In recent years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in men's fashion. A garment once reserved exclusively for women has been making its way into men's wardrobes – leggings. But these aren't just any leggings. They're "meggings" – leggings specifically designed and marketed for men. At the forefront of this movement is a company called Stitch Leggings, who have made it their mission to bring stylish, comfortable meggings to the masses.
What Are Meggings?
Meggings, a portmanteau of "men" and "leggings", are essentially leggings designed to fit the male physique. While similar in many ways to women's leggings, meggings typically feature a more relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, as well as extra room in the crotch area for comfort. They're made from stretchy, form-fitting fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester blends.
Some key features that set meggings apart:
- Reinforced seams for durability
- Moisture-wicking fabrics
- Compression for muscle support
- Pockets for convenience
- Masculine prints and colors
The Historical Context of Men in Tights
While the idea of men wearing leggings may seem novel, it's not an entirely new concept. Throughout history, men have worn tight-fitting legwear:
- In medieval Europe, men wore hose, which were tight-fitting coverings for the legs and feet.
- During the Renaissance, men's fashion included close-fitting breeches and stockings.
- In the 18th century, men wore skin-tight pantaloons, often made of knitted silk or cotton.
- Ballet dancers have worn tights as part of their costumes since the 19th century.
- Superhero costumes in comic books and films often feature tight-fitting legwear.
This historical context shows that the concept of men in tight legwear is not as revolutionary as it might first appear. Rather, meggings represent a modern revival and reimagining of this long-standing fashion tradition.
The Rise of the Meggings Trend
In more recent decades, athletes and dancers have long embraced form-fitting bottoms for performance. However, it's only in the last 5-10 years that meggings have started to gain traction as everyday casual wear. Several factors have contributed to their rising popularity:
The athleisure trend: The blurring of lines between activewear and casual wear has made it more acceptable to wear performance-oriented clothing in everyday settings.
Increasing acceptance of gender-fluid fashion: As society becomes more open to non-traditional gender expression, men feel more comfortable exploring traditionally feminine clothing items.
Growing focus on comfort in menswear: Modern men are prioritizing comfort in their clothing choices, and meggings offer a level of comfort that traditional pants can't match.
Influence of celebrities and athletes: High-profile figures like Russell Brand, Justin Bieber, and numerous professional athletes have been spotted wearing leggings, helping to normalize the trend.
Health and fitness boom: With more men focused on fitness and wellness, form-fitting activewear has become increasingly popular.
According to market research firm Allied Market Research, the global men's activewear market is projected to reach $384.8 billion by 2025, with leggings and tights being one of the fastest growing segments. Major brands like Nike, Under Armour and Lululemon have all introduced men's leggings/tights in recent years, further legitimizing the trend.
The Stitch Leggings Story
While big activewear brands were dipping their toes into men's leggings, a small startup called Stitch Leggings saw an opportunity to focus exclusively on this emerging niche. Founded in 2012 by three friends in London, Stitch Leggings set out to create stylish, high-quality meggings designed specifically for men.
Co-founder Tom Hunt recalls how the idea came about:
"We used to live next to a trendy market in London. We always saw loads of pretty girls walking around, but we were too scared to talk to them. We thought if we had a market stall, we'd be able to chat to them. Around the same time, we saw a guy at a party wearing leggings and looking really cool. We decided to combine these ideas and start a company selling male leggings with a market stall."
Their first attempt at selling meggings – 18 pairs of women's leggings with a male logo drawn on – was a flop. But the trio saw potential and decided to design their own male-specific leggings to sell online. A few months later, they made their first sale to someone they didn't know.
From those humble beginnings, Stitch Leggings has grown into one of the leading dedicated meggings brands. They now offer a wide range of styles, from basic black to bold prints, compression leggings for athletes to casual lounge styles.
Benefits of Meggings
So what's driving men to embrace this traditionally feminine garment? Meggings offer several key benefits:
1. Comfort
The stretchy, second-skin fit of meggings provides unrestricted movement and all-day comfort. The soft, lightweight fabrics feel great against the skin. Many men report that meggings are more comfortable than traditional pants, especially for activities that require a lot of movement.
2. Versatility
Meggings can be worn for a variety of occasions:
- Workouts and sports activities
- Lounging at home
- Running errands
- As a base layer under shorts or pants
- Casual outings
This versatility makes meggings a practical addition to any wardrobe, as they can transition seamlessly from the gym to casual settings.
3. Performance
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, meggings offer several performance benefits:
- Muscle compression, which can improve blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue
- Moisture-wicking properties to keep the skin dry during intense activities
- Temperature regulation, keeping the wearer cool in warm conditions and warm in cool conditions
- Reduced chafing compared to loose-fitting workout pants
These features make meggings ideal for activities like yoga, running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
4. Style
With a sleek silhouette and range of colors and prints, meggings allow men to make a bold fashion statement. They can be dressed up or down for various looks, offering a unique way for men to express their personal style.
5. Confidence
Many men report feeling more confident in meggings, as they show off their physique in a flattering way. The compression aspect of meggings can also provide a slimming effect, enhancing body contours.
As Tom from Stitch Leggings explains:
"Our customers tell us they love the comfort and freedom of movement meggings provide. But beyond that, wearing meggings is about embracing individuality and challenging outdated fashion norms."
Overcoming Stigma
Of course, the idea of men wearing leggings still faces some stigma and resistance in mainstream culture. Some common objections include:
- "Leggings are for women"
- "They're too revealing/feminine"
- "Real men don't wear tights"
These objections often stem from traditional gender norms and societal expectations about masculinity. However, as gender roles continue to evolve and become more fluid, these stigmas are gradually breaking down.
Stitch Leggings and other meggings brands have worked hard to overcome these perceptions through strategic marketing and design. Some key approaches include:
Using masculine branding and imagery: Marketing materials feature strong, athletic men engaging in various activities while wearing meggings.
Focusing on performance benefits for athletes: By emphasizing the functional advantages of meggings, brands appeal to men's desire for practicality and performance.
Offering more relaxed/loose styles as a "gateway" option: Some brands offer looser-fitting styles to help men transition into wearing meggings.
Partnering with male influencers and athletes as brand ambassadors: Seeing respected figures wearing meggings helps normalize the trend.
Educating consumers: Many brands provide information about the history of men wearing tights and the benefits of meggings to help change perceptions.
"We know there's still some hesitation around men wearing leggings," says Tom. "But we've seen attitudes shifting dramatically in recent years. More and more guys are realizing how comfortable and versatile meggings can be."
How to Style Meggings
For men new to wearing leggings, styling them can feel intimidating at first. Here are some tips for rocking meggings with confidence:
Layer under shorts: This is a great way to introduce meggings into your wardrobe, especially for workouts or casual outings.
Pair with an oversized tee or sweatshirt: The contrast between the tight leggings and a looser top creates a balanced silhouette.
Wear under ripped jeans: For a punk or edgy vibe, let your meggings peek through distressed denim.
Match with a button-down and blazer: For a dressier outfit, try pairing dark meggings with a crisp shirt and tailored jacket.
Choose darker colors/prints for a more subtle look: If you're feeling self-conscious, start with black or navy meggings, which are less attention-grabbing.
Accessorize with sneakers and a cool jacket: Complete your look with stylish footwear and outerwear to create a cohesive outfit.
Experiment with patterns and colors: Once you're comfortable, don't be afraid to try bold prints or bright colors to express your personal style.
The key is to experiment and find a style that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, fashion is about self-expression, so wear your meggings in a way that feels authentic to you.
The Future of Meggings
As acceptance grows and more brands enter the space, experts predict the meggings trend will continue to expand in coming years. Some emerging trends to watch:
Mainstream adoption: More traditional retailers are likely to start offering men's leggings, making them more accessible to the average consumer.
Increased variety: Expect to see a greater range of fabrics, prints, and styles as the market diversifies.
Activity-specific designs: Brands may start offering meggings tailored for specific activities like yoga, running, or weightlifting.
Smart technology integration: As wearable tech advances, we may see meggings with built-in sensors for tracking performance metrics.
Fashion-forward designs: Meggings are likely to become more prevalent in high-fashion and streetwear contexts, moving beyond their athletic roots.
Sustainable options: With growing consumer interest in eco-friendly clothing, expect to see more meggings made from recycled or sustainable materials.
Custom fit solutions: Advanced manufacturing techniques may allow for more personalized fit options in the future.
Stitch Leggings is poised to remain at the forefront of the meggings movement. They're continually innovating with new designs, expanding into complementary product lines, and spreading their message of breaking fashion norms.
"We're excited to keep pushing boundaries and giving men more options to express themselves through fashion," says Tom. "The future of menswear is all about comfort, versatility and individual style – meggings check all those boxes."
Conclusion
Love them or hate them, meggings are carving out a place in modern men's fashion. As gender norms continue to evolve and comfort becomes an increasing priority, we're likely to see even more men embracing this trend.
Brands like Stitch Leggings have played a crucial role in normalizing meggings and providing high-quality options designed specifically for men. While there may still be some stigma to overcome, the rising popularity of meggings shows no signs of slowing down.
The meggings trend represents more than just a new clothing item – it's a reflection of changing attitudes towards masculinity, comfort, and self-expression in fashion. As society becomes more accepting of diverse forms of gender expression, men are finding new ways to explore their personal style.
So whether you're hitting the gym, lounging at home, or making a bold style statement, don't be afraid to give meggings a try. You might just discover your new favorite wardrobe staple.
As Tom from Stitch Leggings says:
"At the end of the day, fashion should be about wearing what makes you feel good. If meggings do that for you, go for it!"
FAQs About Meggings
Are meggings just for athletes/working out?
While meggings are great for athletic activities, they can be worn in many casual contexts as well. Many men wear them for lounging, running errands, or as a base layer.
How are meggings different from women's leggings?
Meggings are cut to fit the male physique, with more room in the crotch/hips and a straighter cut through the legs. They often feature more masculine colors/prints as well.
Aren't meggings too revealing to wear in public?
It depends on the specific style and how they're worn. Many men layer meggings under shorts or longer shirts. There are also looser-fit options available.
What size meggings should I buy?
Meggings should fit snugly but not be overly restrictive. Check the size guide for the specific brand you're buying. When in doubt, size up for a more relaxed fit.
How do I care for my meggings?
Most meggings can be machine washed in cold water and hung to dry. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach. Always check the care instructions for your specific pair.
Can older men wear meggings?
Absolutely! Meggings can be worn by men of all ages. The key is finding a style and fit that you're comfortable with.
Are there meggings suitable for formal occasions?
While meggings are primarily casual wear, some men have successfully incorporated them into dressier outfits. Dark, plain meggings paired with a blazer and dress shoes can create a unique, fashion-forward look for certain occasions.
By embracing meggings, men are not just adopting a new clothing item – they're participating in a broader cultural shift towards more flexible, comfortable, and expressive fashion choices. As the trend continues to grow, we can expect to see meggings become an increasingly common sight in men's wardrobes around the world.
