Remember the thigh gap ‘movement’? For those of you who have (quite rightly) scrubbed it from your memories, it was a hashtag-driven body trend encouraging women around the world to proudly proclaim that their thighs didn’t touch.
Normal for some women, sure — but unrealistic for many.
Now, women confounded by and excluded from the whole bizarre craze finally have their own less-limiting hashtag: it’s called mermaid thighs, and it’s magical.
The body-positive movement encourages women to embrace their well-acquainted legs because it makes them look like they belong, well, under da sea.
Women have shared pictures of their #mermaidthighs on Instagram and Twitter, many expressing their delight that there's finally a viral social media body standard they can live up to.
"If your thighs touch, you're one step closer to being a mermaid," wrote one Instagram user.
"I finally have 'a thing'," wrote another.
Some women are embracing the trend so much it's infiltrated their wardrobe.
And even their skin....
We love this whole thing. Not because there's anything wrong with having daylight between your legs — nothing at all, in fact, if that's your body type. I mean, the lack of chafing must be fabulous in summer.
No, we love it because it means there's not a single, arbitrary criteria by which women are judging the attractiveness of their bodies. Because it's an alternative that allows room for legs that are fit, strong, flabby, fat or skinny.
And, let's be honest, also because mermaids.
Listen: The Well's Robin Bailey is a smart woman, so why was she obsessed with having a thigh gap?
Featured image: Universal Pictures.
Top Comments
Thank you! I was angry clicking into this because, although I am not and apparently no matter how thin I get I will never be a women who has a thigh gap, I know plenty of women who unwittingly do. One of them being the biggest eater I know and although being pregnant still cannot get rid of hera. Much to her chargrin lol. I am relieved to find and article telling us that not having a thigh gap is cool but hey if you do have one good for you too! Embrace your bodies ladies, you only get one don't waste your life wishing it was something it can't be.