It’s going to be a little baby heavy around here for a little while since today I am 12 weeks pregnant and that means I have many, many weeks of thoughts to tell you about.
However.
I really wanted to discuss this whole leggings as pants thing. Again.
I don’t know why this is a trend that just won’t die, but COME ON. Leggings are NOT pants. When I say leggings aren’t pants, I mean if you’re wearing leggings, you must, must, must cover your butt. PLEASE. At least find a top that goes down to your upper thigh.
Why?
(Source)
That’s why.
Ladies, I don’t care if you’re a size 2 or a size 22. Everyone has a butt crack, we don’t need to see yours on display.
And if leggings make your back look like that, what do you think they’re doing to the front? Are you truly comfortable with displaying camel toe?
And why…why, oh why, would you pair this awesome look with Uggs?
Look, I don’t have a problem with the Ugg brand. And I don’t have a problem with people who wear Uggs. My personal dislike for the traditional Ugg boot stems from the fact that I think it makes everyone look like they have giant Muppet feet and I just don’t understand the appeal. Comfort be damned. I have a very comfortable pair of Rocket Dog boots that are contoured enough to not make my feet look like dinner plates.
I just don’t get it. Butt crack, camel toe, AND Muppet feet?
Am I missing something?
I have completely jumped aboard the legging train and wear them all the time, especially with my growing waistline. But my butt is always covered. Leggings…not pants.
My last thought on this is that while I’m totally pro-trends (most of the time), I’m not pro-dressing like every other person on the street. This became evident to me when we stopped at a local coffee shop located on a nearby college campus and as we waited in line I counted eight — EIGHT — girls wearing the exact same thing in varying colors.
Leggings.
Ugg boots.
Northface fleeces.
If I was stealth enough I would have taken a picture, but you’ll have to just imagine it. Can someone explain to me why this look is so in?
I don’t mean to offend. If you’re sitting at home reading this post in your leggings as pants, Ugg boots and Northface fleece, you don’t have to start gathering up the rotten tomatoes.
You can explain it to me!
(P.S. – Belly shots start tomorrow!)
64 comments
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December 17, 2009 at 11:56 am
zoey
This post is just one of the (many) reasons I love reading your blog. 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Mrs. D
The major TV networks should turn this post into a PSA and play it during Vampire Diaries and Ugly Betty.
Can’t wait for belly pics!
December 17, 2009 at 12:24 pm
dailyeditor
Ha! It’s super popular with high school girls, too. I don’t understand how such a terrible look caught on with so many people. It’s a trend that needs to die.
December 17, 2009 at 12:36 pm
V
I actually had these same exact thoughts yesterday. It’s like you’re reading my mind but it’s most likely the fact that we’re sick of looking at other girl’s butts.
As far as trends, I’m itching to do the whole sweater dress and leggings thing. It just looks comfy and warm but I’m torn between what shoes to wear. Do I buy boots? Maybe flats? I’m actually too cheap to even by the dress and leggings nevermind the shoes so I guess it doesn’t really matter.
December 17, 2009 at 12:44 pm
ashinwi
Yeah, I see it a lot here too. The local trend seems to be sweaters instead of fleeces – just long enough to barely cover the cheeks, but leaving a lot of butt cleavage hanging out. Still terrifying. (Sweaters that are, say, mid-thigh or longer? Fine. Otherwise? No.) No clue why it’s popular. A friend linked to this site: http://www.tightsarenotpants.com/ So true.
December 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Kaley
You are so right. I went to an all-girls college (though it’s right across the street from Notre Dame so it’s not like it was total dikeville or anything), and if someone got an aerial view of campus I’m sure it would look like we were an Ugg-wearing-Northface-sporting-messy-bun-on-top-of-head cult. And yes, I was an offender, only I 100% avoided the leggings. I still hate leggings, to be honest. I don’t know how ANYONE can be comfortable wearing leggings with nothing over them. They must have really, really high self-esteem.
December 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm
fritz
i have NO idea why that is the college campus uniform, but i can tell you i see it every time i go to my grad classes at trinity, every other girl is wearing that exact. same. outfit. at that point i realize how grateful i am to be in graduate classes!
