leggings
LEG-ingz
/ˈlɛɡɪŋz/
Tight-fitting, stretchy trousers worn by women or men, typically made of spandex, nylon, or cotton.
Emphasizes a skin-tight, highly flexible fit, commonly worn for yoga, running, or as casual everyday legwear.
The story behind the word. Historically, 'leggings' referred to two separate protective leather or cloth coverings worn on each leg by soldiers, hunters, and Native Americans to protect against brush and cold. By the 1960s, with the invention of Lycra, the term evolved to describe the tight, one-piece stretch trousers we know today.
Word relationships
- tights: Tights are typically thinner, sheerer, and cover the feet, worn under dresses, whereas leggings are thicker, opaque, footless, and worn as standalone pants.
- wide-leg pants: Wide-leg pants are loose, structured trousers that flare out from the waist or hips, offering a completely different silhouette than tight leggings.
Commonly confused with
- jeggings: Jeggings are a specific hybrid garment designed to look like denim jeans but with the stretch and comfort of leggings.
Word family
- leg (noun): The limb used for standing and walking.
Collocations
- black leggings
- yoga leggings
- stretchy leggings
- pair of leggings
Example sentences
- "She paired her oversized knit sweater with black leggings and leather boots for a simple, comfortable autumn outfit." Describing a comfortable outfit for running errands.
Memory hook
They are tight garments that hug your 'legs' perfectly from waist to ankle. Tight garments made to hug your legs.
When not to use
Do not use to describe loose-fitting trousers, jeans, or thick, structured pants.
Fun facts
- In the 14th century, leggings were originally worn exclusively by men in Europe, consisting of two separate hose that laced into a doublet.
Related words
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