Gen Z Woman’s ‘Tight on Tight’ Fashion Rule Divides Internet

A Gen Z fashion enthusiast has sparked a heated style debate on TikTok after calling out “tight-on-tight” outfits as a fashion faux pas.

Cat (@catsparklelife) shared a video showcasing three different ways to style a simple pair of black leggings. Her go-to looks featured cozy, oversize layers—like a baggy leopard print hoodie and a roomy pink-and-white striped sweater. But it was her third outfit, pairing the leggings with a tight-fitting top, that served as her fashion don’t.

“Tight on tight outfits are not my thing, it’s giving middle school,” she captioned the now-viral video, which has earned over 540,900 likes and 4.6 million views.

The Style Divide

The comments section quickly turned into a battleground of generational fashion values.

While many Gen Z users championed Cat’s comfy-casual approach, others stood by the formfitting silhouette, sparking a broader conversation about changing fashion norms and body-conscious dressing.

Etiquette expert and fashion consultant Jo Hayes weighed in with Newsweek, noting that the video reflects a cultural shift in how different generations approach athleisure.

“I’m a millennial, and I’m 100 percent with the Gen Zers on this one: tight does not pair well with tight, when it comes to styling leggings. We need some visual balance here. The leggings paired with an oversize boyfriend tee, or slouchy sweater makes for far better sartorial balance, than a body-con top paired with tight leggings,” she said.

Hayes explained that Gen Z has played a major role in ushering in the slouchy, non-body-con era.

She added that, for many “the comfort and aesthetic factor of loose fitting clothing” drives this shift more than modesty, though the result has still seen modest fashion trending again.

“Ultimately, the ‘right’ way to style/wear leggings is up to the individual—what they feel most comfortable in. And, like all areas of fashion, the trends are forever changing.”

“The general rule is: looser top, with tighter bottom, or vice versa. Tight/tight, or loose/loose is less aesthetically pleasing,” she explained.

The Legging Evolution

Once a “basic” staple of the early 2010s wardrobe—think capri-length leggings and bright colors—the humble legging has undergone a major style evolution.

Hayes explained that in 2025, “anti-tight-on-tight is definitely the new rule.” Not only does the look feel a bit outdated, she says, but it’s also generally less flattering.

And when it comes to styling, she believes the Gen Z formula—a baggy top paired with tighter bottoms—is more universally flattering. “It gives balance and proportion, to create a slimmer look,” Hayes said.

TikTok Reacts

TikTok users were quick to share their takes in the comments, both in support of and against the “tight-on-tight” rule:

“The only exception is a define jacket,” said one user.

“Tight on tight works if it’s cute,” shared another.

“Tight on tight only looks good on select people,” offered a different viewer.

“The gym is the only exception to tight on tight,” wrote Martina Luce.

“More like wear what you want? It’s not giving middle school, it’s giving you clearly just follow all the trends. You can have your preferences but don’t knock what you don’t like down by saying it,” another viewer pushed back.

“It can be tight it just needs to be cropped or have something big on top like a zip up or cardigan,” said Katey Megginson.

“I think anyone looks great in anything they’re comfortable in, but on ME, tight on tight isn’t good,” one user added.

“For me it’s baggy pants tight top or tight pants baggy top,” Mya chimed in.

Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.