It’s sadly the case that social media isn’t usually a hotbed of body positivity. From the thigh gap to the ab crack via the A4 waist challenge, Instagram has given rise to a series of disturbing trends that implicitly shame those who don’t conform to a narrow definition of beauty.
So, when a trend that a. is realistic, b. is non-judgemental and c. encompasses all shapes and sizes comes around, we’re more than ready to embrace it with open arms. Enter Mermaid Thighs, the body positive hashtag that’s all about celebrating your natural thighs – gap or no gap.
Women around the world are channelling their inner Ariel (or Daryl Hannah in Splash, if you prefer an '80s reference point) and embracing the trend, posting pictures where – shock horror – their thighs are actually touching with the tag #MermaidThighs. Because as the meme goes, ‘If your thighs touch, you’re one step closer to becoming a mermaid’… and for all the ‘90s children who wore out their VHS copy of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, that is certainly a good thing.
Refreshingly, this trend isn't about criticising those who do have a natural thigh gap, either. No skinny shaming here, just all round good vibes.
Now all you need is a mermaid crown to complete the look…
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