By Aliyah Olowolayemo
There’s a certain ease that comes with stepping out in clothes that don’t cling. It’s freeing. It’s bold. It’s drama. Once dismissed as sloppy or ill-fitting, oversized fashion has now cemented its place on runways, in editorials, and on the streets.
Once upon a time, if your jeans weren’t tight or your jackets weren’t nipped at the waist, people assumed you had no sense of style. But fashion is fickle. Trends change, tides turn—and right now, oversized is the moment. What used to be the opposite of stylish is now the height of it. “Look good, look baggy” might sound like the start of a fashion faux pas, but in 2025, it’s a bona fide style mantra. From exaggerated blazers and balloon trousers to boxy button-downs, the oversized silhouette has taken hold of Nigerian fashion—and it’s not letting up anytime soon.
Mastering the Art of Too-Much-But-Just-Enough
The magic of oversized fashion lies in proportion, not just size. It’s about knowing how volume, length, and shape can work together to elevate your look instead of overwhelming it. Think slouchy trousers cinched at the waist and paired with a sharp crop top—perfection. Or an enormous shirt half-tucked into tailored shorts—effortless. A boxy blazer over the tiniest mini skirt? That’s fashion gold.
The best oversized outfits strike a delicate balance. Let one piece do the heavy lifting while the rest falls into place. If your trousers are wide and sweeping, keep your top more fitted. If your jacket is tent-sized, go sleek down below. The key is to allow one voluminous item to take centre stage, while everything else plays a supportive role in shape and silhouette.
Everyone Needs Just a Little Bit Extra
Global brands like The Row, Balenciaga, and Jacquemus have long embraced the oversized wave, but Nigerian designers aren’t far behind. Orange Culture’s fluid shapes, Emmy Kasbit’s exaggerated tailoring, and Tokyo James’ architectural volumes all prove that oversized can be just as elegant, considered, and refined as anything body-hugging.
These designers have mastered the art of silhouette, showing that you don’t need sequins or embroidery to make a statement. Sometimes, the drama is in the cut.
Celebrities Are In On It Too
Celebrities are championing the look as well. Tems has made voluminous, structured pieces her signature, proving that you can be fully covered and still command every room. Burna Boy often leans into oversized silhouettes for his off-duty looks, pairing relaxed tailoring with bold shoes and statement accessories. Even the most tailored stars know there’s something powerful about a little extra fabric.
Comfort is the New Cool
Let’s be real: one of the biggest appeals of oversized fashion is comfort. After years of squeezing into bodycon dresses and stiff denim, the liberating feel of a roomy shirt or wide-leg pants is unmatched. But make no mistake—this isn’t about choosing comfort over style. It’s about merging the two. Oversized dressing is where fashion and function finally meet in the middle.
Big Fits, Big Energy
Oversized chic isn’t just a style trend—it’s a shift in attitude. It speaks to comfort, confidence, and a reimagining of what it means to be stylish. As more Nigerian designers and fashion lovers embrace this silhouette, it’s clear that big fits aren’t going anywhere.
Baggy is beautiful. Slouch is style. And if you show up looking like you borrowed your dad’s blazer or your boyfriend’s jeans? Trust us—that’s the look.