December 17, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Elizabeth
Oh my goodness, I am so with you. What is up with the freaking leggings? I can understand if you are wearing a dress and boots and want to keep warm but they most definitely should not be worn as pants!
Preach it girl. 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Shaba
I have no idea why North face is back. But The Boy’s 21-year old sister is living in hers. Sigh.
December 17, 2009 at 1:09 pm
notsojenny
maybe i don’t live around enough college kids but we don’t have the leggings drama here. it’s all about the skinny jeans… which ire me in their own special way. ESPECIALLY with all the boots on the outside and Uggs the chicas here insist on rocking.
i can only imagine the horrors you’re seeing.
December 17, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Sarah
I am totally with you on the covering the butt crack thing… leggings only work under tunics, sweater dresses, things of that nature.
But, I have to say – love the Uggs with the leggings and sport this look all the time. 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Phoebe
I was seriously just thinking about this yesterday when I was out to eat with my husband. We had a very cute little waitress BUT she was sporting leggings, uggs, and a short sweater… and I just thought to myself, honestly no one is cute enough to pull this look off outside of a dance studio (and our waitress was really cute with a very nice little figure)!
Ohhh and very excited to see belly pictures!!!
December 17, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Jenn
So . . . (and this is only gentle ribbing, so please don’t misinterpret) . . . was your story about an Ovulation pee stick REALLY about an Ovulation pee stick? Just wondering . . . I’m trying to get pregnant, so I’m attuned to your timing 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Molly
Hahaha no, I really was buying an ovulation test. BUT, that is when I got pregnant! It only took six weeks so it happened very fast!
December 17, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Rachel
Wow!! That’s gross! I don’t even want to imagine what the front looks like. She should’ve paired it with a nice dress or a skirt or something. 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Sara
I haven’t laughed this hard in a long, long time.
Thank you.
December 17, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Patience
Couldn’t agree more. I love leggings, but you best believe my ass is covered. No one wants to see my ass, I assure you. Love the post and can’t wait for belly pics.
December 17, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Anna
Um, have you seen these? Was trying to imagine the alternate universe in which I would like seeing these on anyone.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LEGGINGS–LOOK-like-Jeans.-One-Size-Fits-All,-Hot%2Fsexy-_W0QQitemZ290380973301QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20091214?IMSfp=TL091214235006r22669
I’ve seen them in person, she was a size 0 or maybe 2 and they still look nuts.
December 17, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Sara
There is a girl who works at a pizza place here in Jacksonville. Cutest girl ever, I swear, but she wears her leggings as pants. Even my future hubby thinks it’s unattractive and he swears she’s a cute girl, too.
Florida is big on Uggs paired with short jean skirts and shorts. Never understood that combo.
December 17, 2009 at 2:14 pm
DevilsHeaven
LMAO@ Muppet feet!!!!
December 17, 2009 at 2:35 pm
bing
I agree with you about people showing butt crack when wearing leggings and nothing else – so not attractive. I don’t hate Uggs, but it drives me insane when people wear them in the summer (in Georgia) with tank tops and jeans skirts. It’s summer – put the winter boots away. I also have a pair of super cute Rocket Dog boots that I live in in the winter. They are cute, comfy and warm.
December 17, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Kim
I have two shirts that are long enough (and thick enough – this is crucial) to wear with leggings, but I am desperate to find more. I love me a good outfit that can go from “totally ok to wear out in public” to “I am almost wearing pajamas” just by removing my boots.
Speaking of boots…I love my UGGs. I have had the same pair of short, light tan ones for (wait for it) 13 years. My parents bought me a new pair for Chanukkah this year, and oh MAN putting on a fresh, fluffy pair. Wow that was nice. I haven’t worn them out yet, but I plan on wearing them on the Amtrak this weekend and up in frigid Olympia, WA! I started wearing them when I was doing a lot of ballet…they were THE dancer shoe for keeping ankles warm in between ballet class and rehearsal. I seem to remember even wearing them over my pointe shoes. I pretty much only wore them to dance until I stopped dancing and realized I could wear them for normal cold-weather outings as well.
