The Jorts Movement
The famed "jorts," a cultural fashion phenomenon, and the new "daisy duke," have become a popular trend this year. In recent years, the popularity of these denim shorts, a playful blend of "jeans" and "shorts," has increased. On the streets of Tulane, one can see many distinct renditions. While jorts have been around for a while in their own right, they truly began to gain popularity in the 1990s in an era when grunge and casual fashion were big. Originally, the trend started as a homemade fashion statement, but it evolved into a versatile and cozy fashion choice. The 2000s witnessed a slight decline in jort popularity, despite their previous prominence in the late 20th century. During this time, fashion moved away from baggy jorts and toward more tailored and fitted apparel.
But, true to fashion’s natural cyclical nature, jorts have made a spectacular comeback; in 2023, jorts have started to appear more frequently. Jennifer Repsher a marketing major at Tulane and a fashion lover herself, states "They are now a substitute for sweatpants! Many of the contemporary fashions had a strong influence from the 1980s and 1990s, therefore the wave of popularity for this clothing item increased once more." Jorts have transformed from a fashion faux pas into a garment that is often more appreciated than their counterpart, traditional jean shorts.
Jorts have become a staple of Tulane streetwear, suitable for everything from casual comfort to dressing up with a nice top and accessories. Ben Howard, a TU Fashion member, mentions that “Jorts are the optime of casual thing to wear, fashionable but convenient vibe”. Over the past five years, we have witnessed a significant shift, particularly in the realm of shorts. Howard mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in this change.
Jorts are highly versatile, allowing for both dressed-up and dressed-down looks, and they are increasingly becoming a wardrobe essential, as Julia Whitt, a psychology major at Tulane and a devoted jorts enthusiast, points out."When I wake up in the morning, I can quickly slip on a pair of jorts. I can wear them for going to the beach, going to dinner with family, or going out with friends. Even on our campus, jorts are a staple of streetwear."
Jorts are now making their mark on Tulane's streets and fashion runways, with various cargo-to-pattern combinations. This once-controversial trend has evolved into a popular choice to enhance any outfit. If you want to join the jorts revolution, I’ve included some styling ideas below. And, as always, the best place to find an authentic pair of jorts is at your local vintage and thrift shops. So, whether you're a long-time jorts enthusiast or just considering joining the revolution, let the world of jorts fashion unfold. Who knows, you might discover a piece of fashion history waiting to be revived and appreciated in your very own wardrobe.
