Love Island fans left horrified by Jay's shirt for 'blue' party and are convinced it's the reason for Paige's change of heart

Jay Younger's incredibly shiny outfit dazzled viewers—but not in the way he probably intended...

Love Island's Paige Thorne and Jay Younger
(Image credit: ITV)

When it comes to Love Island 2022 fashion, it's usually the female Islanders who get most of the attention—from head-turning dresses to daring bikinis. However, in the latest episode, it was the men who stole the show. In particular, Jay Younger and what has become the most hated shirt on the internet. Which is quite something in an episode that documented the shock fight between Gemma Owen and Luca Bish after Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu stirred up the drama.

During tonight's installment, the Love Island cast could be seen excitedly getting ready for a surprise 'blue' party in the villa in which—you guessed it—they were all required to turn up wearing various shades of aqua through to turquoise or cobalt. However, when the 28-year-old investment analyst from Edinburgh made his entrance, viewers at home (want to join them? Here's how to watch Love Island UK) were dazzled by his incredibly shiny short-sleeved shirt—and not in the best way.

They quickly shared their horror at the Scotsman's outfit choice on Twitter. One social media user wrote: "Sorry what is Jay’s shirt and why does he look like a mermaid." Another agreed: "Jay's shirt—I wanna cry." A third, referencing Love Island season eight's decision to swap partnerships with its usual online clothing brands for eBay, added: "Oh my, Jay’s shirt is enough to drive Gen Z straight back to fast fashion."

Many were also convinced it was the reason why, towards the close of the episode, Paige Thorne told Jay—who she is currently 'coupled up' with—that her romantic attentions are now solely focused on Jacques O'Neill. It prompted one viewer to joke: "Paige was feeling Jay until he came out in that shirt." Another teased: "Paige seen Jay in this shirt and basically proposed to Jacques." 

Similarly, the shirt chosen by fellow contestant Charlie Radnedge—who was also rejected by potential suitor Natasha Ghouri—was little better. It prompted the show's voiceover Iain Stirling to make his feelings clear when he remarked: "If you’re trapped in a relationship and you want out—Charlie and Jay’s shirts are available on eBay”. 

Love Island season eight

(Image credit: ITV)

Now, if you're wondering does Love Island provide clothes or if Jay packed his shirt himself to bring on his Spanish getaway, then Iain is most probably right about its origin. The show has this year teamed up with eBay, meaning that the contestants have been offered up a stylish wardrobe of second-hand clothes to wear. The move to support sustainable fashion followed criticism in recent years from their partnerships with fast fashion brands accused of encouraging a disposable attitude toward outfits.

While his shirt caught slightly less negative attention than Jay's this evening, last night Charlie's haircut at the hands of Davide Sanclimenti was the focus of viewers' amusement. Those watching at home were left giggling after the Italian businessman appeared to be playing dirty in his efforts to win back Ekin-Su. They suggested he was trying to "sabotage" his love rival's blonde hair with a pair of clippers and give the Turkish actress the "ick". You'll have to tune in tomorrow to see if her head is turned...

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Lauren is a freelance writer and editor with more than six years of digital and magazine experience. Most recently, she has been the Acting Commissioning Editor of Women's Health—where she co-produced the Going For Goal podcast—and has previously also written news and features for titles including The Telegraph, Grazia, Stylist, Dazed, The Sun's Fabulous, Yahoo Style UK and Get The Gloss. She covers all aspects of lifestyle, specializing in health, beauty, and travel. Can't live without: oat milk lattes, new podcast episodes, long walks, and great skincare.