Over the past year, numerous designers and celebrities have showcased their affinity for going pantless. In a world where hemlines know no bounds and visible undergarments, thank you Miu Miu’s micro skirts, along with liberated nipples, have become part of our everyday reality, this evolution seems perfectly logical. Do fewer clothes mean more style?
Ever since Emma Corrin graced the Miu Miu AW 2023 runway in a pair of gold sequin knickers, the following months have been dominated by sightings of panties and hot pants on the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and more recently, Selena Gomez. Despite the arrival of winter, the reluctance to “put clothes back on” persists. What initially appeared to be a daring styling choice, reserved only for those seeking attention, has proliferated to the streets.
The origins of this trend can be traced back to the 1950s, initially emerging as a form of dancewear during the mod era. Dancers often layered leotards over tights to create a more elongated and elegant line, sometimes complemented by shirts or sweaters belted to define their waistlines.
The trend experienced a resurgence in the 1980s with the aerobics craze, epitomized by Jane Fonda’s workout wear and Jamie Lee Curtis’s in the 1985 film “Perfect.” High-cut leotards with belts became the go-to athletic fashion. In the 1990s, the no-pants look graced the runways of Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Moving into the early 2000s, Christian Dior and Miu Miu continued to champion the style.
However, the pantless trend only recently shifted away from its athletic associations. In 2022, Kendall Jenner made a statement in a look from Bottega Veneta’s spring 2023 collection, featuring a navy blue knit sweater with white cuffs, black briefs over sheer black tights, and black slingback heels. Bottega Veneta wasn’t alone in showcasing this style; Valentino couture, Victoria Beckham, and Raf Simons also embraced pantlessness in their collections.
Since then, the trend has only continued to gain more enthusiasts, but it certainly took several months for the trend to become a favorite among the general public. As we celebrate a year of pantless fashion making its mark on runways and streets alike, we can’t help but wonder: will this trend continue into 2024 or is it a fleeting fashion moment? When we look back to 2023 will we be horrified by this looks or ready to wear them all over again?