Let's Stop Blaming Leggings And Blame Society Instead
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Let's Stop Blaming Leggings And Blame Society Instead

Bodies are not simply meant to be looked at.

21
Let's Stop Blaming Leggings And Blame Society Instead
lululemon.com

I recently read an article talking discussing whether or not a Christian woman should wear leggings, and at the end of the article, the man directed women to seek council to ensure she was wearing them for the right reasons. Now, I'll give him this, his point was that men cause themselves to lust, not a woman wearing leggings. That's great. Totally spot on.

I have a question.

Why the hell are we still talking about leggings?

Leggings, for those of you who have been living under a rock for about the last five years, are tight stretchy pants that were initially made as gym/yoga pants but have since made their way into all other realms of women's fashion. They gained popularity in last the 3-5 years, and as such have led to school dress codes to be re-written to specify "no leggings."

Now, on one end, the argument suggests that women only wear leggings to attract the gaze of men. Because form fitting clothing is unique to leggings right?

There's this discussion in dress-codes that suggests women wear clothing to attract men, and women wear even less clothing to attract even more men.

It's been used to talk about tank tops and shorts, and now leggings. Spot the difference? For one, there's no skin showing when a woman wears leggings.

Here's my issue, and I've written about this before: I absolutely agree that the dress codes in schools go too far, they tell women their bodies are intended to be looked and I am not okay with it. Good, glad that's covered.

Why are leggings even part of this discussion?

Honestly. We can possibly have a discussion about boobs, because, you know, men don't usually have them. (This discussion will probably still end with me disagreeing with you, but I'm more inclined to discuss it.) Butts? Those aren't unique to women. I've seen men wearing compression pants (aka male leggings) and no one bats an eye, and let's just get this out there, some men pull them off better than me.

Now, okay, I suppose it is important to tell all sides of this. Yes, women like the way they look in leggings, that's no secret. I also like the way I look in sundresses or baggy t-shirts. It's not a crime to like the way you look. You know what, sometimes I wear a dress when I go on a date because I know there's a chance the guy I'm going on a date with might just think I look pretty in the dress too.

That is not the only reason I wear a dress, or a tank top, or leggings.

So, an open invitation to women to recognize that their bodies are not made to be looked at; they are intended to be cherished, and loved, and taken care of.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58085
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37417
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959067
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192669
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments