Fashion Clothing Popcorn Shirts Have Made a Comeback and, Honestly, I'm Very Confused But did I buy one? Yes, I did. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha has been working in media for over a decade and joined InStyle's team as the Senior Fashion Editor in 2019. She previously held roles at Coveteur, POPSUGAR, Refinery29, and Men's Fitness, covering both fashion and celebrity/entertainment. In her spare time, she enjoys performing sketch comedy with her friends, watching Love Island, and endlessly scrolling through social media. She is originally from Staten Island, but currently resides in Brooklyn (and sometimes, Schenectady!) with her fiancé J.T., their dog Poppy, and way too many clothes. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Rider University. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on June 7, 2022 Pin Share Tweet Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Samantha Sutton Out of all the questionable things I wore during my late-'90s and early-'00s youth, 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. Why 30-Somethings Are the Real Winners of the Y2K Comeback Barry King/WireImage 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 2022 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. 26 Questionable '00s Trends That Have, Unfortunately, Returned 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 this 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 this whimsical, size-less 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. With Drawstring Pants Did I mention this style isn't constricting, so therefore it's very comfy? With Classic Jeans Lisa from Blackpink Even Lisa from Blackpink approves of this comeback. With Denim Shorts There's something about the texture of this top and distressed denim bottoms that seem to mesh well together. With a Skirt pleated midi Give it a dressed up twist with a pleated midi. RELATED: Jennifer Lopez Is Correct — 2022 Is the Year of the Maxi Skirt With Trousers Black pants Black pants are no longer just workwear, but if you're hoping to take your popcorn shirt to the office, these bottoms will make it feel more formal. With Overalls Lean into the whimsical vibe and add a colorful hat and layers of beaded necklaces. RELATED: Celebrities Can't Quit Dungarees — Here's How to Wear Them Without Looking Like a Toddler With White Pants Balance out a brighter colored bubble shirt with breezy, neutral bottoms. With Chunky Sandals Go full Y2K with a platform pair. RELATED: Outrageous, Break-Your-Ankle Platforms Are Still Trending — Here's How to Wear Them Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit