In Defense of Spandex as Pants

By Nicole Cassaro

Leggings were a quintessential fashion staple in the 90s.  I’m sure we’ve all seen embarrassing pictures of ourselves as children dressed in stirrup leggings with an over-sized sweater.  But as much as we’ve criticized our mothers for dressing us like this, leggings, (or what we sometimes call “spandex,” thought not usually containing any), have made a triumphant return to our closets.  We pair them under skirts or dresses, instantly turning any item into an outfit appropriate for wear in any season.  They keep us warm, they make us look cute—admit it; you can’t have a complete wardrobe without a few pairs of spandex!

            There is one thing about our modern spandex that not everyone agrees about.  While no one will complain about keeping your legs warm under a skirt (not to mention acting as extra security making it so you never have to worry about catching an unfortunate gust of wind), some may complain if you adopt the increasingly popular “spandex as pants” trend.  While I’ll admit, there are limits to what your outfit can entail while substituting spandex, I will wholeheartedly defend not wearing pants.

            Here’s the thing: spandex pants are way more comfortable than jeans!  As long as your ass is covered, how can anyone complain?  If you have a long shirt, some people might criticize you and say, “That’s not a dress.”  Well, that’s why you’re wearing spandex!  There’s a line, though—tights are not spandex.  While you can go ahead and wear spandex with a long shirt without being hidden under a dress or skirt, tights simply do not work this way!  Tights are thin and typically sheer, and just look silly without anything covering up your crotch.

            To sum up—spandex alone is completely okay!  We all know they’re way more comfortable and easier to wear.  As long as you don’t cross the line and wear tights as pants, you’re fine!