Kendrick’s Super Bowl Jeans Stir Debate

Rapper’s Flared Denim Sparks Mixed Reactions and Fashion Trend Predictions

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show was far from the over-the-top fashion spectacle that many have come to expect. Headliner Kendrick Lamar opted for a simple, understated look, wearing a backward cap and a motorbike-style varsity jacket that he kept on throughout his entire performance. There were no flashy costume changes, no dramatic reveals, and no eye-catching accessories—just Lamar and his signature minimalist style.

Yet, despite the lack of an extravagant wardrobe, one aspect of his outfit became an unexpected focal point of online conversation: his jeans.

While they weren’t the exaggerated bell-bottoms of the ’70s or the ultra-low-rise flares of the early 2000s, Lamar’s washed denim pants featured a noticeable flare at the knee, extending downward and skimming the floor as he moved across the stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. His silhouette stood in stark contrast to that of record producer Mustard, who made a brief appearance wearing oversized, West Coast-inspired jeans—a nod to classic hip-hop fashion.

As always, social media users were quick to react. Some critics mocked Lamar’s choice of denim, calling them “women’s jeans” or comparing them to “Hannah Montana pants,” likening the rapper’s look to that of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and country star Lainey Wilson. Others joked that their mothers were already on the hunt for a similar pair, while some suggested that the style was outdated or “too feminine.”

However, fashion insiders and trend watchers saw something different. Lamar’s choice of jeans wasn’t a random stylistic experiment but rather a deliberate nod to a resurging trend in both menswear and womenswear. The jeans he wore were designed by Hedi Slimane, the influential former creative director of Celine, who is known for his work in redefining modern menswear. Slimane, who left the French fashion house in October, has long been a champion of slim and flared silhouettes, making Lamar’s Super Bowl outfit more of a fashion statement than it may have initially appeared.

The resurgence of boot-cut and flared pants has been building momentum for some time. While oversized and baggy styles have dominated Gen Z fashion trends and high-fashion runways in recent years, boot-cut and flared pants—originally designed to fit over boots—are making a steady comeback. This was evident at the most recent men’s edition of Paris Fashion Week, where Louis Vuitton featured an array of flared pants in a collection dubbed “dandy streetwear.” The luxury brand had also showcased a monogrammed denim flare in its Spring-Summer 2025 collection, further signaling the return of the style.

Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s creative director for menswear and an influential style icon himself, embraced the trend by wearing leather flares during the show. He later switched to a denim version at JapaneseSacai’s presentation that same week. Meanwhile, brands like Rick Owens, Marni, and Balenciaga have all introduced variations of boot-cut styles, while Hollywood stars such as Brad Pitt and Colman Domingo have been seen wearing tailored flares on red carpets, further cementing their resurgence.

Of course, what’s seen on the runway or at Hollywood events doesn’t always translate directly into hip-hop fashion. The world of streetwear often operates on a different wavelength, prioritizing authenticity and cultural influence over high-fashion trends. However, the line between street style and luxury fashion has become increasingly blurred in recent years, with artists like A$AP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, and Kanye West serving as bridges between the two worlds.

With Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, his choice of flared jeans may prove to be a defining moment in this ongoing fashion shift. While the internet debated his style, some fashion-forward social media users recognized the bigger picture. As one X user succinctly put it: “Kendrick just single-handedly brought back boot-cut jeans.”

Tastemakers, cultural icons, and major events like the Super Bowl halftime show don’t just reflect trends—they shape them. And whether intentional or not, Lamar’s choice of jeans might have just set the tone for what’s to come in men’s fashion.