For some, leggings were a fashion revolution introduced in the 1980s. They’re so versatile and convenient that they can be worn as pants, which was once considered controversial. In the early days of leggings, parents and teachers had concerns similar to those they held about jeans.
“Jeans were once considered a working-class garment,” says Anne Hollander, author of a book on the history of pants.
But today, no one thinks twice when they see a child wearing jeans to school. It seems we’ve come full circle, though and leggings are still an object of debate among parents and teachers. One such prominent question is; are leggings appropriate for school?
Yes and no; different schools have different policies on what is wearable as an acceptable outfit. That said, many frown upon having leggings on in a learning environment. And in this piece, we will take a look at both sides of the divide. In the end, wearing leggings to school will be dependent on several factors.
Are Leggings Against School Dress Code?
Leggings are only against the dress code if you attend a school that does not allow them. As of 2019, there is no national law saying leggings are not permitted in schools. Instead, each school determines what is appropriate for its students to wear.
Some schools do not allow leggings because they feel the pants do not provide enough coverage for students to feel comfortable wearing them. Other schools may enable leggings if they are loose-fitting or don’t have rips or tears. Schools that implement a policy banning tight-fitting clothing might also forbid see-through leggings.
Reasons Leggings Are Inappropriate For School
While leggings can be very comfortable to wear, they are not, as the saying goes, “pants.” They should be worn under clothing as they were initially intended. In other words: no, leggings are not appropriate for school.
Leggings are generally considered a form of athletic wear and should be reserved for physical activity. This is especially true in a school setting with the added element of an educational environment. Most schools have dress codes that address modesty and fashion choices that may distract from learning.
Leggings tend to be quite clingy and tight-fitting, making them a potentially distracting fashion choice in the classroom. Below are a few reasons leggings aren’t appropriate for school:
1. Leggings Are Not Pants
I know that leggings are comfortable and they look great with tunics, sweaters, and oversized T-shirts. Also, I know they’re the perfect companion to a pair of Uggs or sneakers and a go-to layering piece. But here’s the thing: Leggings are not pants. And leggings are not appropriate for school.
The bottom line is this: Leggings do not belong in school hallways and classrooms for 8+ hours a day, five days a week, and nine months out of the year, most especially when young girls have so many other options available to them.
2. Too Tight
Truthfully, nearly everyone has favorite yoga pants or leggings. But there’s a difference between wearing them to the gym and wearing them to school. They’re very tight and can be see-through, even if not initially. You may feel comfortable in them, but that doesn’t mean you should wear them at school, especially not in front of boys or men older than you are.
Even if they’re not too tight, they often reveal more skin than is appropriate for the classroom. Remember that your teachers have probably seen and taught students far younger than you and their children. Younger people aren’t used to seeing so much leg and ankle exposed on an older person, and they may get embarrassed just because of the lack of coverage.
Leggings are not appropriate for school because they are too tight to play sports in and do not provide enough warmth during colder months.
3. Not Meant For Prolonged Wearing
They’re often less comfortable than jeans or other pants, especially after being worn several times without washing in-between wears. Your skin will feel sweaty from rubbing against the material of your leggings all day long. Plus, lots of movement causes friction, which leads to chafing over time. This essential makes leggings a bad outfit for extended period of wearing.
4. Source of Distractions to Other Students
The main reason cited by the school district is that leggings are a distraction to other students, and they keep them from paying attention in class. While this is true of any item of clothing that brings undue attention to a student, the ban seems to target female leggings specifically.
Leggings are inappropriate for school because they’re too revealing, clingy, and stretchy. This argument suggests that tight-fitting pants present an image of young women as sexual objects rather than students who should be respected for their intellects.
5. Can Become See Through
While the comfort and fashion of leggings are attractive, leggings become see-through in specific lighting, and this is simply unacceptable for a school environment. When squatting or bending over, which is common at school, your undergarments can show through the thin material of your leggings.
