YouLookFab Forum » Topic: When do leggings not cut it?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: When do leggings not cut it? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:39:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566315 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 13:44:40 +0000 Anonymous 1566315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don't like any of the outfits with skirts. Love it with leggings, not with pants. I'm totally fine with the crotch showing, the swingy-ness of the shirt seems to cover it sometimes, and when it doesn't - honestly I don't think it looks bad at all. That's just my 2 cents Anonymous on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566312 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 13:41:22 +0000 Anonymous 1566312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha ha, your facial expressions are funny :-) I think the heavy leggings are the best, because they're the closest to real pants. Elly on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566302 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 13:22:50 +0000 Elly 1566302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to put it out there--- you look great in that top-- but I see it as a top, not even as a tunic-- I think the high-low trend has blurred this area for some people, but I think full crotch action requires real pants. I would wear it with jeans or with ponte pants that look like jeans (like my Kuts). I won't wear ponte pants as pants if they look like leggings in the crotch area. I'm not saying that there aren't leggings that look ok with a shorter top, but I think they are extremely rare and way less likely to be flattering from all angles on women with curves (you and me both!). I feel like I just shouldn't do that to myself! I have had a couple pairs of leggings that I thought were fine but eventually I figured out that they showed things when I moved a crazy way (which I do) or sagged just a bit or clung to lines on my backside after a day of wear. The NYDJ pontes from NAS might suit you-- they were a bit too high waisted and hippy for me (I'm curvy but more in the backside and short waisted). Alassë on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566281 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 12:32:45 +0000 Alassë 1566281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a great tunic on you, very flattering. I like it best in 1 and 8/9. (For some reason the grey leggings remind me of workout wear, less so the black ones.) Style Fan on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566259 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:34:32 +0000 Style Fan 1566259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous top on you.  Beautiful colour.  I think ponte pants would look great with this top.  Just a bit more substantial than leggings but not too much pant.  I have seen them around and it sounds like the forum members have some ideas of where to get them. I also find leggings slide down when I am in Yoga.  I have to keep yanking them up.  One of my Yoga teachers has the same problem.  We have the same body type.  A big difference between our waist and hips. Bonnie on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566165 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 02:10:46 +0000 Bonnie 1566165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If leggings don't work with a top, I try my Habitat crepe pants with slim legs. They look like EF crepe pants and cost me about $80 which is a lot less expensive. I got them at a local boutique but I've seen them online, too. Another alternative solution I've used is wearing a Karina swing skirt (I got mine on sale) over leggings. That top is really cute and a gorgeous color.  Stephanie on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566154 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 01:51:12 +0000 Stephanie 1566154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Girl you were not joking - that top looks FABULOUS on you! I love it with the thicker leggings in black the most. I'm not sold on the skirted look…I think it detracts from the interesting lines of the top. If it were me, I'd dress it up with a long pendant necklace and some heeled ankle boots. Maybe a fitted jacket overtop if you need extra warmth? If you want to make it work with what you've already got, that'd be my recommendation. If you're willing to buy a new piece, I still vote for some ponte pants. MsMaven on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it/page/2#post-1566077 Fri, 02 Oct 2015 00:07:31 +0000 MsMaven 1566077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is a lovely top and it looks great on you. I love the color.  I have no useful advice to offer, except that I'm not a leggings as pants fan either. Surely there are some close fitting black skinny jeans out there that would work. Adding a longer under layer seemed like a good idea except that it would need to be proportioned just right and just the right fabric and could turn out to be a pain to find. Laura on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1566074 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:59:55 +0000 Laura 1566074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ginger, love your creative ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1566060 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:44:47 +0000 Ginger 1566060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pictures! Terrible quality, but I have to dash! #1-3 with heavy leggings #4-5 with the tennis skort #6 with a faux leather skirt, my shortest not-skort. Terrible look. #7 clipped back to show what a pencil skirt does: emphasis hip width. #8-9 with heavy cropped leggings, one with zippers open, one closed #10-11 with gray leggings with seaming detail (size too small) #12-13 with black jeggings (also size too small) Anonymous on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565973 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:35:03 +0000 Anonymous 1565973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My solution to this all-too-common (for me at least) problem is an endless supply of long black tank tops that juuuust cover my butt and crotch. I actually got a 2-pack from Costco recently that I love, and then found a few more at a cheapie place. I like black because the juxtaposition of color against the black leggings isn't lost, as it would be with a colored tank. I think skirted leggings would just feel too heavy under that top. Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565970 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:22:58 +0000 Ginger 1565970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh - the thigh creep! You are so right, and I get that exact same thing with pants. SO uncomfortable. No wonder you dislike leggings! I don't have the issue with tall boots; my calves are not particularly big, at least in proportion to the base size I wear. Although last year's AA ones were snug; but they were also very high waist and didn't go anywhere. Too loose in the waist presents problems with layering, too. This really is quite the dilemma! Suz on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565965 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:13:33 +0000 Suz 1565965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are right, Ginger -- the wrong rise may contribute to the problem. I get different problems with different leggings. Some of them seem to slide altogether (these might be too big -- sometimes I'm sized out) and some of them creep down from the thighs -- which suggests that my muscular legs are the trouble. Worst of all is if I am wearing them tucked into knee high boots. CocoLion has this same issue sometimes. My rise is on the long side so those that are theoretically high rise are usually mid rise on me. I wouldn't even bother with low rise ones -- too risky.   I just put on the BR pants...I am kind of wishing I sized up even more, although then they would be too loose in the waist. The thighs are pretty snug -- but I expect they'll stretch.  Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565952 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:50:27 +0000 Ginger 1565952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ kerlyn, that's a good idea. I tried it with short full slip/long cami that came a sheer tunic dress, but the slip was several inches too long. The difficulty is finding a tank that's both long enough and big enough in the hip. Garments like that are a bit of a HEWI for me anyway - that's why I want so badly to make this sweater work! My waist-hip difference is about 14" and my upper body is proportional to my waist. So it's a bit of a challenge. I also want to be able to layer this over a long sleeve tee or turtleneck in the winter. unfrumped, I started experimenting with the short dress thing several years ago when "tunic length" tops were in style. Those are always too short for me. But short dresses, particularly in the juniors' section, hit me at the sweet spot. Two of my best are from F21, and I get comments on them all the time. Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565941 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:36:09 +0000 Ginger 1565941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I just now read some of your discussion in the NAS threads, and found it all fascinating! I unexpectedly identified with your denim pictures - my hips are different, but my thighs have that same muscular profile. When you say leggings don't stay up, do you mean they inch downward all around gradually, or that they sag and ride down in particular places instead of staying where you want them? And does this happen with all rises? My leggings are high enough to fit over my hip bones, which are fairly prominent (all of the fluff is in the side and back). Waistbands don't really get past them. But I've tried on leggings with lower rises; they would muffin if snug, and whether snug or loose, would definitely work their way down. I'm really liking the TekGear leggings. I did wear them to church a few weeks ago! Roll-cuffed them slightly and wore with an emerald green chiffon tunic-dress. They don't have symbols, so I rationalized it, and felt great. :D For what it's worth, I have about a 14" difference between waist and hip. Most of mine is in the side and back; my bone structure is quite wide, so the fluff is in the back. Even at my slimmest I was not really below 12" difference.  One problem I often have with pants is that they're allowing for tummy pudge as well as backside, and I don't have tummy. So I get instant sag and bagging there. And then the crotch pulls, because  I need extra depth in the back but trousers aren't cut like that. I'll bet Lisa P's leggings wouldn't work for me, either. I like the stretch to feel a little bit taut; it smooths out some of the natural lumps and bumps,  but in the right size doesn't actually feel tight. I'll try to get in to BR and try on the regular sizes; I have no idea what my size is for them. It looks like talls are only online. unfrumped on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565929 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:08:22 +0000 unfrumped 1565929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just reading and learning a lot. I don't do much tunic outfit stuff because proportions are hard. But I got interested when I played around with a short dress. Like Suz, I don't do well with fly front and zips under a long top. Recently got some very stretchy front not/ fly zip ants made by Peace of Cloth and am not sure what category they're in! kerlyn on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565927 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:07:25 +0000 kerlyn 1565927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree about the ponte pants...mine are as comfy as leggings but much more substantial and "pant-like".  Another idea might be to layer a long tank or cami under the tunic.  I found a long tunic length tank in the juniors department at Kohls last year.  Mine is burgundy with matching lace around the bottom hem.  I've worn it under a few tunics that weren't quite long enough for my liking, and I quite liked the look.  The tank isn't fitted, but long and flowy, so the lace has sort of a "flouncy" skirt-like effect (if that makes sense!) Suz on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565925 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:04:04 +0000 Suz 1565925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A mystery that's never been solved for me is why my workout pants (which are, after all, basically leggings) stay up on me as a rule. While leggings don't.  I do have one GAP pair of workout leggings that are always coming down on me when I run, but apart from that, the ones I have stay pretty much put. In fact, when I've been tempted to wear leggings I sometimes think I should just wear the workout gear instead -- except for the darned reflective stripes or logos.  ;) You might be right that my shape contributes to the issue. My hips are on the slim side, but my rear is substantial. There's about a 9 inch difference between my waist and hip -- so still an hourglass shape of sorts, but veering to rectangle.  I really like a side zip for smoothness. If you try those BR pants (and do try them on sale!!) you might want the long version, and you might want to size up. I ordered a size larger than my usual BR size in these and they fit me better.  Note that the very same skirted legging Lisa P loved is one that I could not abide. I found it way, way, way too soft -- more like a ribbed t-shirt feeling. It looked incredibly sleek and fabulous on her, but on me? Uh, not so much. She and Alaskagirl both have slim legs. I have muscular, shorter legs.  Sal on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565912 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:38:29 +0000 Sal 1565912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds to me that what you have will work, I think it is all in the quality of the fabric and the fit. I did purchase some ponte leggings this year and find them great for smooth layering. Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565766 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:52:43 +0000 Ginger 1565766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is fascinating to hear everyone's opinions on the variety of leggings and ponte pants, and the details that make them. I'm discovering that my definition of "leggings" seems to be specifically for the heavier, thicker ones. The first pair I bought were from Vera Wang at Kohl's - the exact same ones that Nebraskakim mentions! So it's coming clear to me that these are probably okay - they're NOT transparent or tights-like at all - but that something with even more structure/detail, or ponte pants, might be even better. I'm not opposed to that, since the Vera Wang's are starting to get a little tired-looking. (They've had 3 good years at least!) Suz, I'm so glad you clarified why you don't care for leggings. We're built very opposite, and I think it's that softness + my shape that lets them fit nicely without being uncomfortable. Zero fussing for me, so I hear you! I will see if I can give the BR's a try. I have no idea if the side zip will work; I use it a lot on vintage/retro stuff, but sometimes the zipper acts weird because of the extreme hip slope. I love how smooth these look. And thanks for your opinion on the skirted leggings! Lisap, thank you! I may look around some more, then. Of course part of the problem is that I want to wear this top NOW. I'm not terribly patient sometimes. ;) Sadie, those look very good! I would be comfortable with that sort of look. alaskagirl, coated ones sound good. And I like zippers! Nebraskakim, my workhorse leggings are exactly those from Kohl's - Vera Wang! I haven't tried the ponte pants, or if I did they had a significantly lower rise and I left them. Eddie Bauer is one I hadn't thought of - thanks! Nebraskim on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565747 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:31:52 +0000 Nebraskim 1565747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another in agreement with Janet. I love leggings and jeggings but I, to, do not think of them as pants unless I'm in the gym ( and then I usually wear a workout skirt or shorts over them). I have substantial thick leggings from brands like Hue and the Vera Wang brand at Kohl's. They are thick and not at all transparent. Thick enough to me to be worn for workouts actually, but I never have. I also have two pairs of ponte knit pants, one from Eddie Bauer and the other is the Vera Wang for Kohl's brand, that are as comfortable as leggings, but are super thick and less body con. I think these kinds of pants would work for your situation. catgirl on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565737 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:24:51 +0000 catgirl 1565737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm.  I fudge a bit on certain leggings, depending on how you define leggings. I always cover up with soft stretchy ones that you could wear to exercise in or as tights/underlayer. But my more structured ones like the Lysse coated ones, that have zippers at the hems and are weighty, are a substitute for skinnies and have a little more flexibility with styling - I'm actually wearing them today with a swingy poncho sweater that comes just to the top of my thighs and might not have constant full coverage.  To me, they are no different visually than skinnies and I do not feel exposed in them at all. By the way, I tried on that top at Kohls and it was too thin for my climate, but I can see why you love it. Sadie on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565736 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:24:12 +0000 Sadie 1565736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I got these from Nordstrom and they feel like leggings (pull on) but look like pants. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-skinny-knit-pants-with-yoke-detail-regular-petite/4009905?cm_em=&cm_mmc=email_tran-_-071915-_-ship_confirm-_-proddescr2">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ei.....proddescr2</a> I wore them with a tunic top and with a longish blazer for some dinners out at a recent meeting and felt appropriately dressed as they are heavier fabric but with no belts holes/zippers/buttons around waist (like real pants would have). I'm not saying this right, but they have the heft and feel of real pants, but the tighter fit and streamlined waist of leggings. Anonymous on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565728 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:16:00 +0000 Anonymous 1565728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Janet.  No crotch or butt should show unless you're at the gym or yoga studio  Ponte pants are perfect, and there are skirted leggings around that aren't at EF prices. I have a recent pair from Lululemon that are pretty cool - tight skirt, but if you are ok with that, they cover all that needs covering.  I bought a skirted legging thing from some sketchy Asian import site last year and they are great!  (probably an accident, but I'm ok with that - lol).  