wardrobe malfunction

Meaning

A 'wardrobe malfunction' is a humorous or polite euphemism for an accidental exposure of intimate parts of the body due to a clothing failure, such as a zipper breaking, a button popping, or a strap slipping. While it originated in the entertainment industry (specifically during live broadcasts), people now use it casually to describe any embarrassing clothing mishap in daily life.

Examples

• The pop star handled her wardrobe malfunction on live TV with absolute grace.

  The pop star handled her wardrobe malfunction on live TV with absolute grace.

• I had a minor wardrobe malfunction when my heel snapped right before the presentation.

  I had a minor wardrobe malfunction when my heel snapped right before the presentation.

• Make sure those safety pins are secure so we don't have a wardrobe malfunction on stage.

  Make sure those safety pins are secure so we don't have a wardrobe malfunction on stage.

• He didn't realize his shirt was inside out until someone pointed out his wardrobe malfunction.

  He didn't realize his shirt was inside out until someone pointed out his wardrobe malfunction.

• The dress was beautiful, but the loose strap made her worry about a potential wardrobe malfunction.

  The dress was beautiful, but the loose strap made her worry about a potential wardrobe malfunction.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ My computer stopped working; it was a wardrobe malfunction.

  ✓ My computer stopped working; it was a technical glitch.

  'Wardrobe malfunction' refers strictly to clothing or fashion issues, never to electronic or mechanical failures.

• ✗ I chose the wrong dress for the party, which was a huge wardrobe malfunction.

  ✓ I chose the wrong dress for the party, which was a huge fashion faux pas.

  A wardrobe malfunction is a physical failure of the clothing (ripping, slipping, snapping), not a bad stylistic choice or dressing inappropriately.

Related Expressions

Practice

• She had to rush backstage because a broken zipper caused a sudden ___.

  💡 An accidental clothing failure.

  Show answer

  wardrobe malfunction

• I always carry safety pins in my bag just in case of a ___.

  💡 An embarrassing fashion mishap.

  Show answer

  wardrobe malfunction