Leggings were popular in the 1990s and are now making a comeback. They have a Renaissance and Native American history and are often worn for warmth or in sporting settings. They can be worn with a variety of outfits, but underwear that avoids visible panty lines is recommended.
Leggings hardly need a definition for those living in the western world. Especially in the US, and in the early 1990s, leggings were extremely popular for women, competing with jeans as some of the most popular pants styles. The trend for wearing these skinny pants waned in the mid-1990s, but beginning in the mid-2000s, the pants are once again becoming more popular.
Today, most leggings contain some spandex and cotton, cotton/poly, or other blended fabrics. They fit close to the body and can be ankle or mid-calf. Although they look modern, this style is really from the past. Throughout the Renaissance men wore stockings, which were tight fitting, and could be more like stockings, extending over the toes. Other clothing similar to modern pants might fit only over each leg, such as the leather stockings first worn by some Native American tribes and adapted for use by various fur trappers.
Women’s tights should be understood as a form of leggings, and often these pants serve a more utilitarian than fashion-conscious purpose. They were ideal for providing extra layers under clothing and keeping people warm, especially if they were made of wool. The narrow fit had other uses and before Lycra, achieving pants that stayed perfectly in place was often achieved by adding stirrups, a strip of stretchy fabric that covered the foot and kept the pant legs anchored in place.
Stirrup pants are still worn in a variety of sporting settings, including ice skating, dance, gymnastics, and equestrian sports. In the 1980s, when leggings hit the scene as a fashion statement, stirrup pants had a devoted following. They may also be on their way to a comeback, so there’s one thing to watch out for with these stretchy, skinny pants. If you’re tall, the stirrups will often cause your waist to sag, creating opportunities for some very embarrassing moments. Try to buy them in tall sizes only, if you are well above average height.
In the 2000s, leggings were often paired with loose-fitting or empire-waist babydoll tops. They can also be worn with oversized sweaters, under mini skirts, or in a variety of different ways. They still add extra warmth, and if you like to wear longer skirts, consider wearing these pants to keep yourself warm during the winter months. There are also leggings for men, although these are not as popular.
Everyone who wears these ultra skinny pants should find underwear that helps avoid the dreaded VLP, or visible panty line. New clothes that fit well and don’t ride up can help, and thongs can prevent this problem. Of course, if you wear these pants under longer shirts or tunics, you really don’t have to worry about someone seeing a panty line.
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