Fashion Masochist: Men’s Leggings

By Jason Feifer

September 2007

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In this superherolike garment, my legs are slender and unfamiliar—and just below the belt, I’m a little indecent. I feel like a ballet school reject. Yet on the street I’m generally greeted with indifference. An elderly woman puts her hand on my arm, then shuffles away. (An empathetic gesture? Possibly, but I bet she just lost her balance.)

At work, the leggings aren’t hailed as high fashion. “It looks like you’re going to the gym,” says one coworker, and others agree—once they’ve stopped pointing and howling. Later, I strut through the North End, eating pastries. As I pass a row of men sitting outside Caffè Vittoria, they all glance at my legs (a woman’s?), then my face (no!), then anywhere else as fast as possible.

The Verdict I liked being complimented on my legs, and after some getting used to, the skintight feeling is quite enjoyable. But leggings just aren’t practical—I need pockets (and my own underwear). On the other hand, I think I’m finally ready to make the leap to skinny jeans.

Originally published in Boston magazine, September 2007

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User Comments:

Avoiding indecency
Posted by Danielle | Sep. 14, 2007 at 11:11 AM

COMMENT:

Pair those leggings with a flowy, Empire-waist tunic top and you'll be set to impress (and avoid embarrassing underwear issues, too)!

Leggings - perfect for women AND men
Posted by RSM | Sep. 6, 2008 at 7:24 PM

COMMENT:

Leggings for men is not a new trend - one that's been around for years. It's time to get over the body image constraints and go for the comfort. Just wear them. Leggings are perfect casual wear for women AND men. Having worn leggings for years, I'm aware of people's comments both negative and very positive. After all, it’s not the leggings on the man but the man in the leggings. Everyone looks good in leggings and some people look great! If more people, women and men, wear leggings then it will just be another apparel choice. At one time denim jeans were worn only by miners digging for gold. Now they are everywhere. So never say never - when you do decide to wear leggings, choose a well made pair - not with cotton fibers that bag out over time but a high tech fiber that retains its shape. Go for the comfort and support. Leggings that go to the ankle look better than capri style that chop the leg. Plus the full length leggings support you from your ankle to your waist and give you an

Leggings - perfect for women AND men 2
Posted by RSM | Sep. 6, 2008 at 7:59 PM

COMMENT:

Plus the full length leggings support you from your ankle to your waist and give you an energetic lift. Wear a belt pack to hold your stuff. www.UnJeans.com

old stuff
Posted by Anonymous | Jun. 11, 2009 at 11:27 AM

COMMENT:

I wore heavy black legging over 20 years ago in NY. They are comfortable and look really cool if you are thin enough. Go for it men!!