Onesies, snapbacks and flannels: A look at One Direction’s questionable style a decade on

For Gen Z, it feels like a world away since the early 2010s. One Direction were still together, Liam Payne hasn’t made an embarrassment of himself on the internet, and skinny jeans were still cool.

It was an easier time then, there was no nine to five stress or early morning lectures. It was a time of pure bangers and horrendous fashion.

So, if you’re fed up with student loans, grades, and meal deals hiking up in price, let’s hit rewind and take a trip back to last decade with a look at 2010s fashion as shown best through the era’s defining icons; One Direction.

Onesies

via Youtube

Whilst these may feel like an ancient artefact in the big year of 2024, onesies were all the rage during the One Direction boys’ humble X-Factor days.

What one may now consider an all in one pyjama, onesies would be proudly worn out and about by the then-budding boyband.

Skinny jeans

via Youtube

What have since become the internet’s punchline for outdated style, skinny jeans were once a beloved staple of 2010s fashion, and the members of One Direction definitely enjoyed pushing the limits and wearing the skinniest jeans imaginable.

If you didn’t have to peel them off your skin at the end of the day, they truly weren’t skinny enough and you really weren’t cool.

Oh how times have changed.

Saggy trousers

via Youtube

Most Read

Nathan breaks silence on MAFS UK split and reveals Lacey left him ‘heartbroken’

Love Island finalist Ron Hall has a new girlfriend – and it’s an Islander he was in the villa with!

This Wicked press tour clip is getting utterly dragged and has become a massive meme

On the opposite end of the trouser spectrum, back in 2012 the members of One Direction also enjoyed experimenting with wearing their pants as low as possible before they qualified as leg warmers.

It was a common occurrence to see the band members in a pair of Calvin Klein boxers, and honestly, I’m still curious to this day: How did their trousers not fall down?

Flannel shirts

via Youtube

Need I say more?

Snapbacks

via Youtube

This dated fashion accessory reigned as the epitome of cool during the infamous “swag” era. It even gives me the ick thinking about it now.

However, there were rules to being the ultimate snapback icon. It had to be New York Yankees branded hat with the sticker still stuck firmly on the bill.

‘Geek’ fashion

via Youtube

From bow ties to superhero t-shirts and not to mention Louis’ iconic braces – looking like a nerd was the goal for much of the early 2010s.

Love it or hate it, the 2010s were full of fashion trends that were, to put it mildly, pretty interesting but are miles off what is “in” nowadays.

But fashion trends are cyclical, so who knows? In five years, we might just see onesies and moustache tattoos making a big fat comeback.

For more like this look at One Direction fashion from the decade and all the latest news drama and drops, like The Tab on Facebook. 

Related stories recommended by this writer:

•Tour buses and family dramas: A brief history of One Direction’s run-ins with the law

• Obvs you want to know which era Harry Styles you’d date, so take this quiz to find out

• Finish the lyrics of all these Harry Styles songs to prove you’re his number one fan

Featured image via YouTube and Instagram @onedirection