What is leggings? The whole truth & A-Z guide

Find out what leggings are and everything you need to know. This guide will show you how to tell the difference, choose the right leggings for your body shape, and give you tips on how to style them to flatter your figure.

Leggings are one of the most popular items in the modern wardrobe, but that familiarity sometimes comes with concerns. So what exactly are leggings that can appear everywhere, from the gym to the street?

The following article by Celidior will help you fully explore the potential of this versatile item, thereby turning it into an indispensable item in the wardrobe.

1. What are leggings?

Leggings (also known as leggings) are a type of pants that are designed to hug the body, extending from the hips down to the ankles. The core of their identity lies in the highly elastic materials such as Spandex (Lycra), Nylon, Polyester or Cotton blends.

Unlike regular pants, a true legging will not have pockets, zippers or belt loops. This minimalistic structure is a smart intention, focusing entirely on providing comfort and freedom of movement, like a "second skin" for the wearer.

Figure 1: Leggings are tight pants that hug the hips and ankles.

2. The journey from menswear to global icon

Few people would have guessed that the "ancestors" of modern leggings were men's clothing. Since the 14th century in Europe, nobles and knights have worn tight-fitting trousers made of leather or thick fabric to keep their legs warm and protected.

The biggest turning point came in the 1980s. With the invention of elastic fabric Lycra and the promotion of pop culture icons and aerobics craze, leggings were "reborn" and became a phenomenon in the women's fashion world, transforming them from a functional outfit into a style icon.

Figure 2: History of leggings as men's clothing

3. Identify Leggings and Other Tight Pants

An important part of understanding what leggings are is being able to differentiate them from other types of pants that have a similar style but completely different function.

Criteria	Legging	Trousers + Leggings	Skinny Jeans/Pants	Tights
Material	Thin, stretchy fabric	Thick knitted fabric, more form-fitting	Denim and Khaki fabric with stretch	Ultra-thin, see-through knitted fabric
Structure	Elastic waistband, no pockets, no zipper	May have fake locks, fake surgical pockets	Full front/back pockets, belt loops, zipper	Covers from waist to feet
Purpose	Comfortable, sporty clothing	A cross between trousers and leggings, more polite	Casual fashion pants	Accessories to wear under women's skirts/shorts

4. Discover the most popular types of leggings today

The world of leggings is incredibly diverse. Understanding what types of leggings are and their characteristics will help you make the most appropriate choice.

4.1. Athletic Leggings (Athletic Leggings)

• These leggings are specifically designed for physical activities.
• They are often made from technical fabrics (such as Polyester, Nylon mixed with Spandex) that have 4-way stretch, support effective sweat absorption and dry quickly.
• The high-waist design is a popular feature, helping to hug the waist and keep the pants stable during high-intensity activities.

Figure 3: Sports leggings

4.2. Fashion Leggings

• With the main goal being aesthetic, fashion leggings are a stylish highlight for the outfit. 
• They are made from more diverse materials such as faux leather, velvet, ribbed fabric, or printed with eye-catching patterns. This type is often combined with street outfits or attending events that do not require much movement.

Figure 4: Fashion leggings

4.3. Basic Leggings (Casual/Cotton Leggings)

• Made from soft cotton, these are perfect for everyday comfort. 
• They are ideal for wearing around the house, on the go or for light activities where comfort is paramount.

Figure 5: Basic leggings

4.4. Jeggings (Jeans + Leggings)

• They are a fun combination of the look of skinny jeans and the soft, stretchy feel of leggings.
• Jeggings often have faux details like pocket seams or zippers to make them look like real jeans, offering a stylish option while still maintaining the comfort.

Figure 6: Jegging Pants

4.5. Treggings (Truser + Leggings)

• Treggings are thicker and more form-fitting than regular leggings. 
• They are the solution for those who love comfort but still need a neat, polite look, suitable for the office environment or more formal occasions.

Figure 7: Tregging Pants

5. Secrets to choosing flattering and suitable leggings

Choosing the right leggings will help flatter your figure and give you confidence. To find out which type of leggings is best for you, you can refer to the selection criteria based on the characteristics below.

5.1. Choose according to body shape

Each body shape will have different legging styles that help highlight its own advantages:

• Pear shape (large hips and thighs): High-waisted and dark-colored leggings are often the right choice to create a more balanced, slimmer lower body.
• Apple shape (large upper body, slim legs): Bright-colored or patterned leggings can help draw attention to the advantages of the legs.
• Ruler shape (less curves): High-waisted leggings or leggings with prominent seams along the hips are a good suggestion to create the visual effect of a more defined waist.

Figure 8: Choosing leggings that fit your body shape

5.2. Selection by height

Height is also a factor that affects the length of leggings:

• For people with modest height: 7/8 length leggings (above the ankle) often help "cheat" height effectively.
• For people with tall stature: You can fit most lengths, including knee-length leggings.

Figure 9: Choosing leggings according to height

5.3. Choose by color and pattern

Colors have a big impact on vision:

• Dark solid colors (black, gray, navy blue): Create a slimming effect and are easy to coordinate.
• Bright colors or patterns: Usually attract attention and can make that area of ​​the body look fuller.

Figure 10: Choosing leggings by color and pattern

6. Suggestions for stylish outfit combinations with leggings

6.1. Dynamic sports style

A formula that never goes out of style is leggings combined with a women's sports bra and sneakers. You can add a thin T-shirt or bomber jacket to create a layer, both convenient and stylish.

6.2. Comfortable street style

The contrast between the tight shape of leggings and the spaciousness of hoodies, sweaters or oversized shirts creates a balanced and trendy look. This is a safe way to mix and match clothes, hides flaws well and is never boring.

6.3. Elegant, individual style

To elevate leggings, choose a pair with a thick material like tregging or faux leather and combine it with a blazer, long coat or tunic sweater. Complete the outfit with a pair of low-cut boots or loafers for a luxurious and modern look.

7. Important notes to wear leggings delicately

7.1. Check the thickness and elasticity of the fabric

This is the key to avoiding offensive situations. Before buying, try it on and bend over or squat in front of a mirror in a well-lit place. A quality pair of pants will not be see-through.

7.2. Choose the right underwear

To avoid unsightly marks, seamless underwear with a color that matches your skin tone or pants color is the smartest and most sophisticated choice.

7.3. The golden rule of "Ao dai over the hips"

When not in the gym, combining leggings with a shirt long enough to cover sensitive areas is a rule that helps you score more elegance and confidence in public.

8. Answers to frequently asked questions about Leggings (FAQ)

• Can you wear leggings to work?

It is possible if you choose a thick material for your leggings, or cleverly combine plain black leggings with a blazer or long shirt to ensure formality.

• Do high-quality leggings stretch?

Good quality leggings with a reasonable amount of Spandex will have good elasticity and hold their shape well after many washes. To increase durability, you should wash them in cold water and dry them in the shade.

• Are leggings suitable for all body types?

Yes, leggings are very versatile. The important thing is to choose the right type. For example, high-waisted leggings often help create the feeling of a slimmer waist and longer legs. Dark-colored leggings are a safe and flattering choice, suitable if you are still wondering.

9. Conclusion

Through this detailed guide, we hope you will not only have the answer to the question "What is leggings?" but also be confident in turning this versatile item into a powerful "assistant" in your wardrobe. Leggings are not just an outfit, they are a statement for a modern lifestyle that prioritizes comfort without losing fashion.