Are leggings pants?

In a recent interface with Elle.com, Kate Hudson was quizzed about the perennial style debate: ‘Are leggings pants?’ The spunky actress replied in all honesty, “For sure,” she answered. “If I’m packing some leggings, they count as a pant outfit. They’re super versatile.”

Quite a contrast from other fashionistas, who won’t be caught dead in their leggings or those who think that the athleisure trend has gone too far. In fact, Hudson put it all on the line for her fitness brand, Fabletics. 

In India, the poster girl for easy chic Kajol has been at the forefront of the leggings brigade — she was seen sporting them at the Dilwale press meet twice. This week, Sunny Leone made quite a splash at the airport as she wore a sporty pair of leggings with a plaid fringed vest and a statement-making hat. One look at the pap shots pouring in and one can vouch that Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif prefer leggings over pants when they travel. Most of them are seen rocking them with vibrant and comfy sneakers. Mira Rajput likes to pair her Masaba tunics with leggings and not long ago, Kriti Sanon had clubbed her Sonaakshi Raaj sequinned halter dhoti outfit with a pair in the same tone. Come to think of it, they’re actually a closet staple and one can mix them with just any look under the sun. However, there are a few who think they should just be confined to the gym space.    

They are the garment of the future

—Hemant Sagar

Hemant Sagar of Lecoanet Hemant says, “I think leggings are not only pants, they are more than that and I believe they are all set to become the garment of the future that will one day replace trousers. The slim silhouette appeared some 10 years ago as a revival of the tight ‘drainpipes’ of the ‘60s, like a fashion or a fad. Today, it is more present than ever and quite surely here to stay for a long time. Leggings and (super) skinny jeans occupy a very similar space in wardrobes and for me is the reply to future dressing. The 21st century is all about mobility which is guaranteed when wearing clothes that fit like a second skin. Also (body) leggings come across as the ideal garment for space travel that humanity is bound for. So well beyond fashion, I believe leggings and body leggings are the garment of the future. They are also sure to evolve in smart textiles and there will come a day when we will use them continuously. The printed body leggings in the last Dior Collection by Raf Simons are indicative of what is to come as far as Planet Fashion and future is concerned.”

Pants are a thing of the past

—Simran Arya 

Simran Arya, designer for Carousel is of the view that the conventional, not-so-comfortable pants are surely becoming a thing of the past. She shares, “Leggings have definitely become the new pants, with brands offering them in some of the best fabrics that fit and flatter the body and there’s something for every body type. From slimming leggings, to formal options and ones that you can wear out at night — leggings today are the perfect balance of style and comfort. They are the ultimate go-to staple for every woman’s wardrobe.”

Only for skinny women

—Kunal Anil Tanna

Designer Kunal Tanna feels that leggings should be relegated to the gym space only. He says, “Leggings are not pants — they’re only flattering to a certain body type (read: extremely skinny). With Indian pear-shaped women, it comes as a shock that these leggings aren’t banned as yet. The same goes to their counterparts — jeggings. Some things are better left at the gym and at home.”

Leggings are pants and more

—Sana Shah

Designer Sana Shah of the label Circus sees this trend as a dynamism of style and stretch. She says, “Some say leggings are too close to tights to be worn without a dress or a  skirt, but we say ‘no way!’ Wether you’re heading for morning yoga or going out in the evening, you will surely look fab sporting this miracle of style and stretch. Its all about accessorising for the occasion. So, yes, leggings are pants only much more.”