Some fashion items are more unisex than they appear. Men's leggings are one such item.
Men have long opted for comfortable clothing, and leggings are nothing if not comfortable.
Is it acceptable for a man to wear women's leggings?
Yes, men can wear women's leggings. However, men have their own leggings that are made exclusively for men. While men can wear leggings for women, they may prefer wearing leggings that are made for their body shape.

What's the name of the boy's leggings?
Leggings for boys are officially known as "meggings". This is an amalgamation of the words "men" and "leggings". Unfortunately, because they're rarer, meggings cost a lot more than women's leggings.
This means that many men wear women's leggings.
Are the leggings unisex?
There's nothing that says leggings can't be unisex. They are comfortable, fitted and ideal for at home. Some men prefer leggings to the gym and outdoor sports.
Leggings keep your leg muscles warm when shorts aren't long enough and sweatpants are blowing in the wind.
Related:Can you wear leggings to a funeral?
Straight men wear leggings?
Straight people wear leggings, yes. Typically, they wore them to the gym, while biking or jogging, or lounging on the couch at home. Straight men don't typically wear leggings in formal situations, but they are often spotted at sporting events.
As we mentioned earlier, there are different types of straight men who sometimes wear leggings.
Some other examples of men wearing leggings are actors in rehearsals, men who work in extreme temperatures, scuba divers (who wear tight socks under wetsuits/drysuits to keep warm), runners and even fashionistas who wear them often . . under street clothes.
These 5 women's leggings that men can wear
If you are looking to buy leggings for both men and women, these five are the best brands of leggings you can buy.
- Best for Exercises:Manstore Yoga Capris Damen Leggings
- Best in cold weather:Victoria's Challenge Black Ice Thermo-Kompressionsleggings
- Best for high quality:Minus33 Merino wool leggings for women
- Best for salon use:Hanes stretch leggings for women
- Best for Pocket Space: Champion pocket trousers women
Best For Working Out: Manstore Yoga Capris Women's Leggings

This is the perfect pantyhose sweatpants for the pantyhose lover, both men and women. They come with extra stretch and that cute gray outer leg with black inner leg pattern. It has a comfortable elastic waistband and is highly breathable thanks to the polyester-elastane blend.
The leggings are perfect for the active man who likes to work out in the gym or outdoors. You'll select muscles so you can see what gains you're making as you make them. They're stretchy and seamless, which means you don't always have to move them.
Because I like it:
- They are not black or neon.
- They are comfortable and breathable.
- They're stretchy without being flimsy
Cold weather best: Victoria's Challenge Black Ice Thermal Compression Tights

Although these are skater pants, that's no big deal for the tall man. Not only are they made of the durable Polartec Power Stretch fabric, they also adapt to the body and have moisture management. If you're struggling to find women's leggings that flatter your feet and keep you warm, these are for you.
As an added bonus, they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't like them. You can work out in them and it doesn't look like you're wearing women's leggings. They're fluffy on the inside, making them a fantastic cold-weather layer. They also play a three-way mask.
Because I like it:
- Multidirectional masks are fun.
- It's perfect for a tall man.
- They are also a compression leggings.
Best for high quality: Minus33 women's merino wool leggings

While these leggings are also great for cool weather, they are marketed to hunters. Merino wool is one of the best protections you can get when out in the wild. You can sleep in it, it's waterproof, if it gets wet it'll keep you warm and last a lifetime. If you're going camping and want the best base layer money can buy, these leggings are for you.
Merino wool resists odor, won't itch, and renews itself as the tough, woven fibers move. They're expensive, but totally worth it.
Because I like it:
- hot even in the rain
- These will last forever
- they are ecological
Best for the Salon: Hanes Women's Stretch Jersey Leggings

These Hanes leggings are best for lounging while watching TV. What makes her so special? They have that cotton-inspired jersey caliper, which makes them less tight than any women's spandex tights. It's a denser fabric than most women's leggings, although not thermally thick.
The denser weave makes the tights thicker and doesn't show through. These leggings are machine washable, fully stretchable and have an elastic waistband. They even come in XXL, so you'll need to find a size that's big enough for you.
Because I like it:
- good thick material
- They fit guys up to six feet
- they are soft and comfortable
Best for Pocket Space: Women's Champion Pocket Pants

These are the finest men's leggings ever made for a woman. They're comfy, have a drawstring top instead of the elastic waistband like the others, and they even have pockets!
