The Proper Way to Wear Leggings (With Long Shirts!)
Leggings are Everywhere
Leggings are a fashion trend that just won't go away. Leggings were quite popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Due to a lot of what I would like to call, "Leggings Abuse," the fad went out of style. A few years ago, leggings started to make a comeback. While I was excited to see leggings reappear (since I still had some perfectly nice leggings in my closet), I knew eventually the inevitable would happen - leggings abuse would begin again. Sadly, some people do not know how to properly wear leggings. Those folks tend to ruin it for all of us and give leggings a bad name.
You can see it at any mall. There are people walking around wearing leggings and short shirts. Some people have even decided they can wear tights and pretend they are leggings. There are even some girls wearing jeggings as if they are skinny jeans. No, no, no! None of this is acceptable. If everyone is going to keep committing these crimes of fashion, companies will stop making leggings again and we will all suffer. Sometimes it just takes a few rotten apples to spoil the whole bunch. So before this happens, please take the time to read the about the proper way to wear leggings. It could save us all!
Cover It Up!
Leggings are very forgiving pants. You can gain plenty of weight or lose weight, but the leggings will stretch right along with you. Because of this, leggings are perfect for people of all sizes. Yes, I said it. Anyone can wear leggings. Some people will tell you plus size women should not wear leggings. This is simply not true. As long as any woman is wearing leggings properly, a woman of any size can find them to look flattering.
First and foremost, wear a long shirt! This is the basic rule of leggings. You want to wear a long shirt, perferably a tunic. Tunics are made with leggings in mind. Make sure to buy your long shirt so it goes about 2 inches below your rear end. Yes, that is why they exist. It is just not proper to walk around making us look at your butt. Some dudes might want to see it, but to be honest, no one's butt (no matter how much you work out!) looks too good in leggings. It just simply leaves nothing to the imagination. So cover it up! Let's not even mention no one wants to see the front region either while you are wearing leggings. Just remember to cover it up, girls!
Second, you can achieve this same look with a cute dress, a sweater dress, or a short skirt. Sometimes a skirt or a dress is just too short to look appropriate unless you are wearing leggings under it. Leggings are often a quick fix for the, "Is this skirt too short?" dilemma. The bottom line is you are still keeping the private regions covered and that is the correct way to wear leggings.
Some Jeggings for You
 | Amazon Price: $14.99 List Price: $38.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $39.99 List Price: $46.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $12.99 List Price: $32.99 |
Jeggings are NOT Jeans
Jeggings are like the weird second cousins to leggings. I don't recall jeggings being around when leggings originally became popular, but nonetheless, they are cute and most of us have embraced them. Just keep in mind, jeggings are still not jeans, even if they are made to look like denim. Also, please remember they are not skinny jeans either. So please don't treat them as such. Treat them the same way you would treat leggings. The same "cover it up" rules apply.
Tights are NOT Leggings
Sure, we all have some really thick tights in a dresser somewhere. That does not make them leggings. Tights go under skirts and dresses. They are not pants at all. Don't think you are fooling any of us by wearing a long shirt and thick tights. We can still tell you are wearing tights. We can see through them. We can see the feet are not cut out. So do us all a favor and buy some real leggings.
Tunics - Not Dresses!
 | Amazon Price: $16.50 List Price: $24.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $27.75 |
 | Amazon Price: $45.99 |
Tunics are NOT Dresses
I know this is a hub about leggings, but while I am on the subject of leggings styles gone wrong, I want to point out a disturbing new leggings-related fashion error. I've noticed some younger women, like college students, are starting to wear tunics as if they are actual dresses. No!!!
I realize some websites are calling tunics "tunic dresses," but they are still intended to be worn with leggings. The same way the photo above shows the leggings without a shirt or tunic covering it properly, that is merely for display purposes. The same goes for any photo showing off just a tunic without leggings. Please do not go out sporting a tunic without a pair of leggings. We can tell it is not a real dress. You might think us older chicks are just out of style, but that is not the case. Us older chicks just know you cannot wear a tunic without some pants. Please do us all a favor and put some leggings on underneath your tunic.
