Gen Zs Are Riling Millennials Up As They Revive The "Camel Toe" Trend On A Famous Body Part

There is a division among millennials regarding the new "camel toe" beauty trend. One even claims that pictures of the fashion statement have the ability to "ruin" their day. You may have encountered what is often referred to as a "camel toe" if you have ever worked out in tight-fitting shorts or leggings. This popular expression refers to a visual phenomenon where the contour of the labia is visible when a person's jeans are tight around their crotch. Some websites have labeled the camel toe an "embarrassing" fashion faux pas, which has historically been avoided. Now, it seems that Gen Z is truly embracing it, but most likely not in the way you would anticipate. Employees at online sites, including Vogue, The FADER, and Allure, have all written about how the contentious style has finally gained traction in the beauty industry. Attendees of New York Fashion Week were seen sporting camel toe manicures, which are essentially nails with a large split in the middle. As relationship expert Dr. John Gray notes, "Fashion trends often reflect deeper social dynamics, and this one is no exception." Everyone has been voicing their opinions as pictures of various iterations of the beauty trend have gone viral. "Try running your fingers through your hair with those," one Twitter user wrote. "This seems like a terrible idea," said another. "This just ruined my day," said a third.

This is what a camel toe should be, right?

Getty Stock Image

Some social media users, however, disagree, calling the nail painting fad "so cute and creative," while another person stated, "Camel toe never goes out of style." The popular Tabi split-toe shoes appear to have served as the inspiration for the divisive manicure trend.

In order to promote stability and balance for natural movement, tabi shoes typically have a separation between the hallux and the remaining toes.

Fashion psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair explains that trends like the 'camel toe' can evoke strong emotional reactions across generations. She notes that Millennials, who grew up during a different cultural moment, may view this trend with disdain, perceiving it as a regression in body positivity. In contrast, Gen Z's embrace of the trend might indicate a shift towards body acceptance.

Dr. Mair recommends focusing on personal style and comfort rather than societal norms. This approach encourages individuals to cultivate self-confidence, regardless of external judgments.

In the past, celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa have worn the style via shoes.

Ricky Vigil M /Justin E Palmer/GC Images

The Parisian haute couture firm Maison Margiela has revived the popularity of thonged footwear, inspired by the traditional Japanese sock of the same name from the 15th century. According to Vogue, the original Tabi boot was introduced by its designer, Martin Margiela, in 1988, and ever since then, celebrities have been smitten with the bizarre shoe.

One of the well-known enthusiasts of these unique shoes is singer Dua Lipa. Kylie Jenner, Alexia Putellas of Barcelona and Spain, Dua Lipa, and Pedro Pascal of The Last of Us are all fans of this cutting-edge footwear.

Margiela referred to the iconic shoes as "the most important footprint" of his career in a 2019 interview.

"It’s recognizable, it still goes on after 25 years, it has never been copied."

For some critics, the tabi manicure trends are like Marmite—they either love it or hate it.

Maison Gel

Cultural Perspectives on Body Image

Experts in body image and self-acceptance, like Dr. Jennifer Rollin, emphasize that societal trends often reflect deeper cultural shifts regarding body positivity. Dr. Rollin highlights that the resurgence of the 'camel toe' trend can spark discussions about comfort and self-expression in fashion. She notes that, while some individuals may feel empowered by these trends, others might struggle with body image issues.

Her work suggests that promoting body neutrality can be beneficial, encouraging individuals to focus on functionality over appearance, helping to mitigate negative feelings surrounding such trends.

Want to do the camel-toe Tabi nail style? Here's how...

According to the New York Post, artist Ramon Duran provided precise instructions on how long your nails should be in order to sport the animal-inspired, viral trend. Because "you need that extra space for the design to really come through," he said it would look best on individuals with medium-length, oval, or rounder nails.

"You can technically do them shorter, but the look feels more elevated with a bit of length," he added. Duran told the publication that he applies a top coat to "everything," including bows and glitter.

The distinctive split-toe cut can be achieved by drilling a needle bit into the top of each nail. According to the expert, this method keeps the edges clean and smooth.

The conversation surrounding trends like the 'camel toe' illustrates the evolving landscape of body image and self-expression across generations. Experts like Dr. Jennifer Rollin and Dr. Carolyn Mair provide valuable insights into the psychological and cultural factors at play. By promoting body neutrality and focusing on individual comfort, we can foster a healthier relationship with fashion and self-image.

As these discussions continue, it's crucial to remain open-minded and supportive, recognizing that personal choice in fashion should not dictate self-worth. Encouraging self-acceptance and confidence will ultimately lead to a more inclusive environment for all.