Zara's £25.99 wide-legged palazzo trousers, dubbed 'death pants' on social media, are causing a storm as videos show wearers tripping and falling, with fabric getting caught in escalators and around ankles. The flowing design, while trendy for heatwaves, has led to injuries including broken wrists, cut faces, and bruised knees.
Social media outcry over dangerous trousers
Influencer Jessica Pearce posted a TikTok video showing her face-planting on a gravel driveway, saying: “The Zara trousers are going to be the death of you.” Camila Ribera Roca from Bolivia shared a video of herself tripping on a pavement, showing her cut arm to over a million viewers, accompanied by Mozart's Lacrimosa. Ellin Costa from Canada told CBC News: “These pants almost killed me,” after breaking her wrist and cutting her face. Another creator, Morgana, suffered a broken phone and grazed knee, with her post reaching 2.3 million views. One woman's hem got caught in an escalator, pulling her trousers down to her thighs.
Why are they so perilous?
Stylist Clare Chambers told Metro: “The wider the leg, the more likely it is to get caught and wrapped around the opposite leg/foot causing the wearer to trip and fall.” The voluminous fabric wraps around itself and the wearer's ankles, leading to falls. Zara has not responded to requests for comment.
Potential solutions and caution
Some TikTokers suggest using hairbands around the ankles or wearing high heels to reduce risk, though stilettos pose their own hazards. The trend highlights the dangers of very baggy designs, with calls for a skinny jeans revival.
