Popcorn Shirts Have Made a Comeback and, Honestly, I'm Very Confused

Out of all the questionable things I wore during the late '90s and early '00s, popcorn shirts — aka magic bubble shirts, or scrunchie shirts, as they're called on occasion — were definitely among the most confusing. A shirt that's initially tiny enough to fit a doll, but expands large enough to fit your dad? Kind of strange, but apparently appealing to my middle school self, who proudly wore a floral printed one purchased from Limited Too. After this trend died down, these shirts slowly made their way to drugstore clothing aisles, and then to the verge of extinction. At the same time, I added this stretchy top to my 'never again' fashion list — but now, I'm reconsidering that choice.

Just like Dooney & Bourke bags and bandage dresses, I'm starting to fall for popcorn shirts again. They've been resurfacing due to brands like Marine Serre and Fashion East, who included them in their recent collections, and I've spotted a bunch on resale sites like Etsy and Depop, with vintage lovers styling them in modern ways. Admittedly, I bought a tank top version for myself. The bubbled texture adds a little something extra to a simple shorts outfit, and I'm confident that with a satin skirt and sparkly pair of earrings, this style could even come off as Fancy Grandma.

One thing that does confuse me, however, is who influenced me to wear these shirts in the first place, all those years ago. I've spent days combing through photos from every kid and teen awards show from 1998 to 2002, looking at outfits worn by Hilary Duff, Amanda Bynes, Alexa PenaVega, Melissa Joan Hart, and ... nothing. The closest I could find was the above photo of the girl group Wild Orchid from 1999. (And, yes, that is indeed Fergie.)

Anyway, the fashion icons of today are already working modern versions of this top into their outfits, proving the whimsical trend is really on the rise. Take a look at these cute popcorn shirt outfits, ahead, then shop one of your own from Marine Serre, Lisa Says Gah, a dress version from ASOS, or secondhand options from Etsy and Depop.