They're made from soft cotton that comes in three different colors and sporty side pockets. They have cuffs with ties at the bottom and a cotton waistband. This rope means they will never fall on you.
These are the best women's leggings for men because they are great for working out, can be worn as an underlayer and are super comfy for staying at home. If you want to invest in leggings for all occasions, these are the ones for you.
Because I like it:
- You are very welcoming
- are the most versatile
- You have the most free space for a boy.
Why should men wear leggings?
Men should wear tights as they make a great base layer in cold weather. They're snug and comfortable, plus they're perfect for working out. In the modern world we have to disregard gender norms. After all, clothing has no gender.
Another reason men should wear leggings is that they are great for outdoor workouts. Sports like tennis, soccer, cycling and even golf can be practiced with tights on. Leggings can compress aching legs to provide more support. They can even act as insulation when out in the bush.
What do women think of men in leggings?
Women like to see the outlines of a man's body. As such, they don't like a man in leggings. Female cyclists are popular athletes and are often seen in tights. Women are particularly attracted to muscular men in leggings as the pants add definition.
When a man wears pantyhose, it has the same effect on a woman as when a man sees a woman in pantyhose. There is a sensual appeal along with the ability to draw attention downwards. Tights on a man can be exciting and attractive. For more female answers seeQuote.
Is it weird for a man to wear leggings?
You are welcome. It's perfectly normal for a man to go to the gym, work out, or rest in women's leggings. There are also leggings for men or "meggings" that men can wear. If you don't feel comfortable in leggings, try thermal underwear as they are remarkably similar.
Meshes are perfectly normal in certain communities. LGBTQ+, men's ballet and other dancers and cyclists wear tights if they choose. There is nothing about wearing form fitting clothing that should be considered feminine.
When men wear leggings to the gym, they usually wear shorts over them for decency. Compression socks are a favorite at the gym as they help you get better gains.
Can men wear women's leggings?
We have to conclude that men can wear women's leggings, men's leggings or whatever they want to wear. However, the one thing you should never leave home without is your confidence.
FAQs
Can males wear female leggings? ›
Can men wear women's leggings and shorts? This is a question I'm getting asked more frequently, and the answer is a definite yes! More men wear leggings these days, but the choice doesn't seem to be as vast as it is with women's brands. Men want a good choice of funky leggings too!
Is there a difference between men's and women's leggings? ›In my experience, leggings marketed to Men have less spandex as a percentage of their fabric and are essentially the same material as boxer briefs. Also, for some reason they put seams in them that are supposed to conform to the male anatomy but for me always feel uncomfortable.
Why guys should wear leggings? ›Leggings are lighter on the skin and can be worn for an entire day. These garments have also gained track owing to their practicability. You can choose to wear them under your pants or shorts as an extra layer of protection. They are an excellent choice for staying warm in cold weather.
What is the male equivalent to leggings? ›There is an actual name for the particular clothing item you are talking about: meggings! It's a neologism that would suggest that if male leggings are not yet a thing, they will be.
Why can't men wear leggings? ›There are many reasons why men don't wear leggings. They're afraid of looking feminine or they feel as though they're on display. Men don't realize that all these excuses keep them from being the most comfortable that they can be. There was a thread on Reddit discussing this question and one person made a great point.
Can men wear women's yoga pants? ›Absolutely. I wear women't yoga pants and yoga shorts all the time. They are more comfortable than “men's” versions, usually have better compression and are typically way cheaper. I buy black, navy and gray and they are pretty much unisex looking.
Can guys wear leggings as pants? ›But, if you're into wearing slim or skinny stuff, worry not, as men's gym leggings—also popularly known as meggings—have been a thing for a while now. In fact, men's compression pants are a way healthier solution for men in the long run, compared to tight jeans.
How do women's pants fit in men's? ›Generally, if you only know the numerical size of your pants in women's, you can add 21 to that number to get the closest waist measurement in men's pants. For a size 8 in women's, your size in men's pants will be around 29.
How can you tell the difference between men's pants in women's pants? ›More curvature and more width at hips. The waist measurements, for example, tend to be smaller for women. The hip measurement, is larger in case of women's trousers.
