nyc tank top shirt

What Is Y2K Clothing? A Guide to the Era, the Style, and Where to Shop

 

Did you know that miniskirts were invented as early as 1964? Back then, miniskirts only measured just above the knee and they soon phased out of fashion. However, they would later make an appearance in Y2K clothing and would be more stylish than ever. 

Y2K clothing was not only defined by miniskirts but also included many other stylish items of clothing such as low-rise pants and cropped T-shirts. But what is Y2K fashion exactly and how does it compare to the fashion of today? More than that, how can you know if this kind of fashion will look good on you and where should you shop if you want to buy some clothing items of this type? 

Keep reading and learn more about Y2K clothing below.

 

 

Low-Rise Pants in Y2K Fashion

Y2K stands for the year 2000. However, this type of fashion is actually characterized by what people wore in the late 1990s and early 2000s. You will find that looking back on Y2K outfits, they are quite different from the fashion we have today. 

One of the most popular trends during this time was low-rise pants. These pants, as the name suggests, were nothing like our modern high-rise pants. Instead, they sat over the hips rather than over the waist. 

This would give the wearer a completely different silhouette. Many people who used to wear pants of this kind back in the day may be reluctant to wear these pants again. This is because low-rise pants aren't flattering on everyone due to the way they fit. 

However, for those that can pull off this style and feel comfortable in it, low-rise pants can make a statement and give you the complete Y2K aesthetic. Low-rise pants, in general, were quite popular, but above all, people used to wear low-rise jeans. 

 

via GIPHY

What You Need to Know

These jeans would typically be tight in the thighs but then flare out slightly at the calves. At the same time, the jeans would tightly hug the hips and rear. Low-rise jeans would give women the chance to show off their curves compared to high-rise pants which are more revealing. 

Low-rise pants allow you to show much of your midriff, especially if you're wearing a cropped shirt of some kind. If you don't feel comfortable showing off so much skin, you can always wear a longer shirt to cover more of your body.

Back in the early 2000s and late 90s, navel piercings were very popular. For that reason, many women wanted to wear low-rise pants because they would show off their navel piercings.

Today, navel piercings are nowhere near as popular, but these pants still allow you to show off any tattoos you may have in the area. Low-rise jeans started to fade out of the world of fashion by the late 2000s. However, since Y2K trends are starting to make a strong comeback all of a sudden, don't be surprised if you start seeing people wearing these pants again. 

 

 

 

The Classic Pullover Hoodie

Pullover hoodies have never gone out of style, but they were especially popular during the era of Y2K fashion. Many people tend to think that hoodies are casual pieces of clothing meant for lounging around the house or going out for a jog, but this isn't necessarily true. In reality, there are many different ways you can style this item of clothing so that it matches your personal style while still reflecting the Y2K aesthetic. 

Of course, the easiest way to wear this kind of hoodie is to not style it at all. A classic black hoodie, for example, can actually look quite stylish all on its own. But what should you do if you want to style the hoodie in some way?

To get more of a classic and casual look, pairing this kind of hoodie with a pair of torn jeans will complete the aesthetic. The thing about hoodies is that they are baggy and casual, so why not pair them with other pieces of clothing that are similar?

Another great thing about hoodies is that, because they usually come in so many colors, pairing them with the rest of your outfit is a breeze. In the early 2000s, bright colors were very popular, especially pink. However, many people wore many dark colors layered on top of each other as well such as black on black or black on dark blue. 

subtleflight navy hoodie

The Details

If you have a black or white hoodie (or a hoodie in any other neutral shade) you shouldn't have any problem matching your hoodie with anything since these shades go with everything. On the other hand, if you decide to invest in a hoodie that is on the brighter side such as red or blue, choosing other items of clothing that contrast these colors is usually best. 

If you wear a red hoodie with red sweatpants, it might look a bit like you're wearing a tracksuit. Of course, this isn't a problem if that's the look you're going for since tracksuits were indeed popular during the early 2000s as well. Pairing your hoodie with a pair of worn-out sneakers is always a good idea. 

Sneakers, especially Converse and other similar shoes, were quite popular back in the Y2K era. For that reason, it only makes sense to pair a pullover hoodie with sneakers of this kind. Finally, the last great thing about these hoodies is that they are very comfortable. 

We live in an age where many people often end up sacrificing their comfort for the sake of fashion. If comfort is of absolute importance to you, then this isn't an option. Fortunately, many Y2K fashion items are comfortable and stylish at the same time. 

This is not to mention that it's very easy to find Y2K hoodies. Many stores have hoodies that are very similar to the Y2K aesthetic. However, if you want a truly Y2K hoodie, you don't have to look any further than SubtleFlight. 

