Leggings: Yay or Nay?

As the leaves start to fall and the wind-chill creeps in, thousands of college women across America are piling on the layers, boots, and… leggings. Why?

• They are as comfortable than some pajamas. Florida State University Student Jamie White says, “Leggings are great for rolling out of bed and throwing on an oversized shirt and a pair of boots. They’re a quick fix for an early morning class with a hangover.”
• They are usually black, which is neutral and matches everything.
• They are easy to slip boots onto (they don’t bunch up unlike jeans).
• Florida State University Student Mary Debevoise says she loves to wear leggings when she is working out. They are perfect for walking to and from the gym in freezing cold weather and are flexible enough to complete a workout in.

Photo by Petra K. via Lookbook.nu

The fashion world clearly believes that leggings are acceptable in some format since stores have been bursting with them for the past five years. Still, there is so much criticism thrown at these seemingly miracle clothes. Their functionality may be unparalleled, but how they are worn can be disastrous.

Florida State University Student Elise Parson says, “Although leggings are generally more comfortable to wear than pants, I think that a lot of people wear them distastefully. There is a difference between being comfy and trying to show your underwear to everyone. For example, wearing long shirts, sweaters, or anything that will cover your bottom can all be properly paired with leggings.”

Many women do not feel comfortable wearing leggings when the shirt does not cover their bottom. Debevoise says, “I like to wear the kind of leggings that comes to my ankles if I have a shirt that is extra long. I don’t like to wear leggings as pants if my shirt only comes to my waist.”

The verdict: The legging criticism comes from what you pair them with. Leggings should not be treated as pants because pants can be paired with any style shirt. If your shirt is long enough to cover your butt, you are in the clear. If not, you are subject to judgment from all classmates.