Fashionosophy: Leggings

Guest writer: Syazwina Saw


I have a nose to pick with leggings.

What was once a ubiquitous underwear essential has suddenly become this new phenomenon, with various young Hollywood washouts releasing fashion lines consisting entirely of leggings. I do not deny the power of a good pair of sturdy black leggings – it provides an extra layer of insulation on winter days, it holds certain flesh more firmly, it looks good with a dress. But oh dear me, when did it become acceptable for leggings to be worn in place of pants?

I'm talking about people who wear short tops that end well above the navel, followed by leggings (of varying opacity), followed by.... footwear. Leggings were never designed to flatter any part of the body above the knee. Unless you're pre-pubescent or a Russian ballerina, this look just doesn’t make sense. I mean, it's UNDERWEAR! Only Superman wore underwear that visibly, and he's fiction!