Loosefitting

Loosefitting refers to clothing designed with extra space between the garment and the wearer's body, so it hangs away rather than clinging to the silhouette. It sits between relaxed and oversized styles, emphasizing comfort and ease of movement.

Design features include cutting with positive ease, minimal shaping darts, and fullness at seams or hems. Garments may use gathers, pleats, or elasticized areas at the waist or cuffs to preserve volume while remaining wearable.

Fabric choice influences how loose a garment appears. Draping fabrics such as jersey, rayon, or chiffon fall softly, while stiffer fabrics like denim or twill maintain more structure even when cut loose. The amount of ease and the cut line determine the final silhouette.

Loose-fitting garments offer practical benefits, including comfort, better air circulation, and ease of layering. They can provide modesty and accommodate a range of body shapes. Drawbacks can include bulkiness, a potential loss of shape, and, for certain activities, reduced performance or equipment fit.

In fashion, loose fits have a long history in various cultures and have repeatedly reappeared in mainstream trends, from bohemian styles to athleisure. Modern terminology often uses “loose,” “relaxed fit,” or “oversized” to describe different levels of looseness.

Care considerations include potential fabric shrinkage and the need to maintain shape, depending on fiber and construction. Garments may require gentle washing or line drying to preserve volume and drape.