2 days ago
Can these five viral TikTok fashion gadgets REALLY solve every wardrobe crisis from fabric shaver to stretch belt?
TIKTOK is a goldmine for hacks - and right now, it's overflowing with gadgets that claim to solve every wardrobe crisis.
As a fashion assistant, I'm no stranger to quick-fixes. I've always got a safety pin and double-sided tape in my bag - ready to rescue a hem, a neckline, or a stubborn zip.
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With over a million videos under #fashionhacks, my feed is full of weird and wonderful gizmos promising to make fashion mishaps a thing of the past.
But are any of them actually worth your money?
Here, I put them to the test to see which really work.
Mini Stitch Gun, £15.99, Amazon
Being petite myself with a fuller bust, finding clothes that fit just right can be a challenge.
The Mini Stitch gun first caught my attention on TikTok, where fans of the product hailed it as the 'ultimate fashion hack'. One video of the gun had over 41.5k views.
It works by inserting a small, removable plastic stitch to hold fabric in place, perfect for closing button gaps, hiding bra straps, or temporarily hemming jeans. I was impressed by how quick and easy this is to use.
This particular kit included helpful step by step picture instructions, five needle replacements and lots of extra fastenings plus a handy travel case.
There's no need to apply a lot of pressure, you simply squeeze the trigger and the stitch is in. The stitch is made of plastic so it feels secure and holds all day.
Although it was visible close up, it didn't show in photos. Nobody mentioned to me they could see it. This is a game changer for my wardrobe.
Rating: 8/10
Impressed customers film themselves using the Philips GCO26 Fabric Shaver which has racked up over 1,000 five-star Amazon reviews
Fabric Shaver, £9.99, Phillips
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Electric fabric shavers had a big moment a few years ago, and the buzz is back… pun intended.
They became popular during Covid-19 as people took more of an interest in extending the lifespan of their clothes.
I've only ever tried a super cheap one from the Poundshop, so I decided to give the more pricey £9.99 Phillips version a try.
This one in particular was described as 'magic' by one user on TikTok, with another calling it a 'game changer'. One video recommending the model in question has also racked up over 50.3k views.
It comes with picture instructions and 2 AA batteries.
The cover for inserting batteries slides off without much effort but does stay put during use.
Quite a few Tiktok users commented that it's important to remove the plastic cap, with some forgetting to do so and not finding it as effective.
But once it's off, it's easy to use. Simply flick the on switch and gently glide the shaver over any bobbles to remove them.
It's really effective and better than anything I've used before.
Gone are the days of washing a jumper once and being ruined by dreaded bobbles, plus it works on sofas and soft furnishings too.
Rating: 10/10
Reusable Plush Roller, £5.99 (for 2), Amazon
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In theory, this sticky roller is a brilliant idea, eliminating the need for disposable lint sheets.
These ones were £5.99 for two on Amazon but I've seen them for as little as £1 each on Tiktok shop. Sadly the low price is reflected in the product quality.
The plastic case broke almost immediately after I took them out of the packaging. That said, it does still do the job.
Simply roll the sticky pad over your clothes and it picks up any unwanted dust, fluff and hair really easily. The adhesive pad is super sticky so it really clings to everything.
To clear it, you just rinse the pad under water.
You are supposed to remove it from the case, but I struggled to do this in fear of breaking it as it's so flimsy.
The biggest problem I found was drying it. You can't use a towel or cloth as it's so sticky that it just gathers more dust.
While it comes with its frustrations, I do think it's worth having. With a little product development, it could be a useful tool to have around the house.
Rating: 5/10
No Sew Jean Button, from £2.50 for 2, Amazon
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Oversized jeans have been the must have style for a few seasons, and as much as I love the relaxed look, I still want my jeans to fit properly around my waist.
I always fall between sizes so shopping for the perfect pair is a real struggle.
Thankfully, I (or rather TikTok) has found the perfect solution with these genius removable no-sew buttons.
They come screwed together, and whilst it takes a little force to pull both pieces apart (especially with nails - and mine aren't exactly long), that does mean they won't budge once screwed in place.
To use, you push the pin through where you want the new button to go, snap the backing piece in from the back to create a new button and a tighter waistband.
Plus, they're reusable, so if your size does fluctuate, like mine, you can easily move them without damaging your jeans.
They come in gold and silver and there are many designs to choose from.
Although slightly fiddly, once you get the hang of it, they're such a smart, budget friendly alternative to buying new jeans.
Elastic Stretch Belt, £8.95 for 2, Amazon
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TikTokers deem this elastic belt to be the best solution for achieving the 'perfect tuck'.
If you struggle with tucking and cropping your T-shirts and jumpers, or even if you have a top that's too long and, when tucked in, creates an unflattering bulky look around your waist, this product is designed to eliminate the problem.
The adjustable band fixes around your waist, allowing you to securely tuck your top into it.
The clasp is easy to use and the two pack includes a black and a white version, which is a plus, as they will work with any outfit.
I was skeptical about this one, and personally I don't think it's worth nearly £9. Sure, it helps create a clean tuck, but the elastic was very uncomfortable around my waist after a few hours of wear.
I think a regular belt could do the job just as well and would probably look nicer too.
VERDICT
Not every TikTok gadget lived up to the hype, but a few stood out as genuinely smart solutions.
I'll definitely be adding a couple of them to my styling kit, as well as my own personal wardrobe.
Some of these affordable devices have proven to make a real difference, especially to those who favour convenience without compromising on style.
I was especially impressed with the pricing of the products too. These are all budget-friendly alternatives to visiting a tailor or buying brand new products.
So if you're navigating fluctuating sizes or want to refresh your favourite jumpers, these trending tools actually prove that most of the time, TikTok hacks do deliver.