The World Thanks You!
Not only do I thank you for taking the time to read all about the proper way to wear leggings, I also thank you if you follow these rules. As a matter of fact, I am sure the world thanks you for properly wearing leggings from now on. Now go out there and wear some leggings!
P.S. I appreciate how many people seem to enjoy this hub; however, it is my work and I am tired of people stealing it. If you steal my work, I will find out and I will turn you into Google. Just saying!
Copyright ©2011 Jeannieinabottle
Check out this great blog for more fashion advice: You Are Beautiful
Other Hubs You May Enjoy:
Leggings Crime of Fashion Poll
Have you ever worn leggings in public with a short shirt?
See results without votingComments
Thanks for the tips. I have only worn leggings... like... when I was in grade school or something. Otherwise, once I became a little more aware of my body problems, I tried to stay away. I have been successful. Mostly because I haven't found that I actually like the way leggings looked on me. If I wear them, I only wear it in view of my family. The people who I hold secrets on that know the dangers of making fun of me ;) However, now with these proper rules, maybe I will give leggings another try.
Thank you both for reading and for your comments. I was a little worried someone would read it and insist I was wrong - that leggings are fine with short shirts. Thank goodness you guys are on the same boat with me. I still feel just about anyone can wear leggings as long as they wear them the right way.
Voted up, awesome, and useful. Are you seriously telling me that there are women/girls out there who wear a shirt with tights as if they were leggings? Yikes! I really hope not...that's just scary. Anyway, hilarious and truthful hub. Leggings are simply comfortable and cute; however, one must proceed with caution! :)
Voted Up, makes me want to go out and buy some leggings. :)
Thank you both for the comments and the votes. And yes, there are girls who wear tights as if they are leggings. Since the feet are not cut out, they are not fooling anyone. Maybe more people commit fashion crimes in Baltimore than other cities. It is scary!
Great fashion advice, Jeannie! I've always stuck to only wearing leggings around the house, mostly just because they are comfy. I think I've always been afraid of wearing them outdoors because I feel self-conscious!!! But now I know how to wear them properly, so thank you! UP/useful
Cloverleaf.
There is no need to feel self-conscious. Now you can go out there in public and wear leggings wherever you go. Well, maybe not everywhere, but you get the idea. Thanks for the comment and the votes!
Hi Jeannie, Leggings are so popular here in the UK, everybody is wearing them! Like Cloverleaf I have never worn them out before, because I too felt self conscious!
Great hub and voting up and useful.
OI. I like Jeggings missus.My legs are the only skinny part on me, lol.
I am usually found in my jeans though. Great hub, made me laugh very much.
Thank you both for your comments. Leggings and jeggings have become so popular. They really do look flattering when worn the right way.
A timely hub, Jeannie ... but I really do think that there are girls out there who should not wear leggings under any circumstances.
Sadly they do not realise this and think that a tunic makes it all right. To them I would say ... 'If every seam is under intense strain, stay away from the leggings and tunic combo. You have been warned!'
Oh dear! I suppose when it's put like that, maybe some gals should stay away. But once again, if they bought the correct size, I am optimistic they could make it work. But then again, maybe I am not witnessing what you are seeing. Leggings are so cute, but there is so much leggings abuse! Thanks for reading and for your comment.
So many people need to read this hub! I will say though that a lot of companies are calling things jeggings that really are skinny jeans. I have a pair from Levi that have denim and are thick, even hang like jeans but Levi says they are jeggings...but even so I still wear with shirts that hang. I typically wear babydoll and loose fitting shirts ANYWAY so I always follow this rule. Voted up!
