The Controversy Of The Ethnic Print

The whole term “ethnic print” should have been long gone a while ago. Besides being subtly incredibly offensive as a universal concept, the prints themselves are often cheesy and in every way contrary to whatever the term “ethnic print” represents. In short, Pac Sun better step up its game if they’re going to try to imitate traditional garb from another country. We call out Pac Sun because they have been legendary for creating masses of breezy tank tops and bikinis with triangle patterns dubbed “ethnic”. However Pac Sun isn’t the only store with some explaining to do. Here we give you the lineup of ethnic prints ranked from best to worst in terms of style and outright political incorrectness.

Urban Outfitters Raga Geo-Print Lounge Short

Via Urban Outfitters
Via Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters has often been criticized for their tendency to pose as original and hipster, meanwhile everyone seems to be wearing the same shorts. We like these though, and they aren’t labeled as ethnic, which is refreshing.

Victoria’s Secret Triangle Bikini

Via Victorias Secret
Via Victorias Secret

As far as ethnic prints go, this one isn’t so bad because they didn’t label it so. Instead, the bikini is “tribal”. Still not great, but at least it’s kind of cute.

Triangle Print Bikini in Ethnic Print

Via Urban Outfitters
Via Urban Outfitters

Yikes Urban Outfitters, we cut you some slack but this isn’t good.

Nollie Tribal Fleece Jogger Pants

Via pacsun
Via pacsun

A concerning part about these pants is that they’re for jogging, but the tribal part is bad Pac Sun.

With Love From CA Nylon Tribal Print Headwrap

Via pacsun
Via pacsun

This is tribal print and a head wrap? Really?

Bullhead Denim Co Roll Bleached Tribal Shorts

Via pacsun
Via pacsun

Not only are these shorts visually confusing, they’re simply wrong. Triangles and circles do not signify “ethnic print”! Ethnic print is a politically incorrect concept!

Leave a Comment