Nelly’s iconic clothing line, Apple Bottoms, which took the fashion world by storm in the early 2000s, is now on the verge of a major revival, thanks to the rapper's vision to reintroduce the brand to a new generation. With fashion trends increasingly leaning towards nostalgia, Nelly recognized the perfect moment to relaunch Apple Bottoms, tapping into both the brand’s original fanbase and a younger audience eager to embrace retro styles.According to WBLS, the intent behind this relaunch goes beyond just bringing back a trendy name—Nelly aims to modernize Apple Bottoms while staying true to its roots of celebrating women’s natural curves. By doing so, he hopes to continue the brand's legacy of body positivity and inclusivity, which was revolutionary when Apple Bottoms first launched in 2003. Nelly’s focus on designing clothes for women of all shapes and sizes remains a central theme in this new chapter, with a promise to offer updated designs that are both stylish and empowering.
Originally, Apple Bottoms was created with a very specific mission: to cater to curvier women who were often ignored by mainstream fashion brands at the time. Its jeans, in particular, were designed to accentuate fuller hips and smaller waists, making them both comfortable and flattering for women who found it difficult to find the right fit. Nelly’s vision for the brand was rooted in his belief that all women should feel confident in their clothing, no matter their body shape. The success of Apple Bottoms was immediate, with the brand quickly becoming a favorite in hip-hop culture and beyond. The jeans were often referenced in music, with popular artists like Eminem, Twista, and Flo Rida giving Apple Bottoms shoutouts in their songs.
This reemergence of Apple Bottoms is not just a nostalgic comeback, but a thoughtful evolution of the brand, reflecting today’s more inclusive and body-positive fashion industry. Earlier this week, Nelly shared a sneak peek of the reimagined Apple Bottoms denim, featuring the iconic apple-shaped logo on the back pocket. In his social media post, Nelly exclaimed, “Don’t call it a comeback!!!! Wanna see what I’ve been up to,” and invited fans to sign up for exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the brand’s first big relaunch event. The post signaled that Nelly is not merely revisiting past success but rethinking the brand for the modern era, adding a fresh twist to the designs while keeping the same empowering message.
Apple Bottoms was not just a fashion trend; it became a symbol of body confidence for women of all shapes and sizes, particularly women of color. In 2006, it ranked as the sixth most-Googled denim brand, competing with other major labels like Rock & Republic, True Religion, Diesel, and Guess. Its popularity was further cemented when Flo Rida’s chart-topping hit “Low” featured the famous hook: “Shorty had them Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur. The whole club was lookin’ at her,” a line that remains instantly recognizable to this day.
As Nelly relaunches Apple Bottoms, it comes at a time when retro fashion is booming, and the demand for inclusive clothing options is higher than ever. With his strategic timing and commitment to staying true to the brand’s original message, it’s clear that Nelly’s intent is not just to revive Apple Bottoms but to ensure its relevance for years to come.
Follow the brand on Instagram @OfficialAppleBottoms