Since 2008 and surprisingly still on going, a twist in fashion trends for seniors are enfolding kids bookbags as a statement piece.
This phenomenon has sparked interest while raising questions about nostalgia, and ageism. On social media platforms like instagram and Tiktok. They are overflowing with images of seniors supporting colorful, cartoon-adorned bookbags. This helped seniors fashion stand out by exhibiting creative ways to style these youthful accessories. Some benefits on the kids bookbags are, they’re lightweight bookbags that are mainly designed for smaller frames, making them lighter and easier to carry around. Another main benefit is confidence boosts, wearing kids bookbags could and can add playful touch enhancing seniors confidence.
I interviewed someone from pathways based on the question, why did you decide to wear a kids bookbag instead of a normal older kids bookbag?
Nayeli Barajas from Pathways stated, “I personally have a batman kids bookbag, I really like it cause I can show that I like batman without being embarrassed since it’s now normal to wear childrens book bags as a senior as a fashion statement.” There are many different types of children’s book bags that you’ll see throughout the hallways like, hello kitty, or even bluey. “Another reason why I really like wearing kids bookbags is because it’s a huge confidence boost and not just that but it helps me socialize with more people cause they can either relate or they have a kids bookbag themselves.”
This being said, the seniors wearing childrens bookbags show shifting attitudes towards aging and in fashion. As we revisit what it means to age gracefully, this trend that’s still on going since 2008, it reminds us fashion has no age boundaries.