Uptight About Tights & Leggings
There seems to be some rather stiffly conventional, uptight thinking about who should wear tights or leggings, particularly when men are concerned.
The terms tights and leggings — aka yoga pants — all refer to essentially the same type of garment, and aren’t to be confused with looser-fitting warmups or sweatpants. In this article, the terms leggings and tights are used interchangeably.
If men chose to wear these close fitting garments, it only seems to be okay if they are “tights”. Leggings infers something more feminine, not unlike how the word panties refers to underwear exclusively for women.
Compression tights are ideal athletic wear for men and are well suited to general fitness workouts, running and cycling. Rarely however are men seen wearing tights or leggings for daily casual or leisure wear, as an alternative to jeans or slacks, like women often do.
Conventional thinking is leggings are for women. In an attempt to cross the gendered-clothing divide, meggings is a new term to describe leggings made for and marketed to men. That terminology has more to do with marketing than with function, style or purpose.
So why is it, conventionally speaking, leggings are a garment only women are supposed to wear? The only explanation may simply be because that’s how popular culture and society defines what clothing is, or is not, gender conforming. In short, they break the rules.
When considering leggings, questions about the styling differences between men’s ‘compression tights’, and women’s leggings may arise. The styling that most readily distinguishes men’s and women's are the front seams, and length. The boldness of design patterns and colors of women’s leggings are also a big differentiator.
Women’s leggings are either seamless in front, or have a single seam in the center, from the crotch to the waistband. Though there are exceptions, men’s athletic / workout tights typically have two widely separated seams that form a wide front panel. This front panel is meant to provide a bit more room for male anatomy. While it may, it also accentuates that area in a way some might consider immodest.
Men who have opted for women’s leggings may do so because they prefer the simpler single seam styling or a seamless design, and a more androgynous look. Capri style leggings, which cover the leg only to mid-calf, are worn almost exclusively by women; the equivalent of the shorter styling of women’s running shorts versus longer styles men generally wear.
Typically, men who wear tights for running or workouts at the fitness center or gym wear shorts over top of them. They do this, presumably, to minimize the modesty issue and conceal the telltale bulge in front. Unless a guy happens to be wearing very thin or sheer leggings, or is sporting an erection, why this is a concern remains a mystery. Men’s bodies bulge in different places than women’s and in most instances other than while wearing tights, it’s not something they are shy about or go out of their way to hide. If bulges are a concern, compression leggings soften the edges, so to speak, and provide a smoother look.
Another design or styling feature distinguishing men’s tights from women’s leggings is the waistband. Waistbands may be narrow, but are often several inches wide and extend above the navel. Manufacturers claim the wider waistband firms the tummy, and keeps the garment firmly in place. While there are plenty of men who could benefit from the same tummy control design, the elastic waistband of men’s tights is usually no more than an inch wide. The only apparent purpose is to keep the garment snug around the waist.
Leggings are an incredibly comfortable and practical garment. On cooler days, they can be a great advantage over shorts. Compression leggings, which some favor for more vigorous exercise, provide additional anatomical support and reportedly aid circulation, assisting with recovery after running or working out.
To any casual observer leggings have become incredibly popular casual & leisure wear. In many places they are worn to work and are equally versatile for more formal, dressy occasions. The close fit and stretchy fabrics can be revealing, accentuating a woman’s or a man’s body style, musculature and fitness. Among people who lack self confidence or are self conscious about their body, leggings may not be their first choice of attire.
As a practical matter, the close, tight fit of leggings may be preferable over the looser fit of jeans or slacks and aren’t as likely to pinch, chafe or bunch up in the wrong places, which can be uncomfortable. For fitness walks or hikes many people find them superior to clothing marketed specifically for that activity.
The choice of fabrics, styles, colors, prints and patterns available for women is seemingly endless. Prices are just as varied, meaning leggings can be an inexpensive option for daily wear, for lounging around the house, or an investment in scientifically-crafted athletic gear. Retailers are just beginning to offer men more choices.
So back to the subject of men who wear leggings. Conventional thinking is leggings are a women’s garment, and men who wear them are — putting it kindly — gender nonconforming. Sideways looks and hushed comments indicating disapproval aren’t unusual. Compliments or affirmation are rare, but do happen. And as mentioned earlier, it is uncommon for men to wear leggings alone, without shorts over them.
Men who confidently and unashamedly wear leggings to the fitness center, or find leggings as practical and comfortable for everyday, casual and leisure wear as women do are a rarity. At least for now, those who do stand out from the crowd.
