health
From high heels to ‘Zara death pants’: how fashion falls foul of women’s safety
A physio, a tailor and a historian on the style trends that can put women in hospital and how to avoid the dangers
TL;DR
- Zara's wide-legged trousers, costing £25.99, have been called 'Zara death pants' on social media due to numerous tripping incidents and injuries.
- Injuries reported include fractured knees, face-plants, bruised limbs, and broken fingernails.
- Physiotherapists note that fashion items causing difficulty in movement and balance, like long trousers and high heels, can lead to fractures and ligament tears.
- Despite warnings, the wide-leg style is popular across multiple brands and on catwalks, with searches for the style up significantly.
- Tailors suggest the tripping issue arises from the in-seam length being disproportionate to the wearer's height, potentially due to brands using stationary mannequins instead of fit models.
- Fashion historian points out a history of impractical or hazardous clothing, citing examples like the hobble skirt and an incident involving Isadora Duncan's scarf.
- Experts advise adjusting trousers for proper fit and avoiding clothing that increases the risk of falling.