What Are Apple Bottom Jeans?
Apple bottom jeans are defined by their distinct silhouette: high-waisted, snug through the hips and thighs, and dramatically flared from the lower leg down to the ankle, creating a rounded, full appearance at the back—reminiscent of an apple’s shape—which is where the name originates. These jeans are designed with extra room and structure in the hip and rear areas, complementing curvier body shapes often referred to colloquially as “apple-bottom” figures.
The Brand History and Origins
Apple Bottoms is a fashion brand for women launched in 2003 by rap artist Nelly, Yomi Martin, Nick Loftis, and Ian Kelly, initially starting as a denim label before expanding to include other women’s and girl’s clothing, perfume and accessories. The brand was conceived in 2002 by rap legend Nelly and his crew, launching in 2003 “for the girls with the curves”. Apple Bottoms was inspired by Nelly’s desire to create stylish apparel accentuating women’s natural curves, with Apple Bottom jeans becoming an instant hit as they were a perfect fit for women with voluptuous body types.
The brand was launched with a model search televised on VH1 and quickly became popular in the hip hop community. Oprah recommended Apple Bottoms to her massive audience on the 2004 edition of “Oprah’s Favorite Things”. By 2006, “Apple Bottoms” was the sixth most-Googled denim brand, right behind labels like Rock & Republic, True Religion, Diesel, and Guess.
Pop Culture Impact and “Low” by Flo Rida
“Low” is the debut single by American rapper Flo Rida featuring T-Pain from 2008, which peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and was the longest-running number-one single of 2008, spending ten consecutive weeks atop the chart. With over seven million digital downloads it was certified Diamond by the RIAA and was the most downloaded single of the 2000s decade.
The famous lyrics “Shorty had them Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur” immortalized the brand in popular culture. The brand is referenced in various rap songs, including Twista’s “Overnight Celebrity”, MC Jin’s “36-24-36”, DaCav5’s “Tetris”, Flo Rida’s “Low”, and Eminem’s “Shake That”. By 2006, Apple Bottoms was competing with major labels and its popularity was further cemented by Flo Rida’s chart-topping hit “Low”.
Design Features and Construction
Apple bottom jeans typically feature enhanced rear gusseting for a lifted, sculpted appearance, strategic paneling to accommodate wider hips without sagging, stretch-infused denim blends (often 2-4% spandex) for flexibility and recovery, higher back rise to prevent gaping and ensure full coverage, and bold back pocket designs, sometimes padded or contoured, to enhance shape.
Unlike traditional skinny or straight-leg jeans that prioritize a streamlined look, apple bottom jeans embrace volume and contour, offering both comfort and bold style. This design philosophy emerged from a need in the market, as mainstream denim brands focused on slim, tapered fits, often neglecting consumers with fuller hips and thighs.
The Brand’s Decline and Hiatus
The brand’s last ad campaign was in 2010 and featured Nelly. After years of success, Apple Bottoms experienced a period of dormancy as fashion trends shifted and new brands emerged in the market. The brand remained largely inactive throughout the 2010s, though it maintained a nostalgic presence in pop culture through continued references in music and social media.
The 2024-2025 Comeback
On March 7, 2020, Nelly hinted at a comeback by the brand via Instagram, with the relaunch set for November 2024. In October 2024, Nelly announced the return of Apple Bottom Jeans on social media, sharing an image of the familiar script logo placed on the back pocket with the caption “Don’t call it a comeback!!!!”. Nelly told TMZ Hip Hop: “Our goal as a brand remains the same: celebrating ALL women, all shapes and sizes. We have amazing new styles and are ready to shake the fashion world again … we’re back!!!”
The November 2024 relaunch features the clothing line Nelly originally launched in 2002, dedicated to women of all shapes, sizes, curves and contours, now incorporating stretch denim technology. The brand’s official website currently features campaign videos showing women in Apple Bottoms designs walking through New York City, and visitors can sign up for email and text updates about the official launch.
Body Positivity and Cultural Significance
Apple Bottoms was created to cater to women with fuller hips and smaller waists, offering comfortable and flattering jeans, with Nelly’s belief that all women should feel confident in their clothing helping the brand gain immediate popularity. Nelly was a pioneer of his era, as America hadn’t fully embraced terms like “body positivity” or the thickness of the modern-day woman just yet, and Apple Bottoms’ popularity skyrocketed as a result.
The popularity of apple bottom jeans reflects a larger cultural shift toward body inclusivity in fashion, with designers and retailers increasingly recognizing that one-size-fits-all approaches no longer work. Apple Bottoms was more than a fashion trend; it symbolized confidence for women of all shapes and sizes, especially women of color.
Where to Buy Apple Bottom Jeans
The brand’s official website is applebottoms.com, where customers can browse the relaunched collection. Current offerings include denim, tops, jackets, and tees with prices ranging from $19 to $199, with several items on sale. The brand also maintains an active Instagram presence at @officialapplebottoms. Vintage and pre-owned Apple Bottoms jeans from the original 2003-2010 era are available on resale platforms like eBay.
Modern Styling Tips for Travel & Nightlife
Apple Bottom jeans remain a popular fashion choice for concerts, nightlife districts, festivals, and urban travel, where comfort and style matter equally. High-waisted stretch denim makes them suitable for long nights exploring cities or attending live events.
To master the apple bottom jeans look, pair with crop tops or fitted tees to highlight the high waist and create a balanced silhouette, and go minimal with footwear—white sneakers or heeled sandals keep the focus on the jeans. The key to pulling off apple bottom jeans is confidence—wear them like you own the room.
Despite evolving trends, apple bottom jeans remain a staple in modern streetwear and party fashion, with their enduring appeal lying in their ability to celebrate body positivity and individuality. The rise of social media has reignited interest, with influencers and celebrities frequently styling them for viral content, and advancements in fabric technology now allow for more comfortable versions that maintain the signature shape without sacrificing mobility.
Why Apple Bottom Jeans Matter Today
Apple bottom jeans are more than a fleeting fashion moment—they symbolize a democratization of style by celebrating natural body shapes and challenging outdated beauty norms, helping reshape the denim industry’s priorities. The revival taps into a growing demand for inclusive clothing options, timing it strategically with the surge in retro fashion while staying true to the brand’s original message.
The return of Apple Bottom jeans in 2024-2025 represents both nostalgia for early 2000s fashion and recognition that the brand’s core message of body positivity and inclusivity remains relevant. As consumers continue demanding authenticity and clothing designed for diverse body types, Apple Bottom jeans stand as a cultural touchstone that helped pave the way for today’s more inclusive fashion landscape.