Fashion fans mock Free People for new ‘hospital gown’ complete with open back: ‘Finish the look with grippy socks’
HOSPITAL gowns are hardly high fashion, but Free People seems to have been inspired by the sick ward for one of their spring designs.
Fashion fans are mocking the brand's backless romper, noting its striking similarity to a hospital gown — even down to a gaping hole in back.
The brand debuted the romper early this year, and despite plenty of backlash on social media, it clearly found a fan base and is already sold out online.
The flowy, light gray design featured short, wide legs, resembling a T-shirt dress from most angles.
While the open back doesn't extend to the bottom, it hangs wide, much like a hospital gown.
But taken out of context of the brand's website, some people are stunned that it is not, in fact, a patient uniforn.
One shopper named Izzy () shared her try-on in a viral TikTok video.
";Free People has f**ked up again, but in literally the most awesome way ever," she said.
Izzy modeled her blue patterned romper, turning around to reveal the style's open-back design.
The shapeless, flowery one-piece features a back slit that shows off a small sliver of back.
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Viewers, however, were less impressed — and more confused — than Izzy.
"You're so awesome, but I really assumed this was a joke about you getting out of the ward," said one commenter.
Many echoed the same sentiment, saying they thought Izzy had exited a hospital or psych ward.
"Not me like, 'Oh, she got the outdoor privileges,'" joked one commenter.
"When you have surgery at 3 and happy hour at 5," said another.
"Oh! This is a really popular garment where I work. (In a hospital)," said a third.
One commenter thought the outfit was great but was missing just one finishing touch.
"All you need is some grippy socks to match," they said.
TikTokers went into a frenzy over the romper's resemblance to a hospital gown, including Nicole (), who picked up a similar Ann Taylor LOFT dress out of sheer curiosity.
After trying it on for size, she concluded that it was a cheaper and better alternative to expensive hospital gowns.
"Considering how much my actual hospital gowns cost me, $68 is a steal for this dress. But seriously, Ann Taylor LOFT designers, blink twice if you’re okay," she said.
"Funny enough… in the week it took to order, receive, and try on this dress, the listing has been removed. They either realized their poor judgment or a hospital bought all the inventory."
Viewers felt that the romper was a great deal, considering the steep cost of American healthcare.
"Omg DUPE. I paid $3,000 after insurance for this dress!" said one commenter.
"I just had a hysterectomy, didn't realize I was in designer clothes at the hospital," said another.
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Some considered picking the romper up to better accommodate their lifestyle.
";At my age, I need to go straight from work to the ER, so this might be a good buy for me," joked one viewer.
