Where did the fad of young men wearing their pants down around their lower waist area come from?

Question

I have heard that it started at San Quinten prison as a sign that you were available for homosexual activity. Is this true? If so, why would anyone who isn't gay want to display themselves in this manner?

Answer 1

Had not heard that! But have long time been curious myself about it.
Have heard it is in part to that gangster look.

Either way, no less attractive than these young girls with their underwear strap showing above their lowriders.

When I was growing up and your clothes were too big for you, you simply did not wear them or shared them with someone who could......whatever happened to self respect about how you look?!

Also - what is the purpose of having a hat or visor with a bill and wearing it on the backside of your head?
Duh - the bill is to keep the light out of your eyes.

Mercy and this is the next generation to guide our country!

Answer 2

While everyone pretty much agrees that it originated in prison, there are varying reasons why it started.

While it MIGHT have been a signal that you were ready and willing, I think that a more plausible explanation is that belts and shoelaces aren't allowed as they can be used as a weapon against others or yourself. No belt means that the government standard issue prison garb isn't going to fit everyone. Some men, in an effort to be comfortable, may have chosen clothing that was too big, rather than too small. With the lack of belt an unfortunate fashion was born.

Answer 3

In prison or jail, the clothing is not tailor made to fit the inmates. A lot of the times, people would rather err on the side of having clothes too big, than having them too snug. Guys would get out of jail, and continue to wear their clothes like that, partly as a sort of status symbol to give them street cred. From there, it passed over into urban/street type fashion.

By the way, isn't the whole loose, droopy pants thing going out of style? A lot of young Black, urban guys really like to keep up on fashion, and the trend for some time has been for clothes that are more form fitting.

Answer 4

Loose pants means you can hide guns in there. It means you're packing. It's a desired look if you want to be considered a bad @$$. So then it became a fad. Then the pants became lower and even more loose. It's pretty funny though when the pants fall off! I've seen this!
:D

Answer 5

I dont (age 17 if you must know) they go on the waist with a belt to secure. I thinks its hillaroiuse though especially when the pants fall down or when they struggle to walk.

Answer 6

Has NOTHING to do with prison or being gay.

It is another attempt by young people to irritate and confuse older people....just like sideburns, bell-bottoms, afros,, platform heels and a million other crazy things we've all done.



Of course we could end it.....if the gay community convinced these boys that we think it's hot it would end tomorrow.

Answer 7

I hear that it is a ghetto thing; I don't understand it either.

It reminds me of the film "Mary Poppins" where Dick Van Dyke is dancing with the penguin waiters.

I know, it looks just as stupid now too.

Answer 8

Up here in NYC, you hardly ever see it anymore. Which is good--that fad hung on way too long, mostly 'cause people got all outraged over it.

Answer 9

I belive the afro american culture first started this.
Usally thge pants are handed down, So the smaller kid gets his big brotehers leftovers.

Answer 10

if that's the case im glad my pants fit properly.