Major retailer Target is under scrutiny after a pair of girls’ sweatpants were called out for a design feature that many say is not only unflattering but downright inappropriate. The pants—part of a collaboration with athletic brand Champion—have triggered a flood of criticism, particularly from concerned mothers and health professionals.

At the center of the backlash is Dr. Marcy Crouch, a respected physical therapist specializing in women’s pelvic health. Known for her advocacy in women’s wellness and recovery after childbirth, Dr. Crouch took to TikTok recently to sound the alarm on what she described as a design oversight that is both “shocking” and “tone-deaf.”

Holding up a pair of light tan sweatpants, Dr. Crouch explained that the pants—purchased by a friend from the girls’ clothing section—feature a thick elastic waistband and multiple front pleats. One pleat, in particular, sits directly in the center of the crotch area and creates a shape disturbingly reminiscent of female genitalia when worn.

“When I’m talking to you, this is what you see,” she stated in her viral video, stepping back to show how the pleat stretched awkwardly across her body. “Do better,” she said, directing her message squarely at Target. She also noted in the caption: “Someone made the decision to make this, and then multiple people in multiple meetings approved it.”

Dr. Crouch, who assists women in preparing for and recovering from labor, wasn’t shy about expressing her disbelief. “Trust me when I say I’ve seen it all down there,” she wrote in an email to the Daily Dot. “But Target’s pants pleat? That was a first. And yes—it deserved a PSA. And clearly, no woman or vulva owner was on the design team. Just. Wow.”

She’s not alone in her concern.

A quick glance at Target’s product review section reveals a slew of similar complaints. One reviewer exclaimed, “Absolutely terrible design!” Another wrote, “Looked cute on the hanger, but the pleats are… horrible. Will return.” A particularly telling review stated, “The design in the crotch area is very unflattering and strange looking. Returning for sure.”

Even customers who initially liked the pants found themselves disillusioned. “Me and my second grader thought these were a win… Got home, put them on, and both of us didn’t like them,” one mother shared.

The pants, retail for $20 on Target’s website. As leggings fall out of favor—especially with Gen Z—loose-fitting sweatpants have surged in popularity. A recent Wall Street Journal report noted that leggings, which made up nearly 47% of athleisure bottoms in 2022, dropped to just 38.7% in 2023.

According to Vogue, searches for “baggy gym outfits” have skyrocketed by 400% on Pinterest over the past year. But as fashion adapts, critics argue that basic design standards—and common sense—shouldn’t be sacrificed.

This latest design disaster raises serious questions about who is making the decisions in corporate retail. A

Target has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.