But I will say this: I never (NEVER NEVER) wear them with leggings, or with jeans tucked in, or (especially) with a mini-skirt. That is a look I will never understand (though my sisters claim the only fashionable way to wear them is outside your pants. No thank you. I wear them for warmth, not for fashion. If they are outside my jeans, the warm and fuzzy part is not on my leg! Also, I would have to wear jeans that are tight enough to tuck into tight UGG boots. Not nice. Also, I will have muppet feet.
Longest comment ever?
December 17, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Amy
So here in MN, it’s pretty much below zero for like 6months of the year and Uggs are (to me) acceptable as long as they’re not with leggings or paired with skinny jeans. I have some fake uggs and wear them under jeans. Kinda refuse to buy other winter boots and around here, we have to have boots!
but yes- leggings aren’t pants!
December 17, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Lisa
I’m assuming that it’s comfortable, and I’m going to give points for comfort. We women probably cram ourselves into uncomfortable clothing way too often, way more than we should. HOWEVER, the leggings as pants thing is really just unforgivable. Comfortable or not, it should be MANDATORY to cover the booty and the (ugh) camel toe. Leggings. Are. Not. Pants.
December 17, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Lisa
One more thing…. I don’t get the pants tucked in to Uggs hate. The Uggs and minis or shorts hate, I totally get. But I thought Uggs were snow boots, in which case it would make sense to me to tuck them into the boots to keep the hem of the pants dry. (Note: It never snows here, so I don’t know anything about this. It’s just what I think as a not-dealing-with-snow person).
December 17, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Kim
They’re not *really* snow boots…you can spray them with stuff to make them water-resistant, but they are definitely not waterproof. I have worn them walking in (very small amounts of) snow with no problems really, but they definitely get wet if you wear them in higher snow. Ok for the occasional “oh crap, I didn’t realize that snow was soft and 1-foot deep” moment, but I wouldn’t call them snow boots…at least not the standard suedey ones…maybe their sturdier leather ones?
December 17, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Kim
PS – There is no snow in Los Angeles (where I’m from), so my sisters have no snow-excuse! They just think it looks cuter to have their boots on the outside…not on the inside where the soft, fuzzy lining would be so cozy! Clearly I am biased 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 3:46 pm
lora
i don’t wear leggings or uggs, but i do wear northface. it’s perfect for winter in southern alabama. it’s comfortable and matches my “comfortable” style.
December 17, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Rose
I can understand why people do it, but would not be caught dead doing it myself. Leggings/tights are very comfortable, but yes, you must cover your ass! So instead, I’m doing the whole skinny jeans thing (something I never thought I’d do). It gives the same effect but it’s decent enough to wear with short sweaters/tops. Oh and I wear pretty leather knee high boots with them (no uggs!). 🙂
December 17, 2009 at 4:23 pm
NotOurWheels
Totally agree. Leggings, however (with skirt), have rocked during pregnancy! I’m 21 weeks and skirts are SO much easier than pants right now! Can’t wait for your belly pics. You’re going to love getting past the ‘big’ feeling stage and on to the ‘people in the grocery store realize I’m pregnant and not just fat’ stage. Or at least I do 😉
December 17, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Anastasia
Seriously – HOW did this trend become trendy!?!?!
December 17, 2009 at 5:57 pm
heidikins
AMEN! AmenAmenAmen!
xox
December 17, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Serena
As a college student, I can attest that my campus doesn’t do the whole leggings with ugg boots craze…but only because I go to school in Southern California.
I’ve seen some friends at home (where it’s colder) wear leggings as just pants and sometimes I just want to wrap duct tape around their privates. No need to display that with saran wrap leggings.
You know what should make its way into the trendy style? Sweater vests. I’m all for them.
December 17, 2009 at 7:04 pm
erin - heart in ireland
ahhhhh! i can’t even count how many times i want to say that during the day! i teach high school and a lot of my students wear the leggings, too short shirts and uggs. drives me crazy!
