Just when millennials thought they had escaped some of fashion's most questionable trends, one particularly divisive wardrobe staple from the 1980s and 1990s has officially returned. Yes, stirrup leggings are back.
The Return of a Controversial Trend
The skin-tight pants, complete with an elastic strap designed to sit under the foot, are now appearing in stores nationwide, whether shoppers are emotionally prepared or not. The nostalgic trend has sparked a heated online debate after Kmart quietly released its own $20 version of the controversial style, prompting thousands to relive memories of wearing them the first time.
Photographer and content creator Jade Sneddon was among those left stunned after spotting the leggings during a recent Kmart visit. "Oh lord they're back. Wild that I'm now old enough to see things come, go and come back again in fashion," she joked in a now-viral video with more than five million views. "I honestly did not foresee the return of these bad boys again. Anyone else smell the stench of dirty ballet flats when you look at these?"
Mixed Reactions from Shoppers
The clip unleashed a wave of horrified reactions from Gen X and millennial shoppers who vividly remember the trend the first time. "No. Absolutely not. I rebuke this in the name of Black Baby Jesus," one person joked. "As a Gen X I am sitting this one out! No thank you," another added. "Does no one learn from history?" a third wrote. "Nope. Been there done that not going back for more," someone else commented.
Others recalled the less glamorous realities of wearing stirrup leggings. "I was too tall last time and I'm still too tall. The crotch was always at my knees," one woman laughed. "Omg I rocked these in the 80s with a pair of heels," another added.
Fashion Insiders Embrace the Revival
Not everyone was horrified. Fashion publication Who What Wear recently declared stirrup leggings the "far more expensive-looking version" of regular leggings dominating fashion in 2026. The outlet pointed to designer runway shows including Tibi Spring/Summer 2026, where models styled the pants with structured jackets and strappy heels to make the retro item feel sleek and elevated.
Some fashion fans insisted the trend suffered from bad styling the first time. "You're not supposed to wear them with ballet flats, that's tacky. You wear them with boots," one viewer argued.
Kmart's Version and Styling Tips
Kmart's version features a high-rise fit, seam-front detailing, and an elasticated stirrup foot strap designed to keep the leggings in place. Made from a stretchy fabric blend, they are marketed as an easy everyday wardrobe staple ideal for layering with oversized tops, blazers, and tunics.
According to Who What Wear, fashion editors gravitate towards the style because the stirrup detail creates a cleaner silhouette around the ankle and pairs more seamlessly with boots and heels than standard leggings.
A Broader Trend of Nostalgic Revivals
The trend revival comes as fashion continues its obsession with recycling nostalgic styles from decades past, with everything from jelly sandals and capri pants to low-rise jeans and ballet flats making a comeback in recent years.
