Fashion has always been a mirror of society—sometimes serious, sometimes playful and often very confusing. What was once considered old, torn or useless has suddenly become the latest trend. It seems fashion today has a mind of its own. Once upon a time, if your clothes had holes, it meant only one thing—you needed a new pair. Today, the same holes have been promoted to “fashion.” It’s funny how life changes—yesterday’s problem is today’s pride.
The other day, I saw a young man walking down the street wearing pants with big holes. I felt a rush of sympathy and was ready to give him some alms. But just as I reached out, he looked at me sharply and said, “I’m not a beggar!” I froze. His style had completely duped me! Isn’t it funny how the world changes? Even beggars must be confused. I can picture a conversation between them somewhere: “Hey, should I start tearing my pants, too?”
There was a time when mothers stitched holes in clothes with care. Now, designers make them with flair. What was once shame is now style, what was once mended is now marketed. And we once threw away is now sold at a premium. That’s the magic (or madness).Yes, Torn pants, ripped shirts and distressed jackets are no longer accidents—they are fashion statements. It is now become a symbol of style. And the holes… oh,! Some are so big that if you squint, you can see the sunlight through them. Something that once signalled struggle, now signals fashion-forward thinking. It’s a hilarious world when fashion and poverty mix in such confusing ways.
What amazed me even more was that this isn’t limited to street style. Shops now proudly display racks of holed jeans, ripped shirts and distressed jackets. People actually pay money to have holes in their garments that look like they’ve survived a storm or a fight. One boutique even advertised, “Premium Torn Denim—Holes Placed Perfectly for Maximum Coolness!”
Can you imagine that? Paying to look like you’ve struggled with your wardrobe!
The funniest part is that this style, whether intentional or accidental, teaches us an important lesson: perspective matters. Life is full of ironies and things are rarely as they seem. Sometimes, what looks broken is actually beautiful. What looks shabby is actually stylish. Holes in clothes may make people laugh, stare or even mistake you for a beggar, but they also show how trends can illusion us. Still, one word of caution: make sure the holes are not in the pockets or you may find yourself stylish but forever out of money!