December 17, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I didn’t realize this was such a big problem… « Finding Fashion
[…] 17, 2009 by prettyis but, ummm, apparently, it is. First, i read about it here. Then, one of the comments pointed here. I agree with everything and […]
December 17, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Britt
I wholeheartedly agree. 🙂
December 18, 2009 at 12:11 am
Heidi
i came across a picture i took at a thanksgiving day parade of a woman wearing uggs, leggings and a faux-cashmere sweater.
i 200% support what you’re talking about (but that won’t make me stop loving my uggs :X )
December 18, 2009 at 12:20 am
Just Fine Just Dandy
Muppet feet?!? Hahahahaha! That made me laugh, because it really is kinda true. I wear Uggs with leggings for the comfort reason. BUT, I always cover my booty up with the leggins with some kind of sweater dress!
Muppet feet… that’s funny.
December 18, 2009 at 10:12 am
gibsondog
I refuse to own Uggs. I refused from the very moment I saw them on ladies walking campus streets … which was what … 5 years ago? I think?
However, I do sort of like the sweater boots. Errr. Why?!! I haven’t purchased them yet.
One of my favorite shoe sites is http://www.6pm.com. Love it. I saw a variety of leather winter wonderland boots, that are less muppet and more adult. Maybe an early birthday present to myself? Maybe?
PS – During your last month of pregnancy you’ll love flip flops. 🙂
December 18, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Erin
I’m guilty of the leggings trend, except I wear mine under dresses or LONG shirts. Also, I pair them with sleek boots, not those bulky muppet feet Uggs. Ugh. And as pants completely? Keep the crack covered. 🙂
December 18, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Ashley
I really really REALLY do not understand this phenomena. I wear leggings too but ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS cover the ass! Its just not attractive. Why do you think jeans were invented?? Grrrrr.
The worst experience I ever had was on the subway with this woman who was not in shape at all wearing something I couldn’t even describe as leggings they were THAT see-through. She stood up so that I was eye level with her ass and then proceeded to lose her balance and almost SAT ON ME.
I still haven’t recovered.
December 18, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Kim
I just have to say that it is *possible* that I will be wearing UGGS over my leggings tonight. I want to wear my cozy leggings/shirtdress for the long train ride I’m taking, and though I usually wear nice boots with it, they’re not coming on the trip.
Eek. Am I about to be trendy/hypocritical? Le sigh… 😉
December 19, 2009 at 11:10 am
dailyeditor
I know I already commented on this post, but I feel compelled to share this with you. Last night my husband and I went out to dinner, and not one but TWO girls sitting at tables across from each other were wearing leggings as pants with white sweaters and brown equestrian-style boots (not UGGS, I know, but still gross considering the lack of real pants). One of the girl’s leggings were SHINY. She looked like she just got off the set of some 80’s aerobics video. I wish I could have taken a picture because it would have been strikingly similar to the one you posted, but actually more heinous!
December 20, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Jessica
Yikes. I’m definitely picking up that you’re not a fan of this or Uggs. You’re right, in that picture, the leggings are definitely not flattering. But wearing teal leggings doesn’t look good on anyone. I wear black ones so they’re a little more flattering and yes, I wear them with Uggs too. Personally, I don’t feel like I have Muppet feet or a camel toe but you’re right, this look isn’t for everyone.
December 21, 2009 at 9:33 am
Jen
I don’t have Uggs, but I do wear leggings with high boots (my butt is covered by a longer shirt though). I wouldn’t go the North Face fleece route but here in Toronto our winters are harsh and I’ve had many nice, expensive pairs of jeans become encrusted with salt stains at the bottoms. When you’re wearing high boots over leggings or skinny jeans, you do not run into this problem. I agree though that the look is not for everyone and that a long shirt/tunic is an essential element of the look.
December 21, 2009 at 11:34 am
From Now Til I do
Too funny! Have just discovered your blog – love it!
December 21, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Blondie
This was a GREAT post!! Congrats on your pregnancy by the way!!!
January 25, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Matt
Leggings Look Great as Pants! The woman in the picture looks SO HOTT!! I wish I could bit he butt! I wish all women under 120lbs would wear leggings everyday!!
