"Can't You Just Zip Up?" Despite Moms' Complaints, Why This Pair of Jeans Is a Hit Among Gen Z

'Foldover Jeans' Captivate Gen Z in the U.S.
Online Reactions Remain Divided

Following the trends of low-rise waistlines and loose-fitting baggy jeans, 'Foldover Jeans,' which appear as if the button and zipper are undone, are gaining popularity among Generation Z in the United States.

Foldover jeans from the clothing brand Hollister (left) and the foldover style of Hollywood actress Millie Bobby Brown (right). Hollister website, photo captured from @milliebobbybrown Instagram

'Unzipped Jeans' Fever... Viral After Celebrities Wore Them on Social Media

On July 22 (local time), the New York Post reported that foldover jeans have become popular among younger consumers, prompting not only leading fashion brands but even luxury labels to consecutively launch their own versions.

Foldover jeans are designed so that extra folded or fixed fabric is attached at the waistband, making the front of the jeans look as if it is open. Some products feature materials with floral or striped patterns to mimic the appearance of an underwear waistband.

This style began to go mainstream in 2022 after American influencers like Addison Rae and singer Doja Cat made headlines by unzipping regular jeans and folding over the waistband for a distinctive look.

There is a wide price range for these jeans. Fashion brand Fashion Nova sells foldover jeans for $35 (about 50,000 won), Hollister offers them for $60 (about 88,000 won), and Agolde's version is $268 (about 390,000 won).

On luxury online retailer Net-a-Porter, a Japanese designer brand Sacai product is listed at $1,210 (about 1,770,000 won). This pair is characterized by an actual open zipper design at the front.

Coordination using fold-over style as well as content that directly alters or folds existing jeans to style them is also spreading on social media. Instagram capture

Sold Out in Stores, DIY Alterations... Online Reactions Are Polarized

The response from young consumers has been enthusiastic. A Hollister store employee in Manhattan, New York, shared that the $60 foldover jeans consistently sell out, with the cycle of restocking and running out repeatedly driven by steady demand.

At U.S. department store Nordstrom, a $279 (about 410,000 won) product from Spanish fashion brand Desigual, made in collaboration with Ukrainian designer Masha Popova, sold out as well. The Addicted store in New York's Soho also reported that most related products are out of stock.

Some college students are even making their own custom versions. Sophia Yassinger, a student at Duke University, noted that students purchase oversized jeans, fold over the waistband, and sew them to create their own foldover jeans.

In contrast, older generations have shown a colder response. Some parents express concern about the revealing nature of the trend. Lisa Alvarez, a mother of two daughters, said, "Whenever my kids come downstairs wearing those jeans, I want to say, 'Please zip up your pants.' It's really annoying."

On online forums, there are divided opinions, with some saying, "It looks like someone who just came from or is heading to the restroom," while others describe it as "just another recurring element of fashion culture across generations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.