The new ‘legging legs’ trend is so toxic that videos are now being removed by TikTok

So, there’s a new toxic trend on TikTok that’s just this generation’s version of a thigh gap and yes it’s as awful as it sounds.

The “legging legs” trend is basically saying that the “ideal ” body type for leggings and the only people who should be wearing them are people with long and skinny legs with a thigh gap and without cellulite. AKA unrealistic for most women.

The trend is just another version of the 2014 Tumblr trend of thigh gaps or hip dips that effectively annihilated the body image and mental health of an entire generation of girls.

The “legging legs” TikTok trendinitially went viral when women were posting videos of themselves in leggings which showed off the gap between their thighs. People then started criticising and pushing back against the trend.

One girl posted a TikTok that said: “What are legging legs and why is there a new insecurity on this app every week?”.

Another person, soundtracked to the Barbie monologue added: “I just saw a new trend called legging legs that’s circulating on the internet and it’s young people critiquing their legs in leggings and saying that the perfect legs for leggings is a giant square thigh gap and small legs… here to remind you that all legs are legging legs.”

But now TikTok has actually banned the hashtag #legginglegs from the app, removing all videos with the hashtag and replacing it with information about disordered eating.

Elle Mace, a psychologist who specialises in body image and positivity, said the trend is “harmful and body-centric” and that it “inadvertently contributes to a culture that places unnecessary emphasis on appearance”.

She said that even brief exposure to trends like this can contribute to eating disorders and body dysmorphia. “Such trends can foster unrealistic beauty standards, negatively affecting individuals’ self-esteem, self-worth and body image.

“On a platform full of young impressionable girls these types of trends can have detrimental effects. It can only take one comment/trend like this for someone to find themselves struggling with body dysmorphia or even eating disorders.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please speak to a charity like Beat or REDCAN UK. You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. 

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Okay but, who is Josh and why is he all over your feed right now? Josh memes explained

• What is the sleepy girl mocktail on TikTok? The viral drink giving people ‘insane sleeps’

• Erm, people on TikTok are trying to cancel Stanley cups for apparently giving you wrinkles