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Take a flying leap into this throwback style.
Falling halfway between track pants and comfy cargos, parachute pants have the volume and relaxed fit of baggy jeans with the sheen and lightweight feel of your favorite swishy joggers. Given chutes’ roominess and streetwear energy, you might think parachute pants outfit options are limited to the ultra-casual, but as the 11 looks below prove, these throwback bottoms are anything but basic.
It’s believed that parachute pants got their name from the lightweight, swishy nylon they were originally made in. Back in the ’80s, these roomy bottoms were part of breakdancers’ signature style and rose to popularity thanks to music icons like MC Hammer. In the aughts, pop stars were often spotted in low-rise versions of this pant, and while less popular than they once were, parachute pants are still a street-style staple.
Ahead, we've rounded up 11 parachute pants outfit ideas that run the gamut from luxe to laid back and added styling tips and hacks so you can take flight in a pair of your own.
Color Match a Cropped Top
Parachute pants have a powerful fashion impact, but you can level up their statement-making potential even more by opting for a fully monochromatic outfit. When paired with a crop top, the signature lines of these pants remain undisturbed while opting for a knit or ribbed texture will create contrast — a must-have when wearing a singular shade.
Business Casual
There’s an echo of wide-leg trousers in parachute pants that make them easy to style with business casual separates. To make this fashion genre-blending parachute pants outfit sing, aim to add at least one office-worthy element, like a blazer, and one overtly casual piece like a tank top or sneakers.
Add a Sleeveless Sweater
Add an air of sophistication to any parachute pants outfit by wearing a luxurious sleeveless sweater or sweater vest on top. We recommend choosing a pair of chunky sneakers or lug-sole boots to create seamless lines from the waist down and trying out a half-tuck on top.
Combine a Bra and Blazer
Parachute pants have a rich streetwear history, making them ideal for trendy outfits that combine bold and daring seasonal separates. A bra or bralette worn with a boxy blazer creates a standout silhouette that’s sure to turn heads.
Wear Rosettes
For a slightly more modest, but equally trendy parachute pants outfit, we recommend keeping the blazer layer seen in the look above but swapping out the bra for a ruffly rosette crop top. Sleek sandals will add a luxe feel while on-trend sneakers deliver an edgy, more casual vibe.
Chic With Khaki
Due to their athletic origins and nylon or nylon-like material, parachute pants tend to feel more casual than elevated. However, that doesn’t mean you can create a luxe look with these over-the-top pants. To create a chic date night look or an evening event outfit, look for a pair of ‘chutes in khaki, a color known for its big business energy.
Mix Metallics
Alternatively, lean into parachute pants’ casual sheen by opting for a pair in metallic nylon or satin. On-trend metallics will accentuate the volume and shape of your bottoms, especially when worn with mixed metal jewelry, coordinated outerwear, and shoes or boots in a contrasting matte texture.
Incorporate a Collared Shirt
Parachute pants stand out thanks to their structure so it makes perfect style sense to add a structured top when putting together a parachute pants outfit. We love the look of a collared shirt in a supple, soft fabric like chiffon or silk when taking this sartorial approach.
Alternatively, you can create cohesion by choosing a button-down in a similar fabric as your pants.
Color Block
For a bold parachute pants outfit that’s both striking and streamlined, keep your ‘fit’s color palette limited to two shades: a saturated one for your pants and a neutral tone for your top and accessories. This styling approach will earn you major points for overall outfit cohesion while creating a bold look that still feels effortlessly understated.
Tailored Separates
Despite their signature volume, parachute pants don’t have to swallow you — or your outfit — whole. A close-fitting blazer won’t just add sleekness to your parachute pants outfit’s silhouette; it also adds an air of intentionality. A long-line blazer creates echoes of a dropped waist, while a shorter style can create an hourglass effect.
Swap Out Work Slacks
One easy way to introduce parachute pants into your outfit rotation without sacrificing or straying too far from your signature style is to wear them in place of your go-to work pants. While it might seem counterintuitive to swap office attire for this streetwear staple, the resulting look will be OOTD-worthy and entirely unique to you.