READ ALSO: Are Nike Pro Leggings See-Through?
Also, wearing light-colored clothing on top, such as white, can make the dress seem very revealing in sunlight. This may be okay with some people, but not everyone is comfortable with this look in public.
6. Morally and Socially Unacceptable For Learning Environment
As I’m sure you’re aware, school is a learning environment. Students are expected to be fully clothed while on campus, and their clothing should not distract them or other students from their educational goals. Schools set dress codes for their students and faculty; these policies must be enforced.
If a student were to feel uncomfortable about being seen in leggings, they should be allowed to wear shorts under their clothes. Likewise, if a girl feels comfortable in leggings but not in skirts, she should also be allowed to wear them, with shorts underneath. So long as both actions are within the laws set by the school.
ALSO READ: Can Teachers Wear Leggings?
How to Style Leggings for School
If your school has no rules banning the wearing of leggings, and you are comfortable in them, then there is no stopping you. However, regardless of the absence of a ban, modesty should be applied if you wish to wear leggings to school.
Below are a few reasons you can consider wearing such:
1. They Are Good For Wearing Underneath Skirts
Leggings can be worn under a skirt or dress, like tights or thick stockings. Wear them with a top that covers your butt when you’re bending over or sitting down, so nobody gets an unexpected view of your backside.
They are also suitable for wearing underneath skirts or shorts in the fall and winter. They keep you warm and add another layer, and you don’t have to worry about them being flashy as long as your dress is longer than the leggings. Just make sure that you’re wearing a long enough top to cover the leggings. Also, make sure to get fleece-lined or opaque ones.
2. Wear with a Long Top or Sweater
The excellent news about leggings is that you can wear them with shorts underneath is best. You can also layer over your leggings with a longer top or sweater, but make sure it covers the derriere to be safe.
You’ll also want to avoid see-through leggings. It’s best to bend over in front of a mirror and ensure no skin showing through your trousers before leaving the house.
3. They Must Not Be See-Through
They must not be see-through. The dyes used to make the leggings may be sheer. Wear them at home first to test this out, or ask a friend to do so if you’re shopping in the store. You don’t want people to see your underwear when you bend over. They must be made of good material. Spandex is NOT comfortable, and cotton is much more breathable, so choose wisely.
They cannot be too tight. They’ll create an unflattering camel toe effect or often cut off blood flow to your legs if they’re too tight.
Where Can I Wear Leggings To?
You can wear leggings anywhere, and most times, it’s often a thing of choice. That said, if where you are headed has a rule against leggings, then it’s best to stay away from them. But if you have the right pair, the world is your oyster, and the legging is a go-with-everything garment.
Aside from rules applicable to your location, there are other things to consider. When it comes to the material of your leggings, you have a few options. You could go with versatile cotton or something more luxurious like cashmere or organic cotton. As long as your legging material is thick and of good quality, it will likely work well for school.
Can Teachers Wear Leggings
Of course, teachers can wear leggings.
In fact, there’s no reason why most people shouldn’t be wearing them on a regular basis. Leggings are more comfortable than pants that have to be hemmed or tailored, and they’re more flattering than unflattering jeans. They come in so many styles and varieties that you can easily find a pair that fits well is flattering and matches anything, even your teacher’s uniform.
ALSO READ: Why Do Leggings Look Bad On Me? – How to Make it Look Good
Conclusion
Leggings are an excellent clothing option for schools with a lax dress code. If you’re worried about whether your leggings are appropriate for school, remember to cover your butt with a skirt or tunic top.
The modern school dress code is a minefield of dos and don’ts, but this one is clear: leggings are not pants. The good news is that they’re not just for school; you can wear them any other time to yoga class, gym, or while you’re lounging on a Saturday afternoon.
A significant benefit of wearing leggings to school is that they can be layered with other garments such as dresses and tops. This layering process allows you to add depth and complexity to your outfit, which is never a bad thing in fashion.
