Sagging, the sartorial fad of wearing pants with their waistband around the hips or lower (see this) rather than snagged to the midriff, has been and continues to be a controversial style of dress.
The practice, overwhelmingly favored by youngsters, which did begin in prisons, worked its way from the hoosegow into hip hop. It was adopted by a variety of rap artists, which enhanced its perceived tough-guy cachet. By 1995, this attitude had seeped into mainstream teen culture – one no longer needed to be a wannabe gangsta to sling’em low.
The practice, overwhelmingly favored by youngsters, which did begin in prisons, worked its way from the hoosegow into hip hop. It was adopted by a variety of rap artists, which enhanced its perceived tough-guy cachet. By 1995, this attitude had seeped into mainstream teen culture – one no longer needed to be a wannabe gangsta to sling’em low.
Pants worn this way are kept up by constant hitching, an act that becomes an integrant part of the walking behavior of the wearer.