This hub has turned out to be much more popular than I anticipated. A lot of women have strong opinions about leggings. I do know what you mean about jeggings vs. skinny jeans confusion. When I went to put the Amazon ads up, there was a pair of skinny jeans being advertised as jeggings. I changed the keywords a bit and fixed it. I can't confuse readers like that! I am trying to help the leggings wearers of the world, not confuse them. Thanks for the vote up!
This is a great hub! I completely agree with you: Cover the tush!
I used to be a weightlifter/body builder from ages 14-22 until I broke my hip (my pelvis was split literally in half) in July 2010 when a machine malfunctioned and crashed down on me. Since then my once firm and toned body has gotten a little mushy... but the leggings are forgiving of that!
If I go out I ALWAYS have a long tunic on, or a longer sweater (sweater dress) with a thick belt in the middle. It allows me to keep a feminine look while still covering up. They are a true asset in the closet if worn right!
Thank you for your comment and thanks for using the word "tush." I was trying to think of a nicer word than "butt" for this hub, but "tush" never occured to me. That is way nicer!
Sorry to hear about your accident. That is horrible! I hope you are doing OK now.
Thanks for the comment!
leggings was another body art
Thank you for your comment!
My daughter bought a dress(shirt) that was so short I wouldn't let her wear it without leggings. She is 5'10", just 14 and has a hard time finding dresses long enough. She now has a colorful variety of leggings. She is allowed to wear the dress(shirt).
That is a really good point. I am sure at that height it is tough finding something long enough for her. Maybe she will become a super model! But for now, yes, leggings are a must. Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment!
Not likely to become a super model. lol! The poor girl is too endowed and curvy. They are all stick thin and boy straight. Maybe a famous actress.
Yes, perhaps a famous actress then. You are allowed to be curvy if you are an actress. :-)
Nice pants!!
There is also a beautiful bagCoach bag
Thanks... personally, I could live without Coach bags. Some of their shoes are cute though. Thanks for the comment!
Great fashion advice, thanks.
Thanks for reading and for the comment!
I love my leggings and you have it right on! Leggings ARE for under tunics and long shirts! Thanks for a good hub filled with good advice! Voted up and useful!
Yes, there are some things best left to the imagination. Thanks for the votes and the comment!
Thanks for the hub! I adore leggings, especially now that I'm pregnant again, but they are a way to make short dresses and sweater dresses work. I don't think I could even wear a short shirt and leggings around the house!
I am shocked at how many people I see in public wearing short shirts and leggings together. It is usually not a pretty sight. You are right - leggings are intended for short dresses and sweater dresses. Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment.
I never do that before with the short shirts and leggings together as I find it an uneasy and impolite way of match...thanks Jeannie for letting us to know more about legging...
Yes, short shirts and leggings are not a good look. Most people agree with me on this subject, yet when I walked through the mall yesterday, I saw so many people with that look. I guess I just have to try to reach one person at a time. Thanks for reading and for the comment!
Great advice, Jeannie! Leggings can definitely be hard to grasp, but I think when they're worn properly they're a great option. Thanks for the Hub!
Thanks for reading and for the comment. I really like leggings since they are very forgiving pants. You can gain or lose a few pounds, but they will just stretch along with you.
Just recently got back into leggings.The last time I wore them was, well, when you said they were popular (too scared to say the year). And the only reason I've put them on was because I got myself couple of dresses which tend to "travel up my legs" and look a bit ...inappropriate.
I love your hub, made me travel back in time and gave me more courage to jump into my leggings. Yes, I loved the way you described stretchy leggings as forgiving!
Thanks for reading and for sharing some leggings memories. I also had leggings back in the day and I still have a couple of pairs. I can even fit into to them; they just don't look exactly the same on me now. I would say they are not quite a flattering as they once were. Hehe.
Well...I am embarrassed to say that I have been wearing leggings all wrong. In fact, I'm pretty sure I was the cause of it's disappearance in the early 90s... Thank you for helping me put the right leg(ging) forward in this regard. Honestly...how did I ever manage prior to finding your Hubs??
