If like me you follow celeb fashion you will have seen many of the media’s favorites like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna rockin (or in some cases not) the legging pants look. Whilst some take legging heaven styling to a new level I’ve seen far too many see thru leggings in the paper lately, if you follow me on Twitter you'll know so I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this subject as every one in Hollywood is loving the leggings look right now including me.
Some girls style up their leggings with a 3/4 length leather jacket, sneakers and backpack, some go all black chic with cleavage showing v top and nude stilletto and urban chicks show travel cool styling in Vans & Hermes.
So why does it happen? When fabric stretches, the density of the yarn per sq inch decreases and if the quality of the fabric is not sufficient to absorb this reduction the garment becomes see through or transparent in stress areas like the bum and the knees. If you check your rear view as well as how great you look from the front it doesn't; my celeb or no celeb fashion advice whatever you are wearing, you'll prevent any embarrassing photo ops.
For garments not to be compromised in this way when stretched the quality of the yarn, yarn width and elastane ratio must be finely balanced with the weight density of the finished textile in a precise and intensely monitored knitting, dying and finishing process. It is not as simple as you might imagine to make no see through leggings. Of course all this costs time and importantly money so manufacturing costs of raw materials are much higher and the reason why functional quality like this is not readily available on the High St. You have to source out smaller more ethical and sustainable brands to find better quality garments and with this usually comes a higher price.
While I am sure images of girls in leggings will continue to fill the pages of our magazines and newspapers I hope more brands having taken manufacturing overseas for cheap labour and higher profit margins will move back to making better quality clothing in the UK and celebs wearing transparent clothes will become a thing of the past.
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