Let’s Talk About Leggings

I’m old enough to remember the early-80s, when every woman in America under-40 wore ponte leggings with stirrups on the bottom.  So when leggings came back into vogue a decade ago, I was non-plussed.  Suddenly, there were interns wearing leggings with blazers, and uncomfortable conversations to be had.  Now, leggings are everywhere.

Leggings now cost more than denim jeans.  They cost more than business trousers.  I cleaned out a closet last month for a twenty-something female lawyer, and she was spending $98+ on her wardrobe of leggings, but buying her business attire at Forever21.  I had to stop myself from shouting, “This is backwards.  This is all backwards!”

Companies like Lululemon and Outdoor Voices are happily selling the idea that leggings are essential to living.  That if I buy their leggings, I’ll be doing yoga poses with my friends on the precipice of some picturesque desert vista.  But what about all the women who aren’t looking for a legging-lifestyle?

Women who just want to chill on the couch in a pair of leggings?  Who just want to pick up their kids and run their errands in something comfortable?  Who might actually wear these leggings to the gym (a novel concept)?

When I started wearing leggings as casual attire, I wore the Zella leggings from Nordstrom.  But then, the quality went downhill.  So I switched to Lululemon, but I quickly tired of paying so much for pants that I wear while hiking, lounging and cleaning.  So I switched to the Core10 leggings from Amazon.

The Core10 Leggings from Amazon run between $55 and $65 per pair for their customizable line.  You can “build your own” legging, choosing the length and waistband style.  They make a full-length, as well as a 7/8 crop legging.

They also offer a “build your own” running legging and a straight-leg yoga pant.

I like the criss-cross waistband in the photo.  It’s flattering on, and a bit more comfortable than the straight waistband if you carry weight in your stomach.  And as a long-torsoed, short-legged person, it’s nice not to have to hem my leggings.

The leggings come in one size XS to XL.  I would typically be a medium legging, and they fit me fine.  My neighbor is a L, and she hasn’t had any problems either.  They also offer 1x-3x sizes.

I think the quality is better than Zella.  The compression isn’t quite as good as Lululemon’s higher compression options, but the difference isn’t worth $30 more per pair.  I also love that if I need to replace a pair, prime shipping has them to my door in two days.

Core10 makes a selection of other styles as well.  Some cost as little as $39 per pair.  Here are a few more pairs of Core10 leggings that caught my eye.

Spectrum High Waist Legging ($39)

Tri-Color Legging ($45)

Warrior Mesh Legging ($63)

Daredevil Legging ($53)

Whichever leggings you buy, wherever you wear them, the most important thing about leggings is that the material is thick enough to be flattering.  Only pre-teen girls can get away with the thin leggings most stores sell.  Women need a good fabric and probably a bit of compression to keep things flattering.  Because whether you’re petite or plus-size, sleek and opaque looks best.

If you’ve struggled to find a legging you like, give the Core10s a try.  I’m happy with mine.  And I’m happy not to be searching the Lululemon sale pile for decent leggings anymore.

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