A Gen Zer has shocked internet viewers after trying on a pair of Y2K low-rise jeans.
Gabriela Silva (@vintageprincessxoxo), a professional thrifter from Burbank, California, recently went viral after posting a video of herself trying on a pair of extremely low-waisted denim pants. The clip has garnered more than 436,000 likes and over 4.2 million views.
“I’m a Gen Z’er who thrifts too much and recently gave low-rise jeans a try. Honestly? I was surprised by how uncomfortable—and low—they are. With a family rooted in 30 years of vintage and antique dealing, I’ve learned to give every trend a chance,” Silva told Newsweek.
The viral video shows Silva modeling the jeans, visibly shocked by just how far down her waistline they sit.
She added: “I feel so prudish, having grown up in the era of mom jeans and having a personal style that emulates Ms. Frizzle, I had never dared to even think about this combination.”
Ms. Frizzle is an eccentric teacher from the animated series The Magic School Bus, and is known for her vibrant outfits
Silva, who describes herself as someone who loves glam and vintage fashion, said she hopes to start a fashion-based nonprofit one day that empowers others through style.
She added that she was too young to remember her older millennial sisters wearing low-rise jeans in the 1990s, though she recalled hearing negative opinions about them. “Almost as if they were not to be spoken of—similar to Voldemort,” Silva added.
Trying them on for herself, she described as “a completely new and very sensational experience.”
Silva said she felt “incredibly dumbfounded” by the idea that such jeans were once everyday attire.
“You mean to tell me these sort of jeans aren’t just for the weekends and bank holidays? How is that even possible?” she said.
Through the video’s comment section, Silva also discovered the Y2K fashion rule that the jeans went as a pair with thongs.
She added: “I’m sorry, a what? I hardly own any! But I tried them on to recreate what is called a whale tail, an absolute necessity, according to my new millennial parents.”
Reflecting on the trend, Silva said that fashion is cyclical and that Gen Z’s fascination with the 2000s shows a growing appreciation for past styles.
“We live in a time where fashion is a blank canvas for many, and low rise is definitely back for those who want it to be. I certainly will be rocking more low rise in 2026. Minus the lower back tattoo. But I am eyeing a navel ring!” Silva said.
Viewers flooded the comments to share their own memories and reactions.
“Look up Paris Hilton’s low-rise jeans—they can go lower,” wrote Cutrina Solomon.
“Oh honey … those aren’t low-rise jeans. Those are ALMOST what was considered ‘mom jeans’ at the time,” added Amanda.
“Low-rise jeans made thongs very popular,” commented Tiffany.
“My 2000s low-rise jeans would be APPALLED by the size of my underwear now,” posted Becca.
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