Bridging the Swag Gap in Relationship: Can Love Conquer Style Differences? |

The ‘swag gap’ in modern relationships is more common than it appears. When one partner is more stylish, confident, or out going than the other, or has a different fashion style, it can create an imbalance. But can love still thrive when one person feels less ‘cool’? Experts weigh in on how the swag gap affects relationships, and whether genuine connection can bridge it.

Selena’s elegant dressing contrasts with Benny’s casual comfort

Trend on social mediaCouples who differ in their fashion sense are described on TikTok as having ‘swag gap’ relationships. In such pairs, one partner tends to have a different or less stylish fashion sense than the other.

Deepika keeps it classic, while Ranveer opts for bold choices

Can love bridge the gap?A Reddit user recently opened up about the “swag gap” in his relationship — the imbalance in how much effort each partner puts into dressing up. Sharing his experience, he wrote, “My wife feels similarly. I usually dress up even if I’m just going to the shop. Every outing is an opportunity to come up with a new outfit, or sometimes I’ll wear something old that I still feel good in. But my wife sometimes feels she doesn’t look good enough, and that bothers her.” He added that he always encourages her to “dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable,” stressing that being authentic is far more attractive than trying too hard.In another post, a user echoed a similar sentiment, saying he dresses up because he enjoys fashion but never expects his partner to do the same. “If it’s an occasion where she should dress up, we just communicate what the expectation is,” he wrote, adding that his partner’s personal style is “perfect as it is.”

Hailey embraces classic glamour, while Justin keeps his look casual and relaxed

Celebs known for the swag gap– A well-known example is the contrast between Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey, spotted at an event for her beauty brand in August 2023. While Justin turned up in a grey tracksuit, yellow Crocs, and a pink cap, Hailey stunned in a red mini-dress with matching heels and bag– Newlyweds Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are also often said to have a noticeable swag gap

While Akshay keeps it simple, Twinkle adds a touch of grace

What experts say“Swag gap is really a non-issue,” says relationship expert Aanchal Gupta Kalantri. “Look at celebrity couples like Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar — she’s always perfectly turned out, while he’s often seen in casual joggers with the ankles pulled up. Or take Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh — she’s elegant and polished, while he has a quirky, experimental sense of style. It’s ridiculous to make personal fashion a point of contention in a relationship.”She adds, “There are far more important things that make a relationship work — trust, communication, maturity, and shared values. Everyone’s style is simply an expression of who they are, and that should be accepted.”Relationship psychologist Anjula Mutanda explained that if one partner sees themselves as more stylish and uses it to feel superior, it can lead to an unhealthy power dynamic. “Your partner may have made a lot of effort, but in your mind, they don’t quite meet your high standards,” she told the BBC.

Sonam brings glamour, while Anand keeps it effortless