Oh no! I am glad you read this hub then. I certainly hope you've at least been wearing the leggings as pants. I hope you did not mistaken them for a hat!
pants...?
Uh-oh.
uh-oh indeed...what's worse...I now don't seem to have a proper hat...
Have you been wearing your hat as pants? That could be the problem.
Yes...yes I have...
Well, at least the mystery is solved.
I love leggings too, I wear them with long shirts, tunics or short dresses. Not that I wore leggings in the 80s (I'm just a baby in that decade), but I totally agree with you jeannie, I also don't like the fashion faux pas that comes with leggings - it is not nice to look at from all angles!
Well, I am glad we agree on this. I was sure someone was going to insist wearing leggings without a tunic or dress is OK, but everyone is on the same page that comments. It is interesting that I still see folks doing this though. Maybe they are not reading this hub. :-) Thanks for the comment!
Great hub Jeannie and here's hoping it will give longer life to our wonderful and 'forgiving' leggings. I do agree with everything you have said about wearing leggings wrongly - omg the sights you see out on the street is vomit inducing!!! The sad part about it, is that I'm sure these women think they look good - but the opposite is true!!
A really wonderful hub + voted up!
Yes, I hope with this advice we can keep the leggings trend going. They are just so comfortable and affordable. I have seen some really scary leggings fashions out there. I suppose some people are not taking my advice. Thanks for reading and voting my hub up!
HERE...HERE!!! My brother and I were discussing a campaign to ban skinny jeans; I added leggings to the ban because I am distraught nearly everytime I leave my house.
The fashion police needs to be ever present on this matter! What I've seen is downright undignified and uncivilized!
Thank you Jeannineianbottle for yet another high quality hub!!
I am glad you are on board with me on this one. I believe improper use of leggings is what ruined the fad the first time around. They are so comfortable and it is a shame that people don't get it. Everyone must stop abusing the look and wear some long sweaters. My eyes can't take it much more! Thanks for dropping by!
lol I found it amusing and I totally agree.
Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment!
Totally agree with your comments - leggings can be very flattering if worn the right way!
Jeannieinabottle, Great legging tips! You have made some suggestions that will be helpful to many! Leggings are wonderful and can be "flattering" when worn tastefully... Thank you for sharing, Peace & Blessings!
I am happy you both agree. I am hoping to force everyone to wear leggings the right way so not to offend the public. Thanks for reading and for the comments!
I hate to admit that I am old enough to have worn leggings, in the 1980's in high school. Back then, we never thought about pantylines, and I have to admit that I showed more than my share, in grey, and white leggings back then!!
With the fashion trends coming back to tight, unforgiving leggings, showing every little 'evil' bit of the chocolate that we adore, why hide all of the soft, cuddly parts, under tunics? My Fiance loves when I wear tight leggings, with a visible pantyline!
Saiorse - Wow, thank you for being brave enough to admit you are one of the people that shows off without the tunic! It is not necessarily the panty lines that offends people though... it is the leaving nothing to the imagination part of it. Some things are just not meant to be seen by everyone. But thank you for stepping up and admitting you proudly wear your leggings without the long shirt. I see this look everyday, so I know there are people out there doing it.
Voted up up and up! I love leggings - my favorite look is my black leggings with ankle boots - long shirt and cute vest! I LOVE it!!
Plus 1 and tweeted!
Thanks for the votes up! Leggings are so cute if worn the right way. Thanks for helping promote my hub. :-)
I guess I consider my yoga pants to be a part of the legging family. They're a staple for my around the house mommy look. I didn't wear many leggings when they were in fashion in the 80's and they're not any easier to find now. For them to be long enough I need a 35" inseam. A top that is long enough to cover my bottom is just as much trouble. I'll wear leggings under ski pants or around the house, but I do wear yoga pants to the grocery store sometimes. When you see people there in their mismatched pajamas and house shoes I don't feel like I've fallen too far off the fashion mark. Thanks for sharing your fashion tips. Voted up and sharing!