When did men wear leggings? ›In mid-15th-century England, a law restricted the wearing of short tunics that revealed the male buttocks to members of the upper class. In works of art, men of this, um, standing are often depicted wearing what we would call tights or leggings (hose) beneath their skimpy tunics.
When did men start wearing leggings? ›
Interestingly enough, the first known appearances of leggings were on men in 14th-century Scotland. Initially, the leggings they wore were two separate, hip-high, boot-like apparatuses made of either leather or chainmail, intended for both casual and military garb.
Is it OK to wear leggings as pants? ›Yes! You absolutely can wear leggings like pants. If anything, leggings can be worn in more ways than you could ever wear a pair of pants, thanks to their stretchiness and because of the way they flatter virtually any physique.
How do you know what size leggings to get for men? ›Sizing is premised on the standard or average body type. So a man who stands 5'11" and weighs 170lbs and a 32inch waist would be a "Large" size. If you are 5'11" and 200lbs, you are then probably an "Extra Large". If you are 5'7" and weight 150lbs, you will probably be a medium.
Should men wear leggings in public? ›Men can wear any sort of leggings they want, so long as they fit their body. Leggings are so stretchy that leggings intended for women will absolutely work for men. Since Fabletics makes leggings, it's entirely possible for a man to find a pair of Fabletics leggings that fit, and wear them - in public, even!
Can guys wear leggings under shorts? ›There are a few reasons why guys might choose to wear tights under their shorts. Firstly, tights can provide an extra layer of warmth on a cold day. Secondly, tights can help to hold shorts in place and prevent them from riding up. Finally, tights can help to reduce friction and prevent chafing.
Why are women's leggings so comfortable? ›Because leggings are made with stretchy, comfortable, and breathable materials and design so that makes it feel like a second skin and while still looking fabulous. Additionally, they are so soft and flexible as you can move around freely without any fear of ripping the seams.
What do men wear under yoga pants? ›MENS BRIEFS
So for men who want the highest level of support, briefs are the way to go. On top of that, they're great as yoga pants underwear, because unlike boxer briefs or trunks the hems won't bunch up underneath tight pants.
As men choose comfort over all else, stretch jeans provide the comfort of sweatpants while looking like jeans. Second, skinny jeans or close-fitting jeans, moved beyond a trend to become popular with mainstream American men. Stretch denim allowed men to wear their jeans tighter and even skin-tight.
How big are women's sizes compared to men's? ›There is an approximate 1.5 size difference between Men's and Women's sizing. NOTE: Unisex styles are in men's sizing. Women should size down 1.5 sizes. Women who wear a women's size 6.0 or smaller may be able to wear our Kid's shoes.
What is a women's 4 in men's pants? ›What size is a women's 4 in men's pants? If you're a women's 4, your waist size is around 27 and you would wear a 30 in men's jeans.
How do women's sizes work compared to men's? ›
Generally speaking, there's a 1.5-size difference in length between women and men shoes (ladies, if you're a size 8.5, you'd be a size 7 in men's shoes) but the width size remains the same (so if you're a women's D, you're also a men's D).
How do you know what pants fit men? ›Comfort is key: When you find the right fit in a pair of pants, you know. The waistband should be snug, but not overly tight (a good rule of thumb: You should be able to place a finger or two comfortably between your waist and the waistband). The pants shouldn't be sliding down or off your waist.
What is a 30 in men's pants to women's? ›Measuring Men's Waist Sizes For Jeans
For example, a waist that measures 30” will convert to sizes 29-31 in women's jeans and a size 28 in men's jeans.
If you were to ask one hundred guys what they think about wearing leggings to the gym, over half of them would probably say it's a no-go. However, it has recently become a rising trend and as the demand for men's activewear grows, so does the popularity of guys wearing leggings to the gym.
Do guys like leggings? ›Overall, guys aren't loving the leggings. While many guys actually do believe girls look great in them (mostly because they show off their bum), the majority of guys are either concerned about your body temperature in winter or feel they aren't suitable as pants.
Is it OK for guys to wear running tights? ›Running tights are becoming an increasingly common kind of running apparel for both men and women. They offer several key benefits - including comfort, warmth in winter and muscle compression qualities which may improve results from your workouts.
