Tradwives: Why Are We Still Falling for This TikTok Trend in 2025?

Ah, TikTok—the land of catchy sounds, viral dance moves, and, apparently, a romanticized rebrand of the 1950s housewife: the tradwife. If you’ve been on the app long enough, chances are you’ve seen one of these videos pop up on your For You Page, whether you wanted it there or not. But let’s unpack this tradwife phenomenon. What is it? Where did it come from? And why, oh why, is it still a thing in 2025?

What Is a Tradwife, Anyway?

Short for “traditional wife,” a tradwife embraces a lifestyle centered on homemaking, nurturing, and being the “perfect” spouse and mom. Think freshly baked bread, ironed linens, and a spotless home—all executed with grace, poise, and a permanent smile.

But here’s the kicker: this role has existed for as long as humans have. It’s nothing new. What’s changed is the way the internet—and TikTok specifically—has romanticized it to an almost unrecognizable level. Thanks to influencers who are stay-at-home moms (SAHMs), the concept has evolved (or devolved, depending on how you see it) into a soft-spoken, perfectly curated fantasy that doesn’t reflect reality for most people.

Stay with us now—it’s a long, winding road down Insanityville.

The TikTok Tradwife: When Aesthetic Meets Absurdity

We love a good TikTok trend as much as the next person, but let’s call it like it is: the tradwife isn’t it. Take Nara Smith, for example. She’s one of the most famous influencers perpetuating this trend. And this isn’t to hate on her—it’s just pointing out facts.

If you’ve seen her videos (or had them forcibly delivered to your FYP), you already know the vibe. Nara is known for making *everything* from scratch. We’re not just talking about a loaf of bread; we’re talking cornflakes, Coca-Cola, waffles, and probably chocolate from cacao beans she grew herself. She does it all while wearing a perfectly tailored gown, rocking immaculate makeup, and projecting a serene energy that seems… otherworldly.

Now, let’s be real for a second. Do you *really* think that’s her life?

The Reality Check: It’s Not What It Seems

Here’s why this trend is so frustrating. Many of us grew up in households where “homemaking” meant scrubbing toilets, cleaning up after messy toddlers, vacuuming, and cooking practical meals—not creating artisanal, organic versions of produced food with ingredients you need to import.

Yet, these tradwife influencers are idolized. Men compare their partners to them, SAHMs compare themselves to them, and the cycle of unrealistic expectations continues. These influencers are showcasing a lifestyle that’s not just unattainable for most people—it’s not even their real life. Behind the scenes, they often have nannies, housekeepers, videographers, editors, and personal assistants to make it all happen.

What’s worse, some of these influencers even monetize the lifestyle by selling cookbooks, clothes, or workshops on how to “be the best SAHM” or “embrace your femininity.” Yes, these courses exist.

From 1950s to TikTok: The Evolution of the Tradwife

Back in the 1950s, the tradwife was a reality for many middle-class women. Homemaking was a full-time job, and women weren’t afforded the opportunities or independence that many enjoy today.

Fast forward to 2025, and the tradwife trend has been co-opted by the leisure class—those so privileged and far removed from the average person’s struggles that they can cosplay this lifestyle as entertainment. What used to be about survival and necessity has become a romanticized aesthetic for people with the financial and logistical resources to make it look effortless.

Why Does This Matter?

The problem isn’t the idea of homemaking itself—there’s nothing wrong with cooking, cleaning, or nurturing your family. The issue is the fake, curated image being sold as attainable or aspirational. It sets impossible standards for women and perpetuates outdated gender roles, all while turning a profit for the influencers behind it.

Let’s Not Romanticize the Unrelatable

At the end of the day, the tradwife trend is a carefully edited, highly aestheticized performance. It’s not real life, and it’s certainly not relatable for most people. So, the next time a calming, soft-spoken video of a perfectly dressed woman making chocolate from scratch pops up on your feed, just remember: it’s a production, not a lifestyle.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or inadequate, please know this—you’re doing amazing, whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a working professional, or someone just trying to figure it all out. Let’s leave the tradwife trend in the TikTok archives where it belongs.