LifestyleFlare sweatpants: the Y2K trend transforming streetwear

Flare sweatpants: the Y2K trend transforming streetwear

Hailey Bieber revealed what she wears instead of leggings.
Hailey Bieber revealed what she wears instead of leggings.
Images source: © Getty Images
Aleksandra Szablak

10 May 2024 13:31

The expiration date for classic leggings clinging to the calf is approaching. That's the current perspective. In the trend race, sweatpants with a flare cut, favoured by it-girls, are taking the lead.

"Flare sweatpants" has become one of the most frequently typed searches in recent days. Are we missing our beloved hippie pants style? Meanwhile, do we not want to forsake the comfort we became accustomed to during the pandemic?

Flare sweatpants are a hit item from the Y2K hit list, fondly remembered by millennials, who strutted through the streets in a Juicy Couture set in the 2000s. However, flare sweatpants in their current edition appear much more stylish.

The height of extravagance

Jessica Mercedes is keen on eccentric trends, adhering to the principle "the weirder, the better". An unconventional mix of fur with grey flare sweatpants and white booties represents the pinnacle of extravagance, a concept that the world would have labelled "the epitome of tackiness" a decade ago. Yet, fashion is variable, and trends from the turn of the millennium are enjoying their second wind.

Jessica Mercedes is a fan of flare sweatpants.
Jessica Mercedes is a fan of flare sweatpants.© Instagram

The ideal base

For those who love comfort and sporty styling, a trendy cut of leggings is indispensable. Anna Lewandowska brought flare sweatpants into the training room, dancing in black pants with a flared cut. They excel as a foundation for styling. Yet, their exciting and unusual cut captures attention.

Anna Lewandowska in tracksuit flares
Anna Lewandowska in tracksuit flares© Instagram

In afternoon circumstances

One of the leading it-girls is also a devoted fan of flare sweatpants. Hailey Bieber goes for flare sweatpants for afternoon and casual occasions. The influencer opted for a sand shade, neutral enough to go well with most colours. Paired with plush slippers and a leather jacket, flare sweatpants have transcended the "home clothes" category and "gym wardrobe".

Hailey Bieber opts for flare sweatpants.
Hailey Bieber opts for flare sweatpants.© Getty Images

Flare sweatpants in good style

Kendall Jenner has demonstrated that comfortable and stretchy flare-cut pants can integrate into high-grade styling. The model combined the significantly flared leg with a suede jacket, crop top, cowboy boots, and a "baguette" bag. The distinctive "flare" of the pants emphasises hips and waist brilliantly.

Kendall Jenner in flared leggings
Kendall Jenner in flared leggings© Getty Images | TheStewartOfNY

Zoom on patterns

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez chose stretchy flares in geometric patterns over universal leggings or the everyday wide-leg sweatpants. The high-waisted design accentuates the waist and creates a perfect canvas for experimenting with a short top. Interestingly, the cropped yet wide construction of the "top" complements the flared leg, establishing symmetrical proportions.

Jennifer Lopez in patterned flares
Jennifer Lopez in patterned flares© Getty Images | Christopher Polk

They match everything

Bella Hadid is the contemporary pioneer of this trend and the most avid fan of stretchy and comfortable flare pants. The model was the first to showcase these pants in the city, introducing another element of Y2K style.

Bella Hadid in flared joggers
Bella Hadid in flared joggers© Getty Images | 2023 Gotham

Bella Hadid doesn't reserve her flare sweatpants solely for the gym. Consider her caramel flares, held up by an elastic band at the hips, typical for jogging or yoga pants. Comfortable flares offer an alternative not only to leggings but also to jeans, corduroys, or suede trousers. They offer exceptional flexibility in styling and, moreover, are comfortable. We've already added them to our shopping list, have you?

Bella Hadid in flared trousers
Bella Hadid in flared trousers© Getty Images
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