Leggings are tight-fitting pants that are made from a blend of materials like cotton, spandex, and Lycra. Leggings became popular in the 1980s when women began wearing them as casual clothing outside of the gym or dance studio because they were flattering, comfortable, and easy to move around in.
Today leggings are very commonly worn by both men and women. The style has evolved over time and there are now different types: cropped leggings with high waistbands, low rise waistband models that show off your belly button area when you lift your arms up, high rise models with no visible waistband etc. Since leggings are so popular, people have been questioning: Is it illegal to wear leggings in New York City?
The answer is yes as it is not appropriate for a woman to wear tight fitting clothes in which leggings are one. But, then it depends on your interpretation of the law in New York City.
Why is it Illegal to Wear Leggings in New York City?
There is a law against revealing clothing in New York City. You must be fully covered from the neck down to the knees, not just your legs. Leggings are considered underwear by definition, so they’re not acceptable as outerwear in any way shape or form and certainly not when worn in public.
You need a shirt that covers your butt and a skirt that is long enough to cover your butt if you want to walk around New York City without getting arrested for indecent exposure or worse.
However, the NYC Administrative Code doesn’t mention leggings anywhere within its pages, so it’s completely legal to wear leggings in NYC. There’s no law in New York that says it’s illegal to wear leggings in public.
So, it turns out that leggings are not illegal in the state of New York. You can wear leggings on your way to school or work, and you can continue to wear them after work or school ends.
The only caveat is that some places have their own dress codes; for example, if a company has a policy against leggings as part of its dress code, employees should follow it, and yes, there are plenty of companies with those kinds of policies.
Can You Wear Leggings in New York?
Legwear is a divisive topic in the fashion world. On one hand, some people think that leggings are overly casual and unflattering for day-to-day wear. On the other hand, some think that leggings can be stylish if worn with the right tops and shoes.
Yes, you can wear leggings in New York, but only if you wear them with long tops or in very dark colors. The thing is the answer to which camp you fall into also depends on what city you live in. Wearing leggings in New York will get you far more dirty looks than if you were walking around in L.A., where leggings are far less controversial.
If you’re in San Francisco, you better have a solid reason for wearing your leggings, if it’s not because of the weather (or perhaps an exercise class), people will think you don’t have a good fashion sense.
If you are going to wear leggings in New York, I suggest sticking to black or a very dark color, especially when venturing outdoors. That way, at least they will look as much like “real” pants and can’t really be mistaken for something else.
What to Wear With Leggings in New York City
1. Pair your leggings with a tunic
Leggings are a great option for keeping warm during the winter and can be worn with tunics and other tops to create chic outfits. With leggings, it’s important to find bottoms that are made of a thicker material like wool or cashmere so they will keep you warm and also look more polished than thinner materials such as cotton.
Tunics are longer than shirts but shorter than dresses, making them perfect for layering over leggings. You can find tunic tops in many different styles and fabrics, but if you’re looking for something comfortable enough to wear around the house yet still stylish enough to take out on the town, try pairing your new leggings with one of these classic tunic styles:
2. Create a monochrome look
An easy way to create a monochrome look is with any one of the following:
A scarf
This can be worn in different ways, depending on where you’re headed. For example, if you’re going for brunch at your favorite neighborhood cafe, try wrapping it loosely around your waist as a belt; if you’re meeting up with friends for happy hour, loop it around your neck as an accent piece; and if you’re going out on the town, knot it around your hair.
A blouse
A blouse with mesh inserts will add color while keeping things simple overall. You could also wear these leggings with another item from our “What To Wear With…” series such as a button down shirt or sweater dress, but beware that these items tend not to work well together because they are both too structured looking (especially compared to something like silk pants).
3. Layer items and accessories to keep it interesting
If you’re going to be in New York for a while, it’s worth investing in an interesting piece of jewelry. Scarves can also be layered over leggings to add interest and keep you warm on a chilly day. The point is to mix things up.
When it comes to accessories, remember that not all clothing should be worn with leggings. A pair of jeans or khakis will look much better than a suit or dress pants.
4. Wear over-the-knee boots
One of the most stylish ways to wear leggings is with over-the-knee boots. This is a great way to add some height and style to your outfit, especially if you’re wearing leggings because you’re short (hello).
You should pair OTK boots with leggings; a tunic and a statement top for a look that’s both fashionable and functional.
5. Add a pop of color
The best way to add a pop of color is with your accessories. A belt, scarf, or handbag can really make your outfit stand out. If you’re wearing a top that also has some color on it, try not to match it exactly with the leggings. Instead, choose something complementary like one of these:
- A bright yellow shirt with black leggings and red shoes
- A grey striped top with navy blue leggings and gold flats
If you don’t have any items that are already in the same shade as your leggings, then try this instead; add a few pops of something else that’s still very different from what everyone else is wearing.
6. Wear a statement top that covers your crotch
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right top to wear over your leggings. First, it’s important that you choose a top that covers your crotch. No one wants to see what you’re wearing underneath. Second, you want to make sure that the top isn’t too short or too long; but don’t worry, if it’s just right, people will be admiring your outfit instead of staring at your butt crack.
Finally, there are two options for how much skin you wish to show: either bare arms or bare shoulders are both acceptable (and we personally prefer the latter).
ALSO READ: Is It Okay To Wear Leggings in Public?
What Should You Not Wear in NYC?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you shouldn’t wear:
1. Anything that makes you look like a tourist
If you’re in New York City, these means don’t wear shorts (except in the summer), sandals, swimwear, or any other type of clothing that screams “foreigner.” The same goes for big logos or advertisements. It’s all about blending in with the locals; so, leave your branded t-shirts at home and opt for something more subtle instead.
2. Anything too revealing
This is a big NO, especially for women. While many people are getting over their aversion to leggings (it used to be considered taboo), it’s still best not to go overboard if you want to avoid getting stopped by cops while walking down the street.
3. Anything too casual
Again, this is not very acceptable, especially if it’s worn by women. This includes flip-flops and shorts; however, we recommend keeping those under wraps until springtime when it gets colder out again because no one wants frostbite on their toes during winter months when temperatures dip below freezing regularly throughout entire days/weeks of time spent outdoors hiking up mountains
What to Wear in NYC During Summer
1. Comfortable shoes
It’s important that you wear comfortable shoes and light layers, as the weather in New York can change quickly. Converse sneakers are great for running around town if you’re going to be on your feet all day, or try out some cute flats
When we say “light layers,” we mean: Pack only what will fit into your handbag or backpack so you don’t waste time searching through an overstuffed suitcase when it rains unexpectedly.
2. Cardigan
A cardigan is another must-have item because it doubles as an extra layer during chilly nights and mornings while still keeping things stylish when worn under a jacket during warmer days. Try a travel tank top because it packs up small enough to fit into any bag but is also breathable enough to wear when temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Sunblock and sunglasses
We recommend bringing both sunblock and sunglasses depending on whether or not it looks like rain, some days are sunny enough for just sunscreen; other days call for both protective measures against harmful UV rays.
READ ALSO: Can Teachers Wear Leggings?
Conclusion – Is it illegal to wear leggings in New York City?
While it is not mentioned anywhere in the New York City constitution that it is illegal to wear leggings, you should be careful. When you wear leggings in New York, make sure you’re wearing a shirt, gown, or any piece of clothing that covers your butt crack. This is because leggings are still considered underwear.
Once you’ve mastered the art of wearing leggings in New York City, you can move on to other pieces. Leggings are the ultimate wardrobe staple for the stylish New Yorker. They’re versatile and comfortable, but also sleek enough that they can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and occasion.
