'Swag Gap’ explained as Gen Z relationships become increasingly doomed

The ‘swag gap’ relationship has been explained, and you might have seen a few examples of it in action already.

Dating trends are constantly ebbing and flowing in the relationship scene, and this latest one could have the capability to ruin your own pairing.

From 'Shrekking' to breadcrumbing, ghosting, and dogfishing or zip coding, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with what’s happening in the world of dating.

But when it comes to the ‘swag gap’, it could be detrimental to your relationship.

Now, if you don’t know what the trend is, I can guarantee you’ve seen it before and can spot it instantly.

From Hailey and Justin Bieber to Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, or even Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez, the trend is so easy to see.

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson? Come on.

The 'swag gap' has been explained (Getty Stock Images)

What is the ‘swag gap’ dating trend?

If the above didn’t jog your memory, then this explanation will. Chic women vs men in Crocs.

Essentially, the swag gap is when two people who are dating have very different fashion styles.

Where one is polished, the other looks like they spent the day working from home in their rattiest comfies.

Think about the time Hailey Bieber was snapped wearing a red mini dress in 2023, with her singer hubby trailing behind with an outfit that could almost be seen as being the opposite of what she was going for.

Crocs, a hoodie, and shorts.

However, some say it can also relate to inner swag.

Say one person is confident, and the other is threatened by that confidence, then there’s an inner swag gap between the two.

A famous swag gap couple is Hailey and Justin Bieber (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

What does the ‘swag gap’ mean to people?

Julie Nguyen, a love coach in Los Angeles, told the Wall Street Journal that the way people dress is tied to their personality.

She said: “Clothes can be a stand-in for someone’s social status and, over time, the swag gap can raise deeper questions around worth, desirability and social value.”

So, the way your partner approaches style might also mean something about how they feel about themselves.

If you’re both of different scales, it could go on to spark trouble or at least cause conflict.

It can damage your relationship (Getty Stock Images)

What are the cons of a ‘swag gap’ relationship?

Like most new trends, the viral trend ended up being discussed on TikTok, where people explained how it’s damaging relationships.

In the end, there were a couple of issues noted in the videos.

First, some revealed that when one partner compares themselves to the other, it can impact their self-esteem, and they might go on to feel less than the other person.

A 2021 study published in PLOS One revealed that out of 1,100 young adult couples, those who felt less confident or less valued in their relationships were more likely to become sensitive to conflict, which then damaged their self-esteem.

Not only can it impact self-esteem, but then also create a power imbalance in the relationship, with the person who is seen as the more confident one taking the reins.

This type of trouble in a relationship isn’t great to have, and ultimately, it can end in ruin.

So, maybe it’s best to stick to someone who shares your swag?