalizes your outfit. No two cinches are the same—your “belt” becomes a creative accessory.
How to Style It
• Oversized carpenter jeans + neon rope for a statement.
• Vintage Levi’s + black shoelace = casual, skater-core.
• Go maximalist with a chunky climbing rope or minimalist with a thin cord.
Closing Thought:
The belt might still have its place in the office, but on the streets (and on TikTok), rope and shoelaces are redefining how we cinch our denim. From pregnancy hacks to fashion statements, they solve the fit problem and double as a style move. It’s lo-fi, playful, and a little rebellious—exactly how fashion should be.