90’s Street Style Baggy Snowboarding Pants

My Personal Aesthetic

20th Century Influence

Although not as popular as it is today, street style snowboarding began in the late 80s becoming more popular in the 90’s. Riders such as Janna Meyen started the movement from slope style to street style (Fig 1). Individuals who participated in this sport typically wore baggy pants and t-shirts influence casual wear in the sport.

Fig 1. Janna Meyen, 1993

Instead of your typical ski-suit, street style riders commonly wore a casual t-shirt and comfortable pants. This style was seen in 90’s snowboarding movies such as Snowboarders in Exile (Fig 2.).

Fig 2. Jerry Dungan Film, 1990

 

Since punk and rock music was starting to become popular around this time, I believe the music’s free, rebellious attitude inspired boarders to counter conform to the typical tight, ordinary ski uniform.

Fig 3. H.R. 90’s punk band show

 

With the singer stage-diving and rowdy crowd as seen in Fig 3., music of the late 80’s and 90’s rejected polished mainstream music and polished sound of mainstream music. Similarly, the 90’s street style music went against the norms of back country and slope style riding.

Embracing this style today, boarders who typically ride park wear exceptionally baggy pants. This allows for more movement while riding but is also a fashion statement.

Past Influence

Since both of my parents were avid snowboarders, I was taught how to snowboard at a young age. While I did not wear baggier, casual clothes until last year, I do share the same music taste that I though inspired the style of 90’s street style riders. With a past of snowboarding, admiration of 90’s punk, and interest in fashion, I thought making my own version of baggy pants influenced by street riders was a perfect way to make my dream pair of snowboarding pants.

The Project

In need of new snowboarding pants, I will be making camo snowboarding pants that are loose-fitting and look like something I would wear casually. I have already made a pair of pants that slightly resemble the aesthetic I am going for as seen on the left in the featured image. However, they are not baggy enough and kept ripping up the middle. After learning from my past mistakes, I hope to make a pair of pants that I can wear without ripping and incorporate a 90’s street style aesthetic.

Plans

Since I have an admiration for many 90’s street style professional riders, I will be sticking with this aesthetic for my final project. Not only is this topic a movement, but a whole aesthetic in its own that I am excited to incorporate into a fashion piece and use while doing my favorite hobby. My steps to finish this project are the following:

  1. Make a pattern using actual pattern paper (I only have normal paper now)
  2. Buy elastic for the bottom of the pants and a zipper
  3. Cut out my already owned waterproof camo fabric and inner lining fabric
  4. Pin the inner and outer fabric together and sew
  5. Pin the legs together and sew
  6. Make the waist band
  7. Add belt loops
  8. Sew the elastic to the bottom to prevent snow from getting into the pants
  9. Finishing sewing touches
  10. Wear them on the mountain

 

4 Comments. Leave new

  • Ayesha Rawal
    March 6, 2025 3:34 pm

    Hi Kalin, this is such a cool project! I love that you explored the origins of the aesthetic and where it came from. How do you stay warm? I know you mentioned waterproofing, but is there some sort of insulation or layering technique with this style? Very excited to see the outcome, nice concept!

    • Hey Ayesha! I really appreciate your feedback. I stay warm by sewing an inner layer of black cotton onto the outer, waterproof layer. However, this fabric is thin so I would also wear leggings underneath on cold days. Thanks again!

  • Hi Kalin! I really like your inspiration for your project! I am also a snowboarder and I prefer this aesthetic over the typical ski suits that you see on the mountain. I also like how this style was influenced by punk music, giving the rebellious attitude even more meaning. What do you think would be the biggest challenge for this project?

    I am excited to see your final result! 🙂

    • Hey Jamie! Thanks for the input, glad to know you also prefer the baggy pants aesthetic. My biggest challenge would be time. To assure these fit right and look professional, I need to make sure everything is perfect from the pattern to each cut of fabric.

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