Honestly, if you’ve been following pop culture for the last decade, you know that Miley Cyrus doesn't just "wear" clothes. She weaponizes them. From the moment she chopped off her Hannah Montana locks and traded the sequined vests for a giant foam finger, the public has been obsessed with every inch of her aesthetic. Specifically, the conversation around the miley cyrus crotch area became a strange, lightning-rod obsession for the media during her Bangerz era. People weren't just looking at the outfits; they were looking for a slip-up, a scandal, or a sign that the "Disney Princess" was officially gone.
She gave them exactly what they wanted.
Why the Bangerz Era Outfits Still Matter
The year was 2013. The MTV Video Music Awards changed everything. Miley stepped out in that nude, latex two-piece, and the internet basically imploded. It wasn't just about the twerking with Robin Thicke; it was about the sheer audacity of the high-cut silhouette.
That specific cut—the ultra-high "v-cut" leotard—became her signature. Designers like The Blonds and Roberto Cavalli worked with her to push those limits. David Blond actually told People that Miley specifically requested everything be "really high cut, low cut, or both." She wanted to show off her legs and her body in a way that felt liberating to her, even if it made everyone else extremely uncomfortable.
It worked.
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The Parents Television Council was furious. Tabloids ran headlines about "wardrobe malfunctions" that never actually happened. Why? Because Miley and her team were meticulous. Those high-cut leotards weren't accidents; they were engineered. They used body tape, custom tailoring, and thick fabrics to ensure that while she looked like she was on the edge of a disaster, everything stayed exactly where it was supposed to.
The Engineering Behind the Risqué Looks
You’ve probably wondered how someone can move that much on stage without a massive "oops" moment. It’s not luck. It's high-level styling.
- Double-Sided Tape: This is the unsung hero of the 2010s.
- Built-in Bodysuits: Most of those "risky" outfits had a structured base layer that held her in place.
- Proportions: By raising the leg line of her leotards, she created the illusion of longer legs, a trick used by gymnasts for decades.
During the Bangerz tour, she’d slide down a giant tongue or ride a flying hot dog. The physics of these stunts required outfits that moved with her. When she wore the "marijuana leaf" bodysuit or the dollar-bill print leotard, she was making a statement about her own autonomy. She was no longer a puppet for a corporation. She was a woman who owned her own image, regardless of how many people complained about the "indecency" of her hemlines.
The Commando Confession at the Grammys
Flash forward to 2024. Miley wins Record of the Year for "Flowers." She’s wearing a stunning, custom Maison Margiela dress made entirely of gold safety pins. It’s a masterpiece by John Galliano. But even then, the old Miley cheekiness came out. During one of her five outfit changes that night—specifically the Gucci one-shoulder gown—she jokingly mentioned she wasn't wearing any undergarments.
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It was a classic Miley move. A reminder that while she’s now a "serious" artist with Grammys on her shelf, she’s still the same person who isn't afraid of a little controversy.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Style
People love to call her "trashy" or "desperate for attention." That’s a lazy take. If you look at the trajectory of her career, the provocative clothing served a very specific purpose: it killed Hannah Montana so Miley Cyrus could live.
She used her body as a canvas to prove she wasn't a product anymore. Whether it was the "Wrecking Ball" video where she wore nothing but Doc Martens or the 2015 VMAs where she hosted in a series of "outfits" that were essentially just strategically placed plastic circles, she was in control.
The "scandalous" nature of the miley cyrus crotch-baring outfits was a distraction for some, but for her, it was a shield. It filtered out the people who couldn't handle her evolution.
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Actionable Insights for the Modern Fan
If you're looking at Miley’s fashion journey, there are a few things to take away from how she handled the scrutiny:
- Own the Narrative: Miley never apologized for her outfits. When people complained, she leaned in harder.
- Function Meets Fashion: The most "revealing" stage outfits are often the most complex to build. If you're trying a bold look, don't skip the structural support (tape, shapewear, etc.).
- Evolution is Key: You don't have to stay in one "era" forever. Miley transitioned from "raunchy" to "rockstar" to "glamour icon" seamlessly because she remained authentic to her current self.
The focus on her "indecency" has mostly faded now, replaced by respect for her vocals and her longevity. She outlasted the critics who thought she was just a flash in the pan. Today, she’s wearing vintage Bob Mackie and Alaïa, proving that she can do "classy" just as well as she did "controversial." She just chooses when to flip the switch.
To stay ahead of the next big shift in celebrity fashion, keep an eye on archival pulls. Miley’s recent success with vintage pieces suggests that the next "viral" moment won't come from showing skin, but from showing history. Stick to high-quality tailoring and don't be afraid to reference the icons who came before you, just like Miley did with her Tina Turner-inspired Grammy performance.