Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: The Rise of the Oversized Crewneck And How To Style It

Article image

The Rise of the Oversized Crewneck And How To Style It

It’s oversized, it’s slouchy, and it’s everywhere. The oversized crewneck isn’t just a fashion trend, rather a cultural shift. From LA street style to your TikTok feed, this roomy staple has become the unofficial uniform for comfort-meets-cool. And whether you're heading out or staying in, the oversized crewneck delivers the kind of laid-back confidence that doesn’t try too hard, but still lands.

And if you’re looking for the ultimate version? The American Apparel RF496 Crewneck Hoodie ticks all the boxes—premium fleece, a relaxed silhouette, and just the right amount of structure so it drapes perfectly without looking shapeless.

What Is an Oversized Crewneck?

This isn’t just your regular sweatshirt in a size up. The oversized crewneck is designed to be baggy. Think dropped shoulders, longer hems, wider sleeves—everything exaggerated in all the right ways. The fit? Relaxed. The vibe? Effortless. It’s not about looking sloppy; it’s about rethinking proportion to create a silhouette that feels modern and lived-in.

The American Apparel RF496 Crewneck Hoodie captures this perfectly. Its unisex fit and brushed fleece make it equally ready for city streets, coffee shop hangs, or a Netflix marathon.

Why Oversized Crewnecks Are Trending

In a world where comfort is a lifestyle, the oversized crewneck makes perfect sense. As remote work, streetwear, and unisex fashion take centre stage, this piece checks every box.

  • All-day ease: Ideal for lounging, coffee runs, or that ‘accidentally put-together’ look.
  • Layering potential: Roomy enough to throw over anything, but still streamlined when styled right.
  • Genderless appeal: Fashion is moving beyond the binary, and the oversized crewneck is along for the ride.

From the runway to the suburbs, everyone’s embracing the balance between comfort and edge. The RF496 Crewneck Hoodie is your ready-made version—no sizing up required.

Who’s Wearing Them?

If Hailey Bieber in an oversized crewneck and bike shorts is burned into your brain, you’re not alone. Celebs, influencers, and basically anyone who’s online has been spotted in the look. Gen Z has championed it, pairing oversized tops with micro shorts, high socks, or knee-high boots. Millennials are leaning into muted tones and tonal layering. Either way, it works across generations.

The RF496’s minimal design means it can fit into any of these style tribes without feeling try-hard. 

Why You Need One in Your Wardrobe

It’s the definition of throw-on-and-go. Oversized crewnecks work for:

  • All genders and sizes
  • All seasons—think cool summer nights, layered winter fits
  • All occasions, from the couch to casual hangs

If versatility is the goal, this is the hero piece.

How to Style an Oversized Crewneck

The Fit Formula:

You want relaxed, not drowning. The key is balance.

Do:

  • Go for slimmer bottoms: leggings, bike shorts, straight-leg denim.
  • Add structure: sleek trainers, a sharp bag, or a defined waist.
  • Tuck the front in for a subtle shape shift (hello, French tuck).

Don’t:

  • Pair with equally oversized bottoms unless you're chasing that full streetwear silhouette.
  • Over-layer without intention and it can get bulky fast.

Styling Ideas: Women’s Edition

  • Sporty edge: RF496 Crewneck Hoodie + bike shorts + chunky sneakers
  • Street statement: Layer over a mini skirt with combat boots and oversized sunnies
  • Lounge look: Soft neutral RF496 + wide-leg sweats + socks-and-slides energy
  • Smart casual: Over a button-up with tailored pants and loafers

Hot tip: Tucking the front hem into high-waist jeans or shorts adds shape without losing the oversized vibe.

Styling Ideas: Men’s Edition

  • Everyday cool: RF496 + slim joggers + high-top kicks
  • Monochrome moment: All-black RF496 + jeans + cap
  • Layered up: Turtleneck underneath, overcoat on top, beanie to finish
  • Throwback fit: Vintage-wash RF496 + baggy jeans + skate shoes

Just remember that balance the volume with sharper pieces below.

Layering Like You Mean It

Oversized crewnecks are made for smart layering:

  • Underneath: Shirts with collars, fitted turtlenecks, or thin knits
  • Over: T-shirts, tanks, or even a bodycon dress
  • Top layer: Trench coats, bombers, or puffer jackets

Crewneck Care Tips

Keep it looking and feeling good:

  • Wash cold to avoid shrinkage
  • Mild detergent for longevity
  • Air dry or tumble low
  • Fold, don’t hang, to keep the shoulders intact

Whether you’re leaning into loungewear or levelling up your street style, the oversized crewneck isn’t going anywhere. The American Apparel RF496 Crewneck Hoodie is the ultimate version. It is relaxed, expressive, and built to move with you. Throw one on, own the look, and make comfort your power move.

Pair it with your favourite American Apparel RF491 Sweatpants and complete the look.

Read more

Article image

The RF491 ReFlex Sweatpants: Comfort That Outranks Jeans

Let’s be honest—if you had to pick one pair of pants to live in, day after day, would you really choose jeans? Didn’t think so. At American Apparel®, we know the real ones have been onto sweatpants...

Read more
Article image

Men’s T-Shirt Guide: Crewneck or V-Neck?

When it comes to men’s T-shirts, the cut you choose matters more than you think. Sure, both crewnecks and V-necks are basics. But how they fit, how they layer, and how they complement your style—th...

Read more
Buy 3 Save 15%
Buy 5 Save 30%
Buy 7 Save 40%