The Decline of Leggings
For years, I had a nemesis in the form of highly tailored, overpriced black lycra. Leggings were never my thing, and I was relieved to learn that they had fallen out of favor with the cool kids. According to a recent report, the popularity of leggings has decreased in the past three years, with 46.9 percent of athletes wearing them in 2022, dropping to 38.7 percent by 2025.
The Rise of Baggy Silhouettes
Industry experts have said for some time that a closer, more relaxed fit, inspired by silhouettes from the 1990s, was on the rise. Loose-fitting clothing is now seen as the new Sartorial Power Move in the workout world. A super fit girl hiding her body under baggy clothes is more appealing than scarce, close-fitting clothing. The trend also occupies nostalgia and self-expression, with baggy silhouettes being versatile, practical, and effortlessly cool.
Sustainability and Comfort
This trend also has a sustainability angle, as many traditional active clothing contains plastics. Nowadays, there are almost no plastic sportswear. People are starting to rethink their training clothes, and the idea of wearing figure-hugging, intrusive leggings is no longer appealing. Instead, people are opting for more comfortable and sustainable clothing options.
Personal Experience
For me, leggings were always a source of insecurity. I decided that leggings felt too "exhibited" and was only able to confront my fear when I started training in university. However, I continued to struggle with the idea that leggings were not designed for bodies like mine. The message represented by every women’s magazine and gym ad was that only certain body types could wear leggings.
The Problem with Leggings
The campaigns for top athleisure brands continue to feature almost exclusively large, slim women with incredibly oversized divides. The idea that only certain body types can carry leggings is still prevalent, and anyone who dares to wear them in a larger size is often talked about. This narrative increases the idea that only certain body types can wear leggings, and everyone else is an exception.
Embracing the New Trend
I have worked on my body trust over the years and no longer have the same insecurities. I welcome the return of a more nostalgic, retro-inspired training look with open arms. My training uniform, which includes lime green Adidas track suits and slogan-vintage-T-shirts, is not only comfortable but also cool. Even high-street brands have started to take note of the trend, with new series of pants with wide legs and boxer-style options.
The End of an Era
Even if the original leggings-juggers expand their horizons, it is clear that the tide is finally turning. If you feel confident in leggings, of course, you can continue to wear them, but personally, I couldn’t be happier to see them go. The return of baggy silhouettes and nostalgic training looks is a welcome change, and I’m excited to see where this trend takes us.
