Love it or hate it: The best and worst of Y2K fashion according to Hongkongers

Hongkongers have spoken, and it turns out that low-rise jeans are about as popular as a typhoon on the weekends. Perhaps it’s the constant fear of accidental bum ‘crackage’, or the phenomenon of ‘muffin tops’ that did us no favours in the confidence department. And if you think you can get away with low-rise jeans, let us not forget about the ‘Whale Tail’, the disastrous fashion trend that had us shoving uncomfortable thongs between our rear cheeks just for it to peek out of our jeans for the world to see. As far as Hongkongers are concerned, this is a trend that should never see the light of day.

Remember when trucker hats were a thing, and the only fashionable way to wear them was to place them loosely on top of your heads? Sorry, but Hongkongers are saying “Get the truck out of here” with this one.  Trucker hats – those with a mesh cap, a foam front, and a big statement logo plastered on top –  first emerged somewhere between the 60s and 70s as promotional giveaways from US farming companies to farm workers and truckers. These hats were practical, cheap to produce, and a great place to slap on their company logos. It wasn’t until the early 2000s when American fashion brand Von Dutch entered the scene, and celebrities began sporting trucker hats, turning it into one of the biggest fashion statements of the millennium. Sadly, this trend didn’t last long. Knock-off designs and tacky logos flooded the market, and eventually, trucker hats became a poor fashion choice that stayed in the back of our closet. Forever.

The verdict is in: sporty sunglasses are a no-go. With their wraparound frames and tinted lenses, these futuristic-looking shades gave us edgy Matrix vibes and an air of rebelliousness that said “I’m too cool for school”. Sure, they shielded us from the sun and are perfectly functional for outdoor activities. We’re just not sure if the weird tan lines are worth it.

As voted by Hongkongers, velour tracksuits are about as stylish as wearing your grandma’s curtains. Thanks to Juicy Couture, velour tracksuits became a huge fashion phenomenon in the early 2000s when celebrities, like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, were seen wearing their Juicy ensembles everywhere they went. Seamlessly merging plushness with comfort and style, this trend quickly took off, with everyone wanting a bedazzling Juicy logo on their sweet behinds. Although this trend has brought its fair share of excitement in fashion, times change, and so do our tastes. Hongkongers have spoken, and they've given these velour tracksuits a resounding "nope".

Leg warmers were an essential part of the Y2K aesthetic, but let’s be honest, they did anything but keep our legs toasty. The epitome of 80s aerobics chic, leg warmers were once the go-to accessory for funky workout routines. But then the 2000s hit, and suddenly those baggy, sock-like tubes decided they were too fabulous for just the gym. Don’t get us wrong, this trend was fun (while it lasted), but in terms of practicality and style, Hongkongers are steering clear of this one.