Low rise is back. Honestly, if you told me five years ago that we’d be ditching our rib-cage-high skinnies for denim that sits precariously on the hip bones, I’d have laughed. But here we are. The PacSun Casey Low Rise Baggy Jeans have basically become the blueprint for that specific, effortless "off-duty model" look that’s dominating TikTok and campus quads right now. It isn't just a trend; it's a shift in how we think about comfort versus silhouette.
The thing about the Casey is that it strikes a very weird, very specific balance. It’s baggy—like, really baggy—but it doesn’t make you look like you’re drowning in a sea of fabric. PacSun somehow engineered these to hang just right. They’ve tapped into that 2000s nostalgia without making it feel like a cheap costume. You've probably seen them styled with tiny baby tees or oversized hoodies, and that’s the magic of them. They are incredibly versatile.
What Actually Sets the Casey Apart from Other Baggy Denim?
Most baggy jeans fail because they are too heavy. You know the type—stiff denim that feels like you're wearing cardboard tubes on your legs. The PacSun Casey Low Rise Baggy Jeans are different because they use a softer, mid-weight cotton that actually moves. They have a 10-inch rise, which, in the world of low-rise, is actually quite approachable. It’s not the "Britney Spears in 2002" kind of low where you can't sit down. It's more of a relaxed, "I just threw these on" kind of low.
The leg opening is wide. Very wide. We’re talking about a true skater silhouette. If you look at the specs, they usually feature a 20-inch leg opening, which creates that puddle effect over your sneakers. It’s that specific stack of fabric at the ankle that people are looking for. If you’re shorter, you might find them a bit long, but a lot of people are actually leaning into the frayed-hem-dragging-on-the-floor look. It’s messy. It’s intentional.
The Fabric and the Feel
PacSun usually goes with 100% cotton for these, though some washes have a tiny bit of stretch. But honestly? Go for the 100% cotton. It breaks in over time and molds to your body in a way that synthetic blends just can't. The "Medium Indigo" wash is the classic, but they’ve released these in everything from "Dirty Indigo" to a crisp "Off White." The "Dirty" washes are particularly popular right now because they mimic that vintage, thrashed look without the $300 price tag of a boutique brand like Acne Studios or Diesel.
Sizing is the Biggest Hurdle
Let's talk about the one thing everyone gets wrong: sizing. If you read the reviews on the PacSun site or browse through Reddit threads, the consensus is all over the place. Here is the reality. Because these are low-rise and 100% cotton, they don’t give as much at the waist as your high-rise stretch jeans do.
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Most people find they need to size up one or even two sizes if they want that true, slouchy look. If you buy your "true size," they might sit a bit higher and tighter than intended, which kind of defeats the purpose of the Casey silhouette. You want them to hang. You want a little bit of space between the denim and your skin.
- Pro Tip: If you're between sizes, always go up. You can always add a belt, but you can't make stiff denim grow an extra inch.
- Length Check: These typically come with a 30-inch or 32-inch inseam. If you’re under 5'4", expect to either hem them or embrace the floor-sweep.
Why the Low Rise Renaissance is Actually Happening
There is a lot of discourse about "fear of the low rise." People remember the early 2000s as a time of intense body scrutiny. But the PacSun Casey Low Rise Baggy Jeans represent a different version of that era. This isn't about being "skinny." It’s about volume.
Fashion historians often point to the "pendulum effect." We spent a decade in high-waisted "mom jeans" that emphasized the waist and smoothed out the hips. Naturally, the trend had to swing the other way. By lowering the waistline and widening the leg, the focus shifts from the "shape" of the body to the "vibe" of the outfit. It’s less restrictive. You can actually eat a full meal in these without feeling like you're being bisected by your waistband.
Stylist Secrets: How to Wear Them Without Looking Frumpy
The biggest risk with baggy jeans is looking like a shapeless blob. It’s a real concern. To avoid this, stylists usually recommend the "Big-Small" rule. If you have "Big" on the bottom (the Caseys), you go "Small" on top. A fitted crop top, a ribbed tank, or a tucked-in baby tee provides that visual contrast.
However, the "Big-Big" look is also having a moment. Pairing these with a massive, boxy hoodie or a vintage oversized leather jacket is very "Scandi-style." The key here is the footwear. If you wear flat sandals, you’ll look lost. You need a chunky sneaker—think New Balance 9060s or Adidas Campuses—to give the jeans something to rest on.
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Common Misconceptions
People think low rise means your underwear is going to show every time you bend over. With the Casey, the "baggy" element actually helps. Because the seat of the pants is roomier, there’s more fabric to move with you. It’s not like the skin-tight low-rise flares of yesteryear.
Another myth? That you can't wear these if you aren't tall. False. It's all about the proportions. A platform sneaker or a boot with a bit of a heel can give you the height needed to pull off the wide leg.
The Sustainability and Quality Factor
PacSun isn't luxury, and we shouldn't pretend it is. These are fast-fashion-adjacent, but they are on the higher end of that spectrum. The denim is thick. The stitching is reinforced. Compared to what you’d find at H&M or Shein, the PacSun Casey Low Rise Baggy Jeans feel like a legitimate investment piece that will actually last more than three washes.
In terms of ethics, PacSun has been making strides with their "PacCares" initiative, though they still have a way to go compared to heritage brands like Levi's. They do use some recycled cotton in certain lines, so it's worth checking the specific tag on the wash you like.
Comparing the Casey to the "Dad" and "Skater" Fits
PacSun has a lot of baggy options. You've got the "Dad" jean, which is high-waisted and tapered. You've got the "Skater" which is mid-rise and massive. The Casey sits right in the middle. It’s more feminine than the Skater but more "cool-girl" than the Dad jean.
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- The Rise: Casey is roughly 10 inches; Dad is 11-12 inches.
- The Leg: Casey is a straight-to-wide drop; Skater is a balloon-style curve.
- The Vibe: Casey is for the aesthetic-focused; Dad is for the comfort-focused.
Maintenance: Keep the Baggy, Lose the Shrink
If you buy the 100% cotton version, do not put them in the dryer. I cannot stress this enough. High heat will shrink the inseam and tighten the waist, turning your baggy dream into a high-water nightmare.
Wash them inside out in cold water. Hang them to dry. If they feel a little stiff once they’re dry, just wear them for 20 minutes and they’ll soften right back up. This preserves the color and ensures the "puddle" at the bottom of the leg stays exactly where you want it.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Denim Search
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a pair of PacSun Casey Low Rise Baggy Jeans, start by measuring your "low waist"—that's the area about 2-3 inches below your belly button. This is your target measurement for these jeans, not your traditional natural waist size.
Once you have that, head to a physical PacSun store if possible. Because their sizing varies between different washes (the light blue often fits looser than the black or indigo), trying them on is the only way to be 100% sure. If you’re ordering online, grab two sizes and plan to return one. Look for the "Eco" labels if you want a slightly softer feel right out of the box, as those fabric blends tend to be less rigid than the standard raw denim versions.
Finally, don't be afraid to DIY the hem. These jeans are meant to be lived in. If they're too long, a raw, cut edge looks perfectly at home on a pair of baggy low-rises. Just use a sharp pair of fabric scissors and let the edges fray naturally over time.