Skinny jeans are out: the unexpected trend reshaping your silhouette this year

When Fashion is a Frenemy

We praise body-hugging clothes for how they sculpt curves and flatter every silhouette. They promise a lot: confidence, style, allure. Yet, as much as we love them, these fitted looks may not be our best friends after all. Whether it’s that ultra-snug waistband, squeezed thighs, or too-tight seams, these pieces sometimes serve up a few unexpected risks—little hazards that can stay hidden until it’s too late. Ouch.

Let’s admit it, even when some clothes feel uncomfortable, resisting their charm can be downright impossible. Fashion trends, seducers that they are, often dictate our fate.

« Because this isn’t an urban legend: a handful of too-tight clothes can cause aches we’d honestly rather skip, if only we knew which trend to swap for which. Bloating, (or, as the doctors say, ‘abdominal meteorism’), sluggish digestion and circulation, irritation, even inflammation… Let’s bet on garments that treat us right! »

Classic Pieces that Squeeze

• The Pencil Skirt: An unbeatable staple in women’s wardrobes since the 1940s, the pencil skirt just can’t help itself—its habit of compressing the body is legendary. The problem? That uncompromising high waist and rather tight cut around the midriff can cause back tensions, stomach aches, and, in extreme cases, may even make breathing difficult.
• Why not try something just as stylish but more relaxed? Current favorites: the skort (that skirt-short hybrid), a sarong-wrap skirt, and pleated tennis skirts. Bonus points for light wool flowy styles.

• Tights and Leggings: Special occasion? Special solutions! Despite this summer’s chilly spells, fashion lovers aren’t giving up their tights and leggings just yet. Yet, trendy or not, if worn too tight, they can still “torture” your body, making comfort a distant memory.

• The Modern Corset: The ultimate badge of 2021’s fashion, the reinvented corset pays homage to 18th-century Regency glam. While today’s versions aren’t as restrictive as their ancestors, they’re still best worn in moderation: they squeeze the waist and back area more than you’d think.
• Why not mold your waist and bust with something less risky (but equally cool)? We’ve got our eye on bandana tops (scarf-style, knotted at the bottom) or a boxy denim bralette.

• Bustier Dresses, Playsuits, and Jumpsuits: Adored across fashion spaces everywhere, bustiers and sleeveless jumpsuits naturally hug the torso because they need to, well, stay up. The result? They can end up pinching—sometimes more than you bargained for.
• Relief? Try asymmetrical or one-shoulder tops, which cling on one shoulder only—so you get support minus the squeeze.

High-Waisted Fashions: Friend or Foe?

• High-Waisted Shorts: A summer and winter staple alike, high-waisted shorts (celebrated in their ‘paper bag’ incarnation—wide, ruched waist paired with a belt) are beloved but not always kind, as they’re notorious for putting pressure on the belly.
• And the high-waisted pants saga continues: while they shape curves and support your behind, when it comes to feeling comfortable, they tend to tighten the waist and stomach—our allies? Not so much here.
• Their opposites—low-rise jeans, loose fits—are definitely worth a second look. And if picking from approved trends, look toward sailor pants, baggies, mom jeans, or boyfriend jeans.

Comfy Alternatives and the Art of Letting Go

• The Jumpsuit: We love that adventurous vibe a jumpsuit brings, but let’s be honest—these often compress the silhouette, sometimes to a fault. The good news? There are comfier versions, so you don’t have to give them up altogether.
• The Dungaree: Jumpsuit’s eternal rival, the overalls, are always an option. If you can’t stay away from one-piece wonders, opt for zip-neck styles that let your neck and chest breathe. Avoid those that pinch too tightly around the waist.
• Belts Galore: Whether it’s your trench, blazer, dress, or top, clothes that wrap belts tightly around the waist often go a little overboard and can leave you gasping—literally.

These on-trend pieces reign supreme in our closets, but shouldn’t have free rein over our comfort. Let’s unmask the offenders and turn to their stylish, more forgiving sidekicks. The right clothes can easily help us sidestep everything from bloating to unnecessary stress—and let’s be honest, we could all use a little less waistband drama in our lives.