Laws of Saggy Pants

Baggy Jeans became popular back in the 1990’s. Some say the trend started in prison, where oversized uniforms were issued without belts, because belts could be used as a weapon. Others say rap artist such as Mark Wahlberg, back then know as “Marky Mark” help popularize the baggy jeans and exposed underwear. But no matter who started it, the trend became very popular in the 90’s. It was mostly celebrated by the hip-hop culture, but designers such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger were celebrating the trend. Jeans are considered too baggy if they are so low they expose the underwear, and now states are trying to outlaw them.

Cities such as Atlanta, are trying their hardest to ban saggy jeans, and are considering it to be a crime against the indecency laws. Eugene Williams, mayor of Lynwood, led a campaign to impose $25 dollar fines against anyone who reveals three inches or more of their drawers. And in Louisiana there are several cities where residents can be fined for $500 for showing their Calvin’s.

But is this going against our US constitutional right of freedom of expression? Many people believe that it is not right to dictate how people can and in this case, can’t dress. Benjamin Chavis, the former executive director of the NAACP said “I think to criminalize how people wear their clothing is more offensive than what the remedy is trying to do.” In agreement to this statement, The American Civil Liberties Union has been steadfast in its opposition to the dress restrictions.

To some, saggy jeans are disrespectful. The way that people walk in saggy jeans, to some, is considered to convey a thuggish swagger and disrespect to authority. But when it comes down to it, people might not like saggy jeans, yes but there is really no way to dictate how someone should dress. People do walk funny in saggy jeans, but it’s no reason to outlaw them. The clothes that people wear are a reflection of who that person is, it’s a way to express themselves without saying a word. Making such a big deal about saggy jeans is one of the farthest things that people should have on their minds, especially when there are so much bigger issues that are going on in the world.

History
Designers
Stereotypes