Upon reading the question in the title of this article, you might have instantly come to your own conclusion about whether or not leggings “count” as pants. It’s a debate that has raged for as long as leggings have been fashionable, as proponents of leggings as pants insist they can be worn like any bottom garment, and critics of the idea claim they’re too revealing or inappropriate for most pants-demanding situations.
But here, we attempt to settle the debate once and for all. Are leggings pants? The answer isn’t “yes” or “no,” no matter how much you want it to be.
The Role of Variety
There’s a simple explanation for why we can’t fully categorize leggings as “pants” or “not pants.” It’s because there are too many types of leggings in circulation. Leggings can be tight or loose, opaque or semi-transparent, and can be made from one (or more) of dozens of different materials and thicknesses. It’s impossible to make a single statement regarding the nature or appropriateness of leggings when so many different garments can be defined as leggings.
Add to that the complexity of social situations. Differentiating between public and private is important, but the difference isn’t so black-and-white. For example, would going out to get the mail count as a public or private situation? What about asking the neighbor a simple question? What about walking around the block? Or going to the gym?
The worlds of fashion and society are complex, so the discussion on the appropriateness of leggings needs to be nuanced.
Variables to Consider
If you’re unsure whether leggings are appropriate attire, or whether they can count as pants, you’ll need to consider the following:
- Opacity. One of the most important factors to consider here is the opacity of the legging material. In general, the more opaque the material is, the better. Some thinner fabrics might very well function as see-through, which would be considered questionable by most public bystanders. It’s unlikely you’d be taken in for indecent exposure, but it’s still a good idea to strive for opacity—especially if you’re trying to make a good impression.
- Tightness. Leggings are designed to be tight, and that tightness by itself should not be considered inappropriate. Some leggings are looser than others, depending on the material and the personal fit. Looser leggings may be considered informal, but generally come with fewer problems than super-tight leggings. Very tight leggings may accentuate parts of your body you don’t want to accentuate.
- Color and patterns. The color and patterns of the leggings you wear will also play an impact in their role. Light colors, like white, may be more transparent than others, and should be avoided in a public setting. Darker, plain colors are often acceptable. If there are simple patterns, they’ll likely work fine, but cartoonish or excessively flashy patterns might put them in the same tier as pajama bottoms.
- Purpose and material. Let’s also consider the purpose and material of your leggings. Some leggings, for example, are made with sweat-wicking fabric, or are otherwise designed for exercise; this makes them perfectly appropriate for working out at the gym or attending a fitness class. Others are thick and fuzzy, designed to keep you warm in winter; this makes them appropriate as outdoor winter attire.
- Formality. Much depends on the formality demanded by the specific situation you’re about to enter. Attending a work meeting obviously demands more formality than chilling at home; accordingly, you’ll want to avoid leggings. A quiet social gathering at a friend’s house would likely make leggings perfectly appropriate. If you’re not sure about the situation, err on the side of formality and keep the leggings at home.
- Body type. Some people believe leggings are meant for fit people, or those with an average body type—in other words, leggings aren’t appropriate if you’re fat or chubby. However, body type shouldn’t enter into the equation. The appropriateness of leggings has nothing to do with the person wearing them, and everything to do with the type of leggings and the formality of the situation.
- Other clothing. Leggings can also be made more appropriate with the other clothing you wear. For example, if you wear a long shirt or jacket, it could diminish the impact the tightness or transparency of your leggings might have.
If you’re looking for a simple answer here, it’s this: leggings aren’t pants. They’re leggings. And as a unique item of clothing, they need to be considered in all their complexity, rather than written off as always okay or always inappropriate. Use your best judgment when choosing what to wear, and if someone has a problem with it (who isn’t a boss or supervisor), explain the rationale for your decision or simply move on.