If you were around pop culture in the late 2010s, you probably remember Ariana Grande’s oversized sweatshirt era. She was everywhere, sporting giant hoodies paired with thigh-high boots. At the time, most fans thought it was just another bold fashion moment from one of music’s biggest stars. But now Ariana has opened up about why she leaned into that look, and the truth is much deeper and more emotional than anyone expected.
In a recently released episode of Vogue’s “Life in Looks”, Grande looked back at her wardrobe choices from around 2018, a period when she was constantly spotted in oversized sweatshirts. She explained that it wasn’t just a trend or a stylist’s idea.
The pop star revealed the outfits came from a place of emotional struggle and vulnerability. She said she was “processing a lot” at the time and that the sweatshirt was something cozy she could hide in when she lacked the mental energy for anything else.
Ariana’s oversized sweatshirt era now feels less like a fashion moment and more like a shield she used to cope with overwhelming feelings. Instead of putting thought into an outfit, she chose comfort, anonymity, and protection. For fans who loved those looks, hearing this context has sparked a wave of emotion online.
What Was Going On in Her Life Then
To understand why Ariana’s choice matters, it helps to look at what she was going through at the time. The late 2010s were a turbulent period in her life and career. She was still processing the aftermath of the Manchester concert bombing in 2017, which killed 22 people and injured many more. The tragedy affected her deeply and left her with lasting grief and stress.
That wasn’t all. Later in 2018, her close friend and former boyfriend, Mac Miller died from an accidental overdose. His death hit her hard and added another layer of grief. Around the same time, her engagement to Pete Davidson ended shortly after his passing. Dealing with loss and heartbreak back‑to‑back made that stretch one of the most emotionally intense times she’s ever had to navigate publicly.
With everything happening so rapidly and painfully, Grande told Vogue she simply didn’t have the energy to think about fashion. Wearing an oversized sweatshirt, something soft and non‑restrictive, became almost instinctive. It gave her something to clutch onto when the world felt heavy, and attention felt too intense.
Her revelation has resonated with many fans because it shows another side of a pop star usually associated with high‑glamour outfits and unstoppable energy. It’s a much more human moment, and that honesty has landed in a big way with the people who’ve followed her journey.
How Fans Are Reacting
Since Ariana’s interview came out, social media has lit up with reactions. Many fans are expressing support and empathy, thanking her for being vulnerable in a way they don’t think many celebrities would be willing to do. Comments range from emotional to heartfelt, with Arianators saying they see the sweatshirts now not just as a trend but as a symbol of a more fragile time in her life.
Some fans pointed out that those oversized sweatshirts became almost iconic precisely because they were different from the polished looks she usually rocks on red carpets or tours. Now knowing that those clothes were tied to deeper feelings makes them feel more authentic and relatable. Here are some top reactions:
It’s also sparked conversations about how often public figures are judged by their appearance without understanding the person behind the image. Ariana has been open about her struggles before, and this moment adds another layer to how fans see her evolution as a human being, not just a superstar.
Why This Moment Feels Important
This is not the first time Ariana has opened up about challenging periods in her life. She’s spoken in the past about feeling “tired” of the pressures of fame and how things that seem glamorous from the outside can feel exhausting or isolating.
What makes this moment different is that it connects something visual and iconic, her sweatshirt style, to the emotional journey behind it. It’s a reminder that what seems like a style choice can be deeply personal. For many fans, the sweatshirt now represents something beyond fashion. It’s become a sign of resilience, quiet coping, and self-protection.
It also challenges how audiences look at celebrity culture. Not everything is polished, and not every look is curated for the camera. Sometimes it’s just about getting through the day.
In the end, Ariana’s oversized sweatshirt is more than a throwback trend. It’s a powerful reminder that people, no matter how famous, carry more than what you see. And sometimes, the smallest details can carry the biggest stories.
What do you think?