Suz on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565727 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:15:58 +0000 Suz 1565727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a problem I've also come up against. I personally don't care for soft leggings at all, especially worn as pants. (I think they're fine as loungewear). When I say I don't care for them, I mean I don't like to wear them -- on me, they inevitably slide down. Which means fussing.  I also don't like to see them worn as pants. A very structured legging, maybe, but not a soft one that shows stuff.  Yet like you, I have tops that are this length and a bit longer and I also have a very low tolerance for bumps and lumps from zippers, etc. So the skinny jeans under a tunic top just don't cut it for me.  My experience with the cheapo version of the skirted leggings from Asia last year was a complete bust -- although LisaP, Alaskagirl, and Shedev all enjoyed the very same item. (So some of this has to do with personal preferences about fabrication, etc. as well as body type differences.) I think the EF ones might be really nice (if pricey) but they are not such a great idea for my climate.  SO....where does that leave me? At the moment, I am happy with my recent purchase of these <a rel="nofollow" href="http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?vid=3&pid=561611003">BR Sloan fit </a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?vid=3&pid=561611003">SIDE-ZIP</a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?vid=3&pid=561611003"> pants</a>. Well worth a try. A side zip pant always feels a bit different from a front zip one and can be more comfy for some body types. It also allows the top to glide over it smoothly.  Stephanie on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565723 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:10:24 +0000 Stephanie 1565723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I vote ponte pants then! Definitely try Loft. If nothing else, just go to try them on at this point and then wait for one of their sales to purchase a few. They almost always are running sales and seem to cycle through pant and/or entire store sales monthly. Good luck...I'm sure you'll be able to find something easily. Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565708 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:59:36 +0000 Ginger 1565708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, I'm in love with it, too. They have it in at least six colors, and I'm seriously considering the green and/or blue as well. It would be worth it for something that makes me this happy. :) Janet, I'm starting to think that I've had very good luck with leggings. None of mine are anything like tights! It's a good idea to look for structure. Usually that's with pockets, which would be worse than useless in this case, but seaming details (or zippers!) would work. Hmm. I've also been thinking I want some leggings/pants that are partially faux leather. Trouvé had some last year. If I can find some similar? <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/trouve-mixed-media-leggings/3753619" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....gs/3753619</a> Anonymous on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565706 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:53:10 +0000 Anonymous 1565706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that "leggings are not pants."  But sometimes during lazy moments I wear them in public.  I try very hard to make sure that all the important parts are covered (butt, crotch).   My favorite look is ponte pants.  Heavier, more pant like.  I own ponte pants in black, charcoal grey, and medium grey.  They are a great alternative to leggings.  I even wear ponte pants to the office.  I too am a big fan of Kut from the Kloth ponte pants.  I own three pair.  If they ever off them in red, I will stand in line to buy them.   Ginger on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565701 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:51:33 +0000 Ginger 1565701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all so much! I'm starting to feel less lost already. Stephanie, the Finds are extremely helpful - shopping for pants is near-uncharted territory for me. There's a Loft very close to me, too. Interesting you'd mention zippers; the leggings I tried yesterday are cropped, with zippers! I thought they seemed to elevate the leggings as well, so it's reassuring that you have the same opinion. I'm definitely open to ponte pants; it may be a matter of trying a lot. Murpheleven, excellent point about seaming. I've got some gray Vera Wang leggings that I never wear because of the low rise, but they do have a front seam detail that looks really elegant. I'll probably try those on for some pictures. Diana, that is good to know. I got some American Apparel leggings last year that I loved for the high waist, but they were definitely thinner than my "ordinary" Vera Wang leggings.  I did get some gear leggings on clearance (see Find) that are the softest and thickest I've had to date; they have mesh bits on the calves, but they might be do-able with high boots. Elizabeth P, very good points! I'm thinking that ponte pants won't actually look much different at the critical point, so to speak, but do have more respectability somehow. And I totally appreciate your second point! What makes me hesitate (besides the cost) is the apparent length of the skirt + pencil shape. The "expanse" of smooth black fabric may draw the eye there and upset the balance of the outfit... hard to explain because it's very dependent on my proportions. I'll take some pictures this evening that may demonstrate. Janet on "When do leggings not cut it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-leggings-not-cut-it#post-1565685 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:41:12 +0000 Janet 1565685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto to the suggestion of jeggings or ponte pants. I have a pair of black ponte pants from Kut that fit like leggings but are substantial enough to look like pants even when the crotch or behind is not fully covered. They have jeans-like styling with a zip fly, front, and back pockets too. I do not have a high tolerance for leggings-as-pants, so I would look for styles that have enough substance and structure that they distinctly do not look like tights. Some leggings really do look more like tights, and I would avoid that look.