January 28, 2010 at 6:15 pm
But Leggings Aren’t Pants! | Life in Pink
[…] {image via google search} […]
February 15, 2010 at 8:54 am
TRE STYLES
STOP THE HATING IF YOU GOT FLAUNT IT SERIOUSLY NONE OF YOU GOT BOOTY SO STOP HATING ON HER. leggings is for women women who are confident with their body. nothing is wrong with that BUT some of you should NOT be wearing leggings if you have no booty the wrong panties and are irregularly shaped this style is better than the low jeans with g string sticking out now thats nasty i dont want to see you floss your ass. you women like men with nice chest and muscles we men like nice round booty and fat pum pum.
April 5, 2010 at 1:50 am
bob
i think they look good… but then again i am a man and do thoroughly enjoy seeing women’s butts while i am walking to class
June 19, 2010 at 8:56 am
James
I think most guys, who don’t happen to be with their other halfs at the time, love this trend. As long as you have a nice butt.. I will be sad to see it go.
October 27, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Joe
This is the dumbest blog post I’ve seen in a while. Leggings and yoga pants allow males to make accurate estimates as to what womens’ lower halves look like without any clothes on. You can’t beat them. I honestly don’t know how they became acceptable to wear out in public, but kudos to the brave girls that started the fashion. If only we could create some sort of skin tight substitute for the upper half of a woman’s body, then the world would be perfect.
January 3, 2012 at 10:47 am
Rick
If people want to have their ass crack exposed it’s none of your business. Who appointed you keeper of style sense? Nobody. What makes you superior? Nothing at all.
January 3, 2012 at 11:18 am
Kazana
Well actually….if your crack is out for the world to see, it has in fact become everybody’s business.
November 18, 2012 at 8:56 pm
R
Amazing three years ago this style was considered ugly and outrageous.
Now in Nov 2012, it is fairly common and more acceptable. What will the next three years bring?
November 19, 2012 at 1:30 am
Matt
Ya, three years ago the women who said that leggings are not pants, are the ones wearing them everyday. Now LEGGINGS ARE PANTS!!!!!
March 12, 2013 at 10:55 pm
christian louboutin bianca
I have read so many articles or reviews regarding the blogger lovers but this
paragraph is in fact a nice paragraph, keep it up.
January 8, 2015 at 9:21 am
Robin
I know you arguments has good points. But… in today’s fashion scene leggings are pants. Where I live women of all ages, shapes and sizes are wearing leggings as pants. If you do not like it, do not wear it. And if enough women decide not to wear leggings as pants the trend will die. Currently more and more women are wearing leggings as pants. If this trend upsets you what about the newer fashion trend of cheeky (cheek baring) shorts, skirts and dresses? And what about the thong and g-string beachwear?
May 29, 2015 at 8:09 pm
songlily
I know I’m seriously late to the party, but I want to say Hallelujah! It’s wonderful to see an intelligent, fashionable woman see this “trend” for what it is: scary. When it be ok to show off so much of one’s anatomy in public? And don’t even get me started on how those same people get all pissy when guys can’t help but stare at said exposed anatomy…. ugh! Molly, if you’re reading this, please let me know whether or not you’ve caved to this “trend” in the 6 years since you wrote this! http://tightsarenotpants.com/manifesto
May 8, 2021 at 4:03 am
Randall Stevens
Talk about a post that didn’t age very well. In the 11 years since this was posted girls have staged protests because someone suggested they wear more than leggings as pants to church or other places. Nowadays this article is considered body shaming and anti-feminist.
September 4, 2021 at 3:49 am
Sukkadikk
Fuckin lame. Even over a decade later. Lame
January 19, 2023 at 7:46 pm
Riley Jones
Wow just wow. Why is it that this article is even up? So wrong to body shame a girl for pants. If you don’t like it, just don’t look.
January 20, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Carl Scott
this butt-shaming “Molly” character is one of those obnoxious, entitled white women who deserves to be filmed when she’s on the toilet taking a crap and then have it uploaded to YouTube where millions of people can watch her.
in today’s lingo, she’s a Karen extraodinaire.