This is a long and much-overdue response to an article in the last issue entitled “Tights Are Not Pants!” by Sarah Weiss. Inspiring much criticism (a -6 ranking on The College Voice website), I thought I’d add perspective from the legging-lovers camp.
The article is correct in saying that tights are not pants, but then again, nobody ever ventured to say such a thing. Indeed, tights worn as pants warrant an arrest for indecent exposure.
What I think the author is referring to, if I may translate, is the use of leggings as pants. The synonymous, interchangeable use of the words “tights” and “leggings” is simply inappropriate. In terms of fabric, tights are made of thin nylon which is porous and sheer, while leggings are much more substantial; I am currently sporting a pair comprised of 94 percent cotton and 6 percent elastane.
That being clarified, the “recent trend” of leggings as pants is not recent at all. It’s all just a little bit of history repeating. Leggings originated during the Renaissance, broke through the fashion industry in the 1960‘s and emerged as exercise apparel in the 1980’s.
Weiss advised her fellow classmates to don leggings in situations that “warrant them necessary,” such as going to the gym. However, historical evidence indicates that leggings were meant to be a fashion statement before they were ever worn as exercise apparel.
Moreover, leggings have never been more present in fashion than they are today, featured as integral parts of both Marc Jacobs’ and Betsey Johnson’s collections at Fall Fashion Week.
Leggings are a viable substitute for pants. The issues of cost, comfort and versatility all “warrant” their use. Indeed, leggings should be worn in moderation and tastefully – preferably with a blouse that covers to the hip – but they should not be discarded altogether.
In terms of cost, I’d much rather buy a $4 dollar pair of leggings at Forever 21 than pay $300 for a pair of jeans with pocket detailing intended to enhance my assets. What’s more, leggings are a great day to night accessory and also a perfect cure for the ever-present “fat day.”
Leggings are made of forgiving material that often hides what my jeans exploit. So really, the argument can be made that under certain conditions, leggings are a more flattering option and a courtesy to the general public.
“Throwing on a pair of tights (leggings) may be hassle free, but the worst excuse of all is laziness.”
Excuse me, but I never wear my leggings out of “laziness.” I am not a lackadaisical slob who cannot spare the time to yank on a pair of skinny jeans – a process which yes, often includes a shimmy up the rump, a few kicks and the occasional lying down backbend, but nonetheless is not a terrible expense of physical energy that I purposely avoid.
Instead, when I wear my leggings, I make a conscious decision to choose a more comfortable, less expensive, matches-better-with-my-outfit option.
I didn’t realize my mother wrote for The College Voice. We’re all adults and can make our own choices when it comes to what we wear. Unless I commit an egregious fashion offense, like wearing a glittering, spandex bodysuit like JLo on New Years, I don’t deserve to be scolded.
I’m not saying that everyone should wear leggings. I’m just saying that we should feel free to wear what we want without fearing a fellow classmate writing a poorly researched opinion about it in the newspaper.
You seemed to have missed the point to the article, along with the many other critics.
The article “Tights are Not Pants” never once claimed to discard tights or leggings all together, but encorages wearing them tastefully, the same point you seem to be trying to make.
Read more carefully next time.
“Leggings are made of forgiving material that often hides what my jeans exploit.”
This couldn’t be more false of a statement. Leggings are that which let it all hang out, Ms. Boyle. So next time you think that slipping on a pair of leggings will instantly trim and forgive your thighs, think again. Leggings form to the skin, allowing the public to see what you think you may be hiding.
Considering that you, Ms. Boyle, are at your heaviest weight only among the average weight class by today’s standards, you don’t have to worry about this. However, for those of us who do not look like the models in Ms. Boyle’s favorite designers runway shows, we cannot just slip on a pair of “94 percent cotton and 6 percent elastane” and look better than we would in a good pair of jeans meant for our body type.
So thank you, Ms. Boyle, for your incredible disregard for the body types of the majority of the women at this school.
so what you’re really saying is that large women should not wear leggings as pants. Thin/trim women look just fine in leggings, as you yourself admit. Why should they be punished for the fact that heftier women can’t rock the same look?
If anything, the lesson here is KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE! If you are plump or higher, do not wear leggings as pants! If you a one of the rare few who possess thighs and buns of steel, wear leggings to your heart’s content.
as a member of the above average weight camp for my age range, I have to say that in my opinion – leggings can often be a much more flattering and versatile option compared to pants. It’s often nearly impossible for me to find a pair of pants that offer a flattering fit. With leggings and a long top, I can be comfortable AND look presentable (and I would argue stylish as well) at the same time.
I don’t think anyone’s personal weight should come into the debate. Are you saying that if my body type is anything other than average (or below) I shouldn’t wear a bathingsuit?
I have neither the free time nor the extra cash to find and pay for a well-fitting pair of jeans that don’t require a lot of costly and time-consuming custom tailoring. So, thanks, but I’ll continue to choose leggings when I want, regardless of what weight class I fall into.
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Eamon – Yes, you can use some of the points in this article, but please link back to it!
I know this is actually boring and you might be skipping towards the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a big thank you – you cleared up some things for me!
How about don’t worry about what i’m wearing cuz i never gave a crap about u and your clothes. tights are comfy
How about lettting people wear what they want?