Oh Jennifer, you've opened up a whole new subject. I've actually debated this myself as to whether yoga pants are leggings, and if so, do different rules apply to them? I have been known to wear yoga pants and not keep my rear end covered. Gasp! However, since they are thicker, I think this is more acceptable. I am honestly not sure. I am considering investigating this subject further for a future hub. Thanks for the vote up and for the comment!
No wonder they go out of fashion. Maybe they should come attached with a warning! I can't believe the sights I see walking around the mall and even in the work place. Thanks for speaking up on this subject. I thought it was me not being open minded! It would be nice to have more long tops in the stores to choose from though.
Yes, I do think a warning label might help out people buying leggings. Maybe then they would understand how to wear them correctly. And no, you are not alone at all with your opinion on leggings... many agree with you. I do also agree with you on stores having more long top options. Sometimes I buy a long top, yet it shrinks after one wash!
Thanks for dropping by and sharing!
I wear black leggings in the summer at times, but with long, stylish tops and nice accessories to match. I love them as they are comfortable and gives me freedom of movement.
You know the correct way to wear leggings! Thanks for sharing with everyone. That way, anyone that is in doubt can read how you wear them and do the same.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I hope people take your tips with them the next time they are out shopping for leggings. Get it right, ladies. Get it right. Print out Jeannieinabottle's tips and tape them to your full length mirror to make sure you follow the rules of leggings to a "T".
Thank you so much. I am glad you are on board with my mission, too. Everyone should wear leggings the correct way! Thank you for your support.
Very useful !!! I stopped wearing them cuz i thought i looked really fat in them. After reading your article, i just want to get a proper tunic for them !! I want to buy more leggings yay !!
I am glad I inspired you to try them again with tunics. It can be a great look. Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment!
this should be required reading attached to every pair of leggings sold world-wide! Great hub.
Thanks! I am glad you think so. I can't believe some of the interesting looks I see when I am out. Even just a tag that says, "No one wants to see your butt; wear a tunic." attached to each pair of leggings might be enough. :-)
You've done a very good job with this and I enjoyed reading! I've been meaning to get leggings but then I go to the mall and notice how horrible most of the girls make them look there. Now I know for sure that they aren't ment to be worn those ways. Thanks for letting me know I can wear leggings without joining the circus!!! =D
Yes, Shaina, feel free to buy some leggings and just simply wear them the right way. Too many people are exposing the world to way too much! With a long shirt or tunic, leggings look great. Thanks for dropping by and happy I could help!
I definitely need to show this hub to my younger sister! She's 14 and she is one of those girls who wears leggings with short shirts and also wears jeggings as jeans. I tell her it looks ridiculous and she just won't listen to me. I'm showing her this for sure! Thanks for the humorous yet very informative read. :)
I'm really happy I could help. If I can just change one life at a time with this hub, I feel good. I hope she takes your advice. Tunics were created for a reason. Thanks for dropping by!
On the contrary, girls at my school (although it might be for the reason that I am still a student) have worn leggings/jeggings and treated them as normal bottoms (so have I) I think there is nothing wrong with wearing leggings with normal shirts (in fact I've been doing it for a long time. I appreciate you views and opinions but it doesn't mean I'm going to stop. I think it looks really good :)
I suspect you and your classmates are really skinny and can get away with it to some degree. It still doesn't mean it is a good idea, but I see it everyday and appreciate you admitting you do it. Thanks for sharing.
What I mean is that this is just the style with teenage girls today.
That is cool. :-) Thanks for sharing, Jazzy Cakes!
rikabothra 8 months ago
Great tips...and I have seen a lot of people making fashion 'faux pas' with leggings! The most common when they wear a shorter top with it instead of a tunic, long shirt etc. Unless you are blessed with very toned and shapely legs, you cannot pull that look off! Good hub, voted up!