SubtleFlight hoodies are not only comfortable and stylish but they are also eco-friendly and sustainable. What else could you want from a piece of clothing?

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Tank Top Shirts

There used to be a time when tank top shirts used to be all the rage. Today, it's hard to find anyone wearing them unless you're at the beach, and even then, it can still be a rare occasion to spot them. Because tank top shirts are not as popular as they used to be, it is also hard to find stores that sell them, especially high-quality ones. 

Fortunately, SubtleFlight sells these as well. But what makes tank tops so great anyway? Their very construction makes them perfect for hot summer weather. 

They are sleeveless and typically made of very lightweight material. As a result, you won't have to worry about sweating as much as you might when wearing an ordinary T-shirt in the summer weather. Tank tops come in many different colors which makes them very easy to pair with other items of clothing such as a stylish pair of sneakers or shorts. 

A good tank top can look stylish all on its own. However, there are also many ways in which you can add a bit more style to this shirt. If you look back on pictures of people wearing tank tops back in the late 90s or early 2000s, you will notice that a lot of them piled necklaces over their tank tops. 

This is a very classic look that anyone can pull off. Necklaces pair with tank tops perfectly because tank tops, by nature, are very minimal. While such a minimal shirt can look good on its own, it can also benefit from a bit of extra decoration which is exactly what a necklace or two can provide. 

 

Styling Your Tank Top

The necklaces you choose are completely up to you. You will find that many classic Y2K necklaces for men are on the chunky side and usually made of gold or at least plated with gold. However, you don't have to go out and drain your wallet on chunky gold necklaces to get the authentic Y2K look. 

You can also wear thin chain necklaces with your tank top and the necklaces don't have to be made of gold. You can even wear costume jewelry if you feel like it since many types of costume jewelry can pass for the real deal. In the early 2000s, people tended to wear several necklaces with their tank tops, usually more than two. 

This would give you a chance to show off your "bling," but be careful when wearing so many necklaces as they can get tangled up and ruin your look. This is especially true when putting them on and taking them off. If you don't want to deal with this problem, all you have to do is wear fewer necklaces or avoid wearing necklaces at all if you don't think they would fit your style. 

Bling doesn't only have to be in the fashion space. The kitchen is an awesome place to include some "bling". Check out these gold stainless steel cutlery sets and set your kitchen up for luxury.

Now back to fashion

 

The Classic T-Shirt

The T-shirt is perhaps the only item of clothing on this list that has never really gone out of style since the Y2K era. They are as popular now as they were back then. The structure of the T-shirt has gone virtually unchanged for 20 years, most likely because this particular shirt is so comfortable and stylish on its own that it doesn't need any particular kind of innovation. 

T-shirts are much like pullover hoodies in the fact that they come in many different colors and they can be styled with just about anything. More than that, T-shirts are quite minimal, so you can either dress them up or dress them down however you see fit. This is not to mention that T-shirts are very comfortable, especially the ones from SubtleFlight.

This is not to mention that a nice T-shirt is an essential part of anyone's wardrobe. If you don't have a good T-shirt on hand, your wardrobe is not yet complete. After all, you can wear these shirts almost anywhere.

Wearing Your T-Shirt

You can wear them to the gym, to a casual restaurant, or to lounge around at home in a stylish fashion. You might not be able to get into a fancy restaurant in a T-shirt, but how often do you go to such a restaurant anyway? As long as you have a few nice T-shirts on hand, you shouldn't be surprised if you find yourself wearing one every day.

The great thing about T-shirts these days is that they are more lightweight than ever so you don't have to worry about your shirt dragging you down or getting soaked with sweat. 

As with a hoodie, you can either wear this shirt on its own or find a unique way to give it a different look. A classic look is to wear your shirt with a pair of jeans. The simplicity of the shirt and jeans together end up complementing each other in a very nice way.

Wearing a T-shirt with a pair of jean shorts is also a stylish and casual outfit that anyone can put together. You can also wear leggings with your shirt, but keep in mind that leggings aren't true to the Y2K aesthetic. 

What You Need to Know About Y2K Clothing

Y2K clothing is quite different than the clothing that we wear today, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Y2K fashion is making a comeback like never before. More and more people are starting to wear classic Y2K style hoodies and low-rise jeans. 

If you want to start dressing in the Y2K style, you don't have to go far since SubtleFlight has everything you need. Click here to check out some styles.

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1 comment

I’m delighted you mentioned how common low-rise pants are in Y2K clothing. They can create a different silhouette because, as you indicated, they sit over the hips rather than the waist. I will absolutely share this with my daughter because she has been expressing interest in wearing this style. I’ll also look into Y2K apparel companies that could be able to assist her in buying a few items. I appreciate you sharing!

http://edhardyoriginals.com/collections/y2k

Victoria Addington

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