Have you seen how everyone around you, from college campuses to corporate boardrooms, are wearing leggings as everyday attire? What started as simple workout tights have evolved into a full blown fashion phenomenon, present in everyone’s closet.
Let’s face it; leggings check all the boxes for the modern woman. They’re stretchy, comfortable, flattering on most figures, and trendy enough to pair with everything from oversized sweaters to blazers. And at a fraction of cost of jeans, leggings feel indulgent yet practical.
The story of the legging begins on the ballet stage.
Leggings originated in the world of dance, emerging as a form of footless tights worn by ballet dancers in the late 19th century. Made of cotton or silk, these form-fitting “dance tights” served to enhance movement and line while preserving modesty. Ballerinas favored their sleek, uninterrupted design that elongated the limbs and gave the illusion of floating.
Leggings gained popularity outside of ballet in the swinging 1960s and athletic 1970s. Women embraced the freedom and self-expression of the times, and leggings fit right in as comfortable activewear.
Back then leggings were firmly in the exercise and dance camp. Options were limited to basic black and neutral tones, and the skintight silhouette was deemed appropriate only for physical activity – not everyday fashion. Leggings in the ’60s and ’70s served a utilitarian purpose for sports.
The meteoric rise of leggings from exercise essential to fashion star began with the emergence of yoga in the 1990s and 2000s.
As yoga grew in popularity, women everywhere were looking for comfortable yet flattering outfits for their practices. Leggings fit the bill perfectly, contouring to the body while allowing for the full range of movement yoga requires.
But leggings’ popularity didn’t stop at the yoga studio. Women started realizing just how stylish and versatile these form-fitting favorites could be.
Gone were the strictly black, gray and navy leggings of the past. Leggings in every print, pattern and hue hit the market. From animal print and neon brights to floral and tie dye designs, leggings now came in fashionable options to match any outfit and mood.
Rise to Fashion Star Status
Famous faces like Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, Rihanna and the Kardashian clan routinely stepped out in leggings paired with oversized tops, coats and heels. Their form-fitting, stylish legging looks were splashed across magazines and social media, inspiring legions of fans.
What started as comfortable activewear has now become a must-have fashion basic, appearing in everyone’s closet from teens to executives.
Debate Over Appropriateness
Leggings have become such a fashion staple that women everywhere have incorporated them into their everyday wardrobes. But this rise in popularity has also sparked an ongoing debate about whether leggings are actually appropriate attire in certain settings.
On one side, some argue that because leggings are form-fitting and resemble tights or undergarments, they should only be worn for exercise and not in public places like schools, offices or restaurants. They believe leggings cross the line into being revealing or even indecent.
On the other side, leggings defenders say that as long as they are worn modestly with an appropriate top that covers the rear end; leggings can and should be treated like any other type of pants. They point out that leggings today come in many thick fabrics and styles that resemble real trousers. Leggings wearers argue that comfort should not preclude something from being considered appropriate wear.
While the disagreement continues, one thing is clear: leggings’ popularity is not going away anytime soon. As with most fashion, society and our views on what is “appropriate” will likely continue to adjust to accommodate new styles that prove functional and comfortable for everyday life.
Styles of Leggings
The expanding leggings trend has brought a cornucopia of styles and variations to the market. No longer just simple black exercise tights, today’s leggings come in a rainbow of hues, patterns and materials to suit any taste.
Compression leggings that sculpt and smooth the figure without restricting movement remain a favorite for workouts and sports, delivering the support and comfort active women crave. For chilly mornings, thermal leggings woven with cozy fleece keep legs toasty yet don’t compromise on fit.
For those seeking something more eye-catching, printed leggings with bold camouflage, animal and geometric designs provide visual pop without sacrificing comfort. Colour block leggings offer modern geometric flair with high-low blocks of contrasting shades.
Faux leather and mesh inserts likewise bring an element of edge and innovation while still delivering the wearability and stretch the leggings revolution is based on. Ankle length and Capri styles further expand the lineup for those who prefer a more modest look.
Perhaps most remarkable of all, the range has broadened to embrace all body types with plus size and maternity leggings lovingly shaped for curvier and expectant women, ensuring every woman can join the revolution in Effortless, Flattering Style.
Pairing Your Leggings with the Perfect Top
Finding the right top to wear with your leggings is key to pulling off a stylish, put-together look. The secret is using tops that create balance and harmony with your leggings.
Long Shirts: Wear breezy, loose-fitting shirts that hit below the hips. Longer tops provide visual interest by breaking up the lines of your legs, while still maintaining a cozy, casual vibe.
Sweaters: Oversized sweaters and cardigans drape flatteringly over leggings, creating a comfortable yet chic silhouette. They naturally pair perfectly with leggings thanks to their casual, laid-back fits.
Tunics: Flowy tunics work equally well with fitted leggings. Choose a tunic that hits around mid-thigh for a balanced, stylish alignment of proportions. The tunic’s straight cut offsets the snug fit of your leggings.
Throw on a Jacket
It wouldn’t be fall or winter without layering a jacket on top! Wear your leggings with:
Denim jackets: A timeless choice that pairs perfectly with everything from casual to dressy leggings. Opt for a loose, cropped fit that ends above your natural waist.
Blazers: A blazer adds instant polish to your leggings, transforming them into work attire. Wear with a tucked-in blouse and pointed flats for an office-appropriate yet cozy ensemble.
The Right Footwear
Pair your leggings with:
Boots: Ankle, knee-high and over-the-knee boots all work beautifully with leggings, especially in cold weather. Choose flat or stacked heels for a stylish, comfortable finish.
Flats: Ballet flats, loafers and slides provide a laid-back complement to your sleek leggings. Go for simple styles in neutral tones to let your leggings take center stage.
Sneakers: For a sporty-chic look, wear your leggings with sneakers. High-tops provide extra visual interest, while sleek low-tops maintain a clean, streamlined silhouette.
Wrapping Up
What woman doesn’t want an outfit that’s stylish, affordable, and easy to wear? Something you can throw on without much thought but still look and feel your best. That’s the magic of leggings.
Over the past decade, we’ve watched celebrities, bloggers, and ordinary women embrace leggings as the new de facto pants. Varied fabrics, patterns, and styles have risen to meet demand. And though critics may debate their appropriateness, leggings’ mix of comfort, versatility and flattery ensures their staying power.
