Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
If you’ve started to notice an increase in people wearing leggings, you’re not imagining things. The search for comfortable and practicality has led to a boom in athleisure, which blends the cool of sportswear with the comfort of lounging. Now it is easy to catch everyone, from your favorite celebrity to your least favorite neighbor, rocking leggings.
Not all leggings are created equal, however, and there are more than one way to wear them. While athleisure may seem to be the most prominent, it’s far from the only option. This guide will explain how leggings recently made a name for themselves in fashion culture.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Are Leggings?
You may not fully understand what we mean by leggings, but rest assured, you likely have a pair in your closet. You may call them yoga pants or confuse them with tights, but there’s more to leggings than that. Essentially, they are opaque, skin-tight pants.
Some have pockets and other accents, but most tend to be pretty straightforward, without any pockets. The only seam that is prominent is the one that goes around the inner leg.
Leggings are usually made of cotton and lycra, but come in various lengths, colors, cuts, materials, and finishes. For the most part, when people say leggings, they mean a basic solid color piece.
So what is the difference between yoga pants and leggings? Yoga pants are explicitly designed for exercise, so they are under the umbrella term of leggings, but they’re made with performance-enhancing features. There are also versions of yoga pants made with features that make them convenient and comfy, so that you can have the best of both worlds.
Although you may assume that leggings are exclusively for casual wear, they’re also great for more formal events or even as a work outfit. You can style up leather leggings with a silk blouse and blazer for a professional office look, or find the right top and accessories for a night out.
Let’s Turn the Clock Back
Where did leggings originate from? Well, the first pair of leggings made their first appearance on men in 14th-century Scotland.
They looked pretty different from the leggings we know now since they were two separate, hip-high, boot-like apparatuses made of either chainmail or leather. These eventually evolved into thick tight-like garments.
You can trace the modern-day evolution of leggings to the 1950s. Aubrey Hepburn wore a pair of cropped black pants in Sabrina and made waves with that style. Although they weren’t precisely stretchy leggings, it was an apparent deviation from the more common wide-leg types.
Once spandex was invented in 1958, the fashion industry began to adopt the slim pants in the 60s, and by the time the 70s rolled along, there was no stopping the trend.
Countless celebrities had leggings as a wardrobe staple. Remember how wearing a leotard over leggings was in every 80s video? This is also the time when leggings with bold patterns were introduced.
As the 90s creeped around the corner, the popularity of leggings faded, and baggier pants became trendy. It wasn’t until the turn of the 21st century that all of the It girls began to embrace leggings again.
Modern Inspiration
So where does this leave leggings now? They’re back as an unbeatable fashion trend that has stood the test of time. They evolved into high-waisted and streetwear-inspired styles, combining some of the old with a sprinkling of the new.
Leather leggings are equally as popular, proving that these slim, skin-tight pants aren’t only appropriate for the gym. As long as the fashion industry continues to embrace this essential item, you can count on leggings sticking around for a long time.
If you’re ready to upgrade your wardrobe with new leggings, then be sure to check out https://evolvefitwear.com/collections/leggings for plenty of stylish and comfortable options.
Athleisure Boom
One of the reasons leggings found their way into the spotlight again is because of the athleisure boom. Recently, we have taken clothes designed for activity, and we adapt them for inactivity.
Athleisure is a culmination of three long-term trends.
First off, spandex has transformed and become more washable, flexible, and durable. Secondly, there is a modern fixation with health and looking healthy, and part of that aesthetic is exercise leggings. Finally, the blurring of office attire and exercise-studio fashion has continued to grow.
Athleisure aims to break down the barriers of separating clothing from all of the genres of dress. You no longer need to change into a different outfit if you decide to leave your home after lounging around all day. You can feel comfortable at work in your exercise clothes, and then stop by the gym before heading home.
It’s evident that the athleisure boom is still at its peak, and we’re excited to see what it turns into next.
The Popularity of Wearing Leggings
Leggings don’t only have a fascinating history, but they’re quite a controversial fashion piece as well. Plenty of people will die on the hill that leggings shouldn’t be used as pants.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue of wearing leggings, it’s hard to argue that leggings as a whole aren’t one of the hottest fashion trends. With so many ways to wear them, they’re absolutely a wardrobe staple, and it doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon.
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