Eva Mendes suggested that wives wearing sweatpants lead to divorce in a recent interview, causing laughs and more than a few angry responses.

Eva Mendes Says Sweatpants Cause Divorce

Mendes, who recently welcomed her first child, a daughter, with her longtime boyfriend Ryan Gosling, was promoting her new makeup line when she was asked to describe her personal style. Mendes answered that she feels most comfortable in a skirt or a dress, but when asked if she ever unwinds at home in a nice pair of sweatpants, Mendes was quick to deny any such behavior.

“No! You can’t do sweatpants,” Mendes said, turning to speak directly into the camera. “Ladies, number one cause of divorce in America: sweatpants, no!”

Eva Mendes Faces ‘Sweatpants’ Backlash

While Mendes’ off the cuff comment was said with a laugh, many women took offense to the suggestion that they should always dress to impress. The Daily News published an open letter to Mendes by “sweatpants-loving mom” Erica Pearson that fought back against the idea that women should always look red-carpet ready.

“Eva, maybe celebrities don’t realize it, but for the rest of us taking care of a new baby can make basic beauty routines like haircuts and even showers feel like luxuries – and dads should be cool with that,” Pearson wrote.

Twitter has also responded to Mendes’ “no sweatpants” rule with dismissive remarks.

Still, Mendes, who covers April’s Women’s Health, also added that she doesn’t want women to be intimidated or pressured by her supposed ‘body after baby.’

“We’re helped in those situations. I want women at home to know: you’re lit, you’re angled. So yes, it was a few months after the baby, but with a lot of help,” Mendes said.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.