A pair of wide-legged trousers has become a staple in many wardrobes, but some designs are sparking concerns over their potential to cause harm. Dubbed 'Zara death pants', these £25.99 trousers from the high street retailer have been linked to various incidents, including face-plants on pavements and fractured knees. While not exclusive to Zara, the trend for wide-legged trousers is prevalent across other major brands, including M&S, Mango, and Next.
Lucy McDonald, a physiotherapist and spokesperson for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, has treated numerous injuries, including fractures and ligament tears, that are directly linked to fashion choices compromising balance and movement. High heels have historically been the most frequent culprits, but long, flowing trousers are increasingly contributing to such incidents. The concern extends beyond Zara, with John Lewis reporting a 61% year-on-year increase in searches for wide-legged styles and a staggering 225% rise for linen versions.
The issue appears to stem from the length and width of the trousers, which Zara describes as 'longer than usual' with a 'loose fit'. Ruby Slevin, founder of Banshee of Savile Row, explains that many high street brands use 'fit models' with specific proportions during the design process. However, this can lead to problems when these designs are worn by women who do not share the same proportions as the fit model, such as those under 5ft 4in. Slevin argues that trousers must be proportionate to the wearer's height and hip measurements.
Slevin likens wearing ill-fitting wide-legged trousers to wearing the wrong shoe size, highlighting the inherent danger. To mitigate risks, she advises consumers to take their new trousers to a local tailor or dry cleaner for adjustments to ensure a safer, more appropriate fit. This proactive step could prevent potential injuries and make fashion more accessible and practical for a wider range of body types.
Fashion historian Virginia Hill points out that impractical or hazardous clothing is not a new phenomenon. She cites examples from history, such as the hobble skirt of 1910, which severely restricted movement, and the tragic death of dancer Isadora Duncan in 1927 due to her scarf entangling in a car wheel. More recently, models like Abbey Lee Kershaw and Lindsey Wixson have sustained catwalk injuries from high heels, underscoring the ongoing tension between fashion aesthetics and wearer safety.