Long, airy, and cozy – these qualities seem ideal for a pair of summer pants. However, the £25.99 trousers from Zara have gained a chilling moniker on social media: the ‘Zara death trousers.’
Claimed to offer a trendy look with wide-leg design, these trousers are also associated with risks of injuries like fractured elbows, broken ribs, and cuts, according to shoppers.
Numerous warnings have surfaced on TikTok, with women sharing tales of mishaps involving these viral pants. Incidents range from emergency ambulance calls during daily commutes to fabric entanglements in tube station escalators.
Intrigued by the alarming reputation, I decided to test the trousers myself by visiting Zara. Despite their breathable fabric, loose fit, and elastic waistband – great for indulging at a BBQ – I discovered they were excessively long even for my 5’3 height, posing a significant tripping hazard.
The slippery material caused the wide legs to rub together while walking, leading to frequent catching. Climbing stairs became challenging as the hem constantly snagged, pulling the waistband down.
During a brief walk outside, I stumbled over the excessive fabric, confirming the hazardous nature of these trousers.
One woman, Lauren Hunter, recounted suffering suspected broken ribs after a wind gust tangled the fabric, causing her to fall awkwardly while out for lunch. Another shopper, Bev Finch, required multiple surgeries and hardware insertion following a similar incident that resulted in a severe arm fracture.
Experts caution that such falls often lead to upper-body injuries, including shoulder damage. To reduce risks, they recommend improving balance and proprioception. A simple fix for shoppers could involve adjusting the trouser length before wearing them.
Zara has not yet responded to requests for comments.
