Beauty

Are Sisters Guilty of a “Naive Sin” by Wearing Leggings to Pick Up Their Children from School?

Some mothers have been causing a stir by wearing leggings to pick up their children from school. This seemingly harmless act has sparked a debate, with some onlookers expressing their disapproval.

Administrator

3 September, 2024

Some social media accounts commented: “I think they think that’s ‘beautiful’, even wearing leggings or thin gym pants is uncomfortable, let alone going out, let alone going to school to pick up their children. When your child is in first grade, if you don’t feel embarrassed, your child will be ashamed. The child may also say, ‘Mom, don’t pick me up anymore’, ‘I feel embarrassed for her’, ‘You should only wear them at the gym. Every morning when I take my child to school, I see 3-4 people dressed like that, standing at the school gate, and I have to cover my child’s eyes with my hands.”

Images of young mothers wearing leggings to pick up their children at school attract attention (illustrative image)

Unlike the image of mothers in the past who were busy taking care of young children and tended to dress casually and carelessly, modern mothers still take care of their appearance after giving birth, from choosing outfits to exercising to stay in shape. While some “hot moms” are praised for their elegant style, captivating aura, and sophistication, there are also cases of young mothers dressing inappropriately, causing discomfort to others.

Currently, the athleisure and sporty-chic trends are taking the fashion world by storm, and the trend of wearing gym pants and leggings outside the gym is favored by many women. However, it remains a controversial topic on social media platforms. As someone who has extensive experience in the fashion industry and is responsible for styling celebrities, stylist Khuc Manh Quan shared his thoughts: “Fashion is not just a noun to describe aesthetically pleasing outfits, but it also reflects one’s style, personality, and self-expression, and it can vary depending on time, place, culture, trends, and the wearer’s mood.”

“Therefore, apart from aesthetics, wearers need to consider appropriateness. Leggings themselves are not the problem; the issue lies with how people choose to wear them. While we cannot deny the fashionability of leggings and athletic wear in today’s athleisure trend, wearing them to a school setting is not quite suitable, especially when some mothers wear tight-fitting leggings that reveal their curves and pair them with short workout tops. Moreover, not everyone has a perfect body to pull off such an outfit, so it can easily come across as inappropriate.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Workleisure style (a blend of “athletic” and “leisure”) quickly became a sensation. Many women seemed to have grown tired of the conventional button-down shirts, pencil skirts, and high heels, and now feel more comfortable in athletic wear. This shift in preferences has contributed to the popularity of leggings in recent years.

Stylist Khuc Manh Quan further added: “Whether or not this outfit is inappropriate depends largely on how you style it. If you wear a tight-fitting workout set on its own, it may not look as good or appropriate. However, when layered with trendy outerwear, you can achieve a more stylish and contemporary look.

“The same principle applies when wearing leggings to pick up your children from school. Mothers can try the Barbiecore style by pairing black leggings with a black skirt and a bomber jacket, along with sneakers, to create a youthful yet feminine vibe. An oversized hoodie is also a great option for winter, as it can partially cover the body while keeping you warm. For biker shorts, consider pairing them with a blazer or an oversized white shirt to balance your proportions.”

Some leggings are designed with a built-in skirt, offering a comfortable and stylish option for women to wear outside.

Oversized tops such as hoodies, shirts, and blazers are also safe choices for women to consider.

Frequently asked questions

There are a number of reasons why this practice has been scrutinized. Some people believe that leggings are too revealing and tight-fitting to be appropriate for a school setting. They argue that it sets a bad example for children and promotes a sexualized image of women.

While some religions and cultures may have more conservative dress codes and traditions that discourage the display of a woman’s body shape, it is not a universal sentiment. In Western culture, for example, leggings are commonly accepted as casual wear and may not carry the same negative connotations.

Women can opt for a variety of modest and comfortable clothing options, such as loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses. A light jacket or cardigan can also be worn over leggings to provide more coverage.

It is important to remember that everyone is entitled to their own fashion choices and comfort levels. Women can choose to respectfully disagree with the criticism and explain their perspective. Educating others on the varying cultural norms and personal preferences can help foster understanding and tolerance.