Fashion Stylist and Image Consultant in Melbourne, Brisbane

Men in tights?

By cecilycecily | July 26, 2010

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A conversation (turned debate) at our routine Monday morning coffee today, revolved the topic of men in leggings. For most people, the thought of this would conjure feelings of confusion and even repulsion, as they attempt to envisage their brother or partner in the typically female clothing item. But the truth is that men have been wearing tights for centuries and it is only in the latest century that this stigma has been attached.

It seems that in Australia, acceptance for men in leggings reaches only as far as sportsmen in the training grounds, and even then a Robin Hood parallel is often drawn. I do admit, that to wear them in the fashion sense you have to be that certain type of guy, (I definitely do not urge all men to go and purchase a pair), but if done properly, men’s leggings can be a great way to layer in the winter, and when teamed with a slouchy oversized jumper can look A-ok!... Scrunched up to ¾ length, and worn under grunge-like shorts with an oversized shirt can also look hot!

The last few runway seasons have seen men’s leggings make frequent appearances in designer collections and although I think it will be a while until this garment is recognised by everyone as a mainstream clothing item for men, I think that this legging influx could be the beginning of the perfect cure to the relatively low levels of diversity seen in male fashion over the years. So don’t scrunch up your nose at the idea just yet!