Why did men wear pantyhose? ›Men whose jobs require long hours of standing say that pantyhose can reduce leg pain, swelling and fatigue. Increasingly, doctors recommend that long-distance fliers wear tight-fitting hosiery or socks, to prevent getting blood clots in their legs.
Why do male athletes wear leggings? ›Greater Comfort
They're also surprisingly breathable. (Your johnson and his friends will thank you.) Compression tights for men are typically made of moisture-wicking materials, which bring sweat to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate quickly. This helps keep you dry during your workouts.
Rule #8: Consider the occasion. Generally speaking, it's best to avoid wearing leggings for a job interview or holiday parties, and formal settings like a wedding or meeting the parents for the first time.
Can you be too old to wear leggings? ›So leggings are absolutely no exception to these rules. When you put them on, if they make you feel great, then absolutely wear them. There is no age cutoff limit. There is nothing out there that says if you're over 40, you cannot wear leggings anymore.
What body type can wear leggings? ›
Good. Now if you can remember that one cardinal rule of leggings, then yes — leggings are for you. Worn correctly, leggings can look amazing on women of all body types. Short, tall, curvy or slim, find out how to rock a pair of leggings right here.
How tight should men's leggings be? ›Pick tights that feel comfortable but not restrictive.
Very restrictive tights give you no room to move or breathe. If you feel like your tights are restricting circulation in your legs, try a bigger size. On the other hand, if the tights feel loose, they won't do a good job of keeping you insulated.
Leggings (especially leggings with compression) should give you a feeling of snug security, or be gently tight. If they just feel 'there' but there's no snugness, they're probably too big. Remember that they'll stretch more over time (with wearing and washing etc.) so definitely look for snug to begin with.
What size is XL in leggings? ›Size | Waist | |
---|---|---|
L | 12-14 | 32.25" - 34" |
XL | 16-18 | 36" - 38.25" |
XXL | 20-22 | 40.5" - 42.75" |
XXXL | 24-26 | 45" - 47.25" |
Underwear Options for Men's Leggings
As a general rule, you do not need to wear underwear with leggings; however, some people choose to anyway. Matador Meggings are high quality and equipped with a crotch-concealing cup, but other legging brands may leave you longing for an extra layer of protection.
Athletic tights are considered unisex.
What is the difference between women's tights and leggings? ›Leggings and tights are very similar in that they are skin-tight garments that cover the legs and sometimes the waist. Leggings are much thicker, footless, and can sometimes be worn like pants. Tights are somewhat sheer, cover the foot, and must be worn under another garment.
Why do guys wear leggings at the gym? ›Some guys like to wear leggings under their shorts at the gym because they feel it gives them a bit more coverage and helps keep them more relaxed. Some people think this look is sexier, and others simply find it comfortable.
What can men wear under tights? ›Of course, you can wear underwear if you find that more comfortable. Alternatively many people choose to wear a pair of shorts over the tights for modesty, or a longer t-shirt or jacket that covers up their front and behind. Some men wear jock straps underneath their running tights for support too.
Why did men wear tights? ›Tights are back. In mid-15th-century England, a law restricted the wearing of short tunics that revealed the male buttocks to members of the upper class. In works of art, men of this, um, standing are often depicted wearing what we would call tights or leggings (hose) beneath their skimpy tunics.
How do I know if my clothes are unisex? ›
Typically, unisex clothing has a straight cut that is similar to the cut of men's clothing. Shirts tend to have longer sleeves and usually do not flare out around the hips as a woman's shirt would. They are made to fit both sexes in a manner that is simple and stylish.
What are the two types of leggings? ›Mid-calf leggings look amazing with a pair of high heels and a long shirt. You could also dress up your socks beneath your ankle boots or heels to peep through. Footed leggings–This type of legging covers the entire leg and stretches over the feet, giving a dancer aesthetic.
What happens when you wear leggings everyday? ›Tightness restricts air circulation on the skin and causes heavy perspiration around the groin. Leggings increase yeast creation over the skin and cause sweating, swelling, skin rashes, redness, itchiness, and infections. Urinary tract infection is another common type of infection caused by leggings.
Why leggings are better than jeans? ›Made of pure cotton, blended lycra, or different fabric combinations – they are, at all times, delicate on the skin and fitting the lower body half just like a glove. Compared to jeans, leggings are much more lightweight, stretchy, and unrestrictive during all types of activities.