Leggings are one of my most staple pieces of clothing: agreeable, multifaceted, and stylish. After its origins in the 18th century as men’s wear and then in the 19th century as infants’ and soldiers’ leg wrappings, the legging evolved to be more inclusive, entering women’s’ fashion in the 1960s for dancers. With the popularity of aerobics, the Lycra fabric used in leggings continued to grow as they became generalized for everyday wear in the 1970s and 1980s. Now in the late 2010s, with the athleisure trend in full blow, leggings are worn to rigorous gym sessions and everyday casual wear; they are worn by people of all ages and genders, establishing itself as the new ‘jean’ in the United States. Now built in with pockets and different fabrics to facilitate movement and breathability, the legging is a product that’s incredibly practical and desirable.
