Forget everything you’ve heard about leggings not being a viable pants option, because they are. And fashion says so.
For years the debate on whether it’s socially appropriate to wear leggings as pants in public has been a sartorial hot potato.
For those against the clingy trend, the fact that leggings are comfortable, casual, and stretchy are the very reasons why they shouldn’t be worn as pants in public. Although for those pro-panters, these are the same reasons as to why they should be worn in public.
Still, if the amount of leggings on the runways at fashion weeks this season tells us anything, it's that leggings are pants now more than ever.
Getty Images / Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis
At Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent show in Paris, leggings were styled beneath oversized leather jackets and boxy coats, while it was a similar story at Marine Serre’s railway shed-turned-bazaar show, which saw leggings paired with kitten heels and skin-tight tops.
Blumarine, Miu Miu, and Ferragamo also chimed in on the clingy phenomenon by reimagining the inherently athleisure garment into something much more opulent, paired with dinner jackets and chunky knitwear.
Lacoste, which was showing its first collection under new creative director, Pelagia Kolotourus, on March 5, also delivered a variety of legging looks amidst an unusually dressy collection.
Interestingly though, and unlike other shows, Lacoste’s leggings-only looks were also styled on men. Groundbreaking? No, leggings have been in sportswear for years, but instead Lacoste merrly proposing them as genderless in a more everyday setting.
Today's legging as pants conversation recently reared its head in 2022 when Kim Kardashian wore "pantaleggings" in a then-new Balenciaga campaign. This is where the question of whether leggings as pants is socially acceptable was brought back into question.
This all began in the the mid-2010s and the athleisure, when leggings first became the go-to garment to pair with oversized hoodies, fleece jackets, and sweaters.
They were the cozy cherry on top of a comfortable and practical everyday look for virtually every under-20s woman across the world. Wearing leggings as pants became the universal sign that you’d been to the gym, even if you hadn’t.
In 2024, leggings as pants is clearly getting the high-end treatment and it feels surprisingly inclusive. But for Fall/Winter, now more than ever, leggings can be pants in anybody's outfit.
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FAQs
Can leggings be worn as pants? Yes! Leggings can certainly be worn as pants. Leggings are more versatile than trousers because of their stretchability and ability to flatter almost every body type.
Are leggings meant to be worn as pants? ›
Use as outerwear
Leggings do, in fact, count as pants—provided they are opaque enough that they don't show your underwear."
Can leggings be worn alone? ›
Over time, leggings have evolved from being long underwear you would wear beneath your clothing to the now-popularized everyday pants that are worn alone.
Is it inappropriate to wear leggings in public? ›
While some individuals may find it uncomfortable or inappropriate, others view it as a fashion statement and a personal expression of style. Ultimately, the decision to wear leggings in public should be based on personal preference and comfort level.
When did leggings become acceptable as pants? ›
Following this invention, the women's fashion industry embraced the fabric and began popularising slim, stretchy pants in the 1960s. Come the 70s and leggings truly took off as a fashion staple for women.
Do girls wear anything under leggings? ›
Choosing to wear leggings with no underwear is totally fine and peachy. Whether you're simply more comfortable going commando at the gym, or you're low on laundry at home, there's no judgment here, soldier. Without the protective layer of undies, though, you may have to wash your leggings more often.
Where is it appropriate to wear leggings? ›
Whether you are currently in a yoga studio, at the mall or out to dinner, workout-wear has finally become day-wear. Both comfortable and stylish, leggings can be worn anywhere and have the possibility of being elevated into a runway look.
What should you not wear with leggings? ›
Steer clear of wearing a fitted top with your leggings. The tight all overlook is not very flattering for many. Unless you're Sandy in Grease, it's a tough look to pull off.
Is it okay to just wear leggings? ›
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to wear leggings. If it looks and feels right for you, then that should be enough. But if you want your leggings to take the place of your regular trousers, they can do that as well—as long as you know what you're doing.
What is the point of leggings? ›
Leggings are soft and unrestricting. They allow the leg to move freely and they feel exhilarating on the skin. Some might say leggings are even more comfortable than pajamas… although they give a neater appearance!
To create a professional ensemble, pair your leggings with appropriate tops. Wear leggings to work with longer tops that provide coverage for your backside. Tunics, button-down shirts, and tailored blouses are all excellent choices to pair with leggings.
Why did schools ban leggings? ›
In late March, word got out that an Illinois middle school that had banned leggings (a fairly common practice), openly cited the primary reason as being “distracting” to male peers. The school is yet another entry on a long list instances in which academic institutions are tightening up their dress codes.
Does anyone still wear leggings? ›
Indeed, leggings remain on-trend in 2024. The staple black legging is a season-less classic wardrobe staple and a must-have in 2024. At Lysse, we love our signature center seam legging & the denim legging! Why do we love them?
Why did Gen Z cancel leggings? ›
The versatile piece can be worn for any outing, from ducking out to the shops or paired with some jewellery to wear on a night out. Now, Gen Z has cancelled the comfortable pantaloons, declaring them “cheugy” (for any non-Gen Z, this means outdated).
Do Gen Z wear leggings? ›
First Gen Z came for skinny jeans. Now they want you to get rid of your leggings. Tight leggings have fallen out of trend as "flare leggings," or yoga pants, come back into style. Gen Z loves to pair the wide athletic pants with chunky shoes and crewneck sweaters.
Why do so many girls wear leggings now? ›
This is largely due to the rise of yoga pants and the increasing emphasis on comfort in the fashion industry over recent years. Not only do leggings provide a great fit and flattering silhouette, but they also come in a variety of styles to suit any look.
How leggings should be worn? ›
Your leggings should be tight enough to snugly cover your legs, but not so tight that people can see every dimple in your legs. Make sure that they aren't so loose that they start to bunch over your legs, because that isn't very flattering either.
How to wear leggings like pants? ›
Wear Thicker Leggings
If you want your leggings to look more like trousers, you'll usually get better results by choosing a pair made with thicker materials. That's because thicker leggings are typically less sheer, which helps them look like regular pants at a glance.
Is it still acceptable to wear leggings? ›
Dressy leggings are the fashion statement that suits any age. Comfortable, versatile, and fashionable, leggings have become a go-to for women of all ages — anyone who says older women shouldn't wear leggings or that leggings are out of fashion is, in our view, sorely mistaken!
Are leggings and pants different? ›
Pants generally pull on like leggings but have a lot less stretch and zip, or close with buttons, at the crotch. Pants may also be called trousers, and jeans can also be considered a kind of pant.
