2025 Met Gala Outfits That Seriously Had To Hurt

Time and time again, the Met Gala reminds us that beauty is, in fact, pain, and this year was no exception. While some stars sidestepped the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme and its "Tailored for You" dress code entirely, others went all in, going to great pains for fashion. Sure, it's always up for debate whether an outfit eats or not, but whether an outfit is painful or not is rarely questionable — and some looks hurt just to look at.

In the name of style, celebrities this year braved pinched toes, stabbed busts, stiff corsetry, and more, proving that comfort still doesn't trump aesthetics in the fashion world. And while we're tempted to question whether these 'fits were actually worth the pain, let's be honest: The Met Gala is just an exaggerated version of the uncomfortable clothing standards most of us live by. From uncomfortable summer outfit mistakes to calf-killing heels and mildly torturous jeans, we've all made peace with some level of fashion-induced suffering. Still, the 2025 Met Gala took things to the next level. After all, it's the biggest night where fashion meets art — and comfort goes to die.

"Wednesday" star Jenna Ortega arrived at the Met Gala in a dress that was certainly creative and unique, but it also looked painful. This striking piece was constructed from metal rulers without any cushioning or lining. It was likely heavier than normal clothing fabric, and the sharp-edged materials likely dug right into her skin. Ouch. We bet every move she made was well-measured and came with careful calculation (pun fully intended). Fingers crossed that the latest step in Jenna Ortega's fashion evolution didn't pinch her skin between those rulers.

Megan Thee Stallion's corset may have sparkled under the lights, but those ultra-tight cups look like they hurt a lot. The top edge visibly digs into her bust, and though it creates a trendy, overflowing effect, it also makes us wince. Sure, it's a snatched look, but it's also a recipe for deep marks, bruising, and serious discomfort. And knowing she could've achieved a similar silhouette with a freer bust cut makes you wonder if all that pain was really worth it. On the plus side, Megan Thee Stallion's iconic signature eyeliner look was on point as always.

Rapper and singer Doja Cat showed up at the 2025 Met Gala in platform boots that looked like a podiatrist's nightmare. With skyscraper platforms, toe-strangling straps, and a wicked arch, these boots felt like an unnecessary test of survival. But it wasn't just Doja's very brave feet that made us cringe. A final fitting video with Vogue showed how her heavy earrings dragged her earlobes down, and she even admitted that her iconic outfit didn't leave any room to move, especially for her arms. We'll admit that the bold print and sharp stripes on her jacket were absolutely worth it. But the towering platforms? We're not so sure.

It took five men and a clearly struggling Diana Ross to move her statement piece of the evening: a massive white train that literally shut down the Met Gala's entrance steps. The train was 18 feet long and was sentimentally embroidered with the names of all her children and grandchildren, making it both sweet and audacious. But in reality, Ross could barely walk in it and wouldn't have taken a single step without the men holding her arm and lifting the enormous train. In essence, it was a workout. We love a bold statement piece, but we can only imagine what it feels like to be dragged back by your train to this extent.

Kim Kardashian's Met Gala look was daring as always, but this time, the real drama wasn't just in the design but in the struggle. Her crocodile-textured leather dress dipped dangerously low in the back, forcing her to tug it up repeatedly to avoid flashing her backside. We applaud her attempt to honor the theme with the leather and dangling side chains, but honestly, the look itself wasn't particularly impressive. For the SKIMS founder, fashion doesn't just require pain; it displays pain through aesthetics. The tight fit at the knees was cinched to exaggerate her hourglass figure, but it left her penguin-waddling up the Metropolitan Museum of Art's steps. Needless to say, this look only barely missed getting a mention on our list of the worst-dressed celebs at the 2025 Met Gala.