Why Oversized Is a Design Choice, Not a Trend

What does oversized fit mean?

Oversized clothing often gets reduced to a trend cycle. It appears, disappears, and reappears again under a different name. But for me, oversized dressing has never been about what’s currently popular. It’s about how clothing feels when it’s worn — and how it allows you to move through your day.

This cardigan was designed to be oversized intentionally. Not as an afterthought, and not as a compromise, but as a deliberate design decision. I wanted a silhouette that created ease rather than restriction, one that felt confident without being rigid.

When proportions are considered carefully, oversized clothing doesn’t overwhelm the body. Instead, it creates balance. There’s space for the fabric to drape, for movement, and for layering without effort. That sense of ease is what makes oversized pieces feel modern rather than sloppy.

I spent time thinking about how this cardigan would actually be worn. Buttoned up for a cleaner look. Left open when you want something relaxed. Half-buttoned when you want structure without stiffness. An oversized fit allows for all of these options without the garment losing its shape or intention.

There’s also a psychological aspect to oversized dressing that’s often overlooked. Clothing that doesn’t cling doesn’t demand constant awareness. You’re not adjusting it throughout the day or thinking about how it sits every time you move. That freedom matters more than we often realise.

Starting with one fit was part of that same thinking. Rather than offering multiple sizes straight away, I focused on refining a silhouette that could work across different bodies and styling preferences. A fit that feels purposeful whether worn loosely or more closely, depending on how you choose to style it.

How to wear oversized cardigan

Oversized doesn’t mean shapeless. The balance lies in proportion — sleeve length, shoulder placement, overall length. When these elements are considered properly, the result feels intentional rather than accidental. This was one of the most important parts of the design process.

There’s a quiet confidence in wearing something that isn’t trying to define your body for you. Oversized pieces don’t rely on trends or tight tailoring to make their point. They exist on their own terms.

This approach also aligns with a slower way of building a wardrobe. Pieces that are easy to wear tend to be worn more often. They become familiar, dependable, and eventually indispensable. That’s what I wanted this cardigan to be.

Oversized, in this context, isn’t about making a statement. It’s about creating space — for movement, for comfort, and for personal style to come through. And when clothing allows that, it stops feeling like a trend and starts feeling like a choice.