Can Tight Pants Really Cause A Hernia? Here's What We Know

Could your personal style wind up putting your health at risk? According to singer Suki Waterhouse, it just might. In a July 2025 post on X, Waterhouse explained that her recent hiatus from tweeting was the result of a hernia that put her in the hospital. But what may sound puzzling is the reason she claimed she got a hernia in the first place: wearing tight pants.

Does her assertion have scientific backing? Could painted-on trousers do bodily harm? Or is this yet another of those medical myths you need to stop believing? Certainly, hernias are a genuine medical phenomenon. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic notes that hernias can affect between 10% and 25% of adults, depending upon the type of hernia (inguinal, femoral, hiatal, etc.). Hernias occur when the abdominal muscles weaken in an area and the organs, tissues, or intestines behind them poke through. Interestingly, hernias don't always cause discomfort or even problems. However, serious hernias shouldn't be left untreated (such as with surgery).

Many common conditions and events can lead to a hernia, including giving birth to a child (which Waterhouse did in 2024), straining to lift a heavy object, or even sneezing. That said, "tight pants" usually isn't listed as a risk factor. To get expert input on the subject, Health Digest contacted Dr. Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer and physician at One Oak Medical. Dr. Singh noted that there might be a correlation between hernias and tight pants, albeit an indirect one.

"In general, tight pants don't directly cause hernias but can increase risk in predisposed individuals by restricting normal abdominal expansion and redirecting intra-abdominal pressure against weakened areas of the abdominal wall," said Dr. Singh. In other words, your favorite pair of skinny jeans could exacerbate an existing issue.

This doesn't mean tight-fitting pants can't cause other unwanted outcomes. As Dr. Singh explained, all tight apparel can disrupt digestion and circulation, lead to skin irritation, and compress the nerves (which he said he's seen many times). Additionally, he advised that since tight pants can raise the scrotal temperature in men and therefore affect sperm production, men who want to start a family might want to wear looser pants.

What's the verdict? Should you ditch your silhouette-hugging trousers? Not necessarily. "Occasional wear of tight pants poses minimal health risks for most people," assured Dr. Singh. That said, he recommended choosing breathable and stretchable fabrics and limiting how much you wear them. When you do show off your physique in restrictive clothing pieces, make sure you're taking movement breaks, staying hydrated, and avoiding eating large meals to reduce any possible negative effects. (By the way, these are the worst eating habits for your metabolism.)

The takeaway here is that you probably won't develop a hernia from showing off your tightest pants unless you're already at risk for one. Nonetheless, consider wearing tight clothing on special occasions rather than as everyday gear.