In anticipation of the cold season, many women and men choose comfortable modern thermal underwear for themselves. It should be comfortable, invisible under clothing and warm. A striking example of such a thing is considered to be tights - these are tight trousers with stirrups. This item of clothing is made of soft natural or mixed materials.
History of creation
Leggings are knitted woolen trousers that fit tightly around the legs. The distinctive feature of the item is the presence of stirrups. These are elastic bands attached to the end of the trousers so that they do not ride up. At first, this type of clothing was used in equestrian sports. The name of the trousers comes from the German word "reithose", which means an item of a rider's costume. In Russia, leggings are considered any tight-fitting trousers - leggings, gaiters, leggings.
The history of the appearance of tights is very interesting. Their predecessors were pantaloons, which appeared in 1640. It is believed that the fashion for this type of clothing was introduced by an Italian farce theater actor with the surname Pantaleone. The artist wore tight trousers. At the end of the 18th century, trousers changed. Trousers became an element of European costume. They became longer, they began to be worn with suspenders. The first models were as simple as possible. Thanks to Coco Chanel, trousers were improved:
- the length was reduced to the calves;
- products began to be sewn from cotton and wool;
- The pants now have decorations in the form of embroidery, frills, and ribbons.
The legs of the first pantaloons were separate and attached to the corset of the dress.
Later, the trousers were transformed into women's tights, which served as underwear. They were long, tight-fitting, and had a loop under the heel. The first models appeared in the 18th-19th centuries and became an element of the uniform of the mounted cavalry of Northern Europe. In Russia, stocking tights appeared in 1950. These were warm leggings that were sewn from natural materials. They were used as insulated underwear. Tights with fleece had a primitive cut, because their main function was protection from the cold.
Nowadays, tights have changed so much that they no longer resemble pantaloons. The difference between the latter is that they are elongated briefs (slightly above the knees), which can be tight or loose. In addition, modern pantaloons are distinguished by lighter materials. Tights fit tightly around the legs and are fixed at the foot with stirrups.
Modern varieties
Not everyone knows what leggings are. Nowadays, this is the name for any pants that fit tightly around the legs – gaiters, tights, leggings. Models may differ in length. In addition, leggings and leggings are often made of natural fabrics, while tights or leggings are made of synthetic ones.
By age and gender
The choice of modern tights is very large. There is a female or male style. There are also models for children. Children's tights are an indispensable element of every child's wardrobe in winter. Trousers made from natural fabrics keep you warm in cold weather. And the presence of stirrups does not allow them to rise up the leg. This type of clothing is very comfortable and practical. The child can easily put on or take off the tights himself. Also, modern manufacturers offer a lot of design options for warm pants for children. These are plain tights or bright leggings with a print, which can be used as an independent element of clothing.
Models of tights for women are divided into two types:
- Shapewear – products designed to correct the figure, often have a high waist.
- Insulated pants are tight leggings with or without stirrups, made from natural fabrics, and often have a dense fleece.
Women's leggings are usually worn in the cold season. Such items can be worn with a knitted skirt below the knee, a tunic, long jackets, sweaters and even short dresses.
Men's tights are considered elastic tight pants. They are used as thermal underwear. There are also sports gaiters for men. There are special models for cyclists, horse riders, hockey players, fitness instructors, gymnasts.
By material of manufacture
Modern leggings are made of breathable, wear-resistant materials. These include thick cotton, wool, and knitwear. Trousers can also be made of fleece, microfiber, thermal fabric, viscose, or silk. Synthetic fibers are often combined with natural fibers when sewing products.
| Type of material | Advantages | Flaws |
| Cotton | High hygroscopicity, strength, soft shine | Poor thermal insulation, fabric shrinks after washing, wears out relatively quickly |
| Wool | Heat resistance, practicality, the fabric is pleasant to the touch | Rapid wear and tear |
| Knitwear | Hygienic, soft, practical, moisture-repellent, air permeable, elastic, durable, does not restrict movement | Simple appearance, stretches over time, if low-quality knitwear was used, allergies may occur |
| Silk | Durability, breathability, attractive appearance, comfortable to wear | High cost, deformation and loss of color when washed |
| Viscose | The fabric is airy, soft to the touch, hygroscopic, hypoallergenic, breathable, does not fade, does not roll | The material wrinkles, shrinks, fades in the sun, and requires special care. |
| Fleece | Lightness, elasticity, thermoregulation, low cost, softness | Quickly soiled, highly flammable. Over time, the fabric loses its thermal insulation properties. |
| Thermal fabric | Retains and repels moisture and heat, protects from wind | Unnatural composition, may cause allergies |
| Microfiber | Does not require special care, retains shape, absorbs well, does not wear out for a long time, and is breathable | Accumulates static electricity, is expensive, cannot be heat treated, and may cause allergies |
Leggings are often knitted from yarn using a crochet hook, knitting needles or a knitting machine. Standard knitting methods are jersey, English or simple elastic.
By appointment
Leggings are used for a variety of purposes. This type of clothing is indispensable in professional sports. Products made of natural fabric are worn by cyclists, hockey players, dancers and horse riders. The advantages of pants for athletes are that they do not restrict movement, are breathable, but at the same time protect from the cold.
There are medical leggings. Wool leggings are used for therapeutic and preventive purposes for cellulite, joint diseases, varicose veins and similar diseases.
In acting, wool leggings are used to warm up the muscles.
In Scandinavia, Northern Europe or Russia, tights are worn as thermal underwear in cold weather. Tight pants are worn under trousers or a skirt if long walks are planned in sub-zero temperatures. Such products warm well, dry quickly, allow air to pass through, and are suitable for all kinds of physical activity.
Leggings are used for everyday wear. They are now considered a fashionable wardrobe item. Designers suggest combining pants with a jumper, sweater or knitted suits. Also, comfortable woolen products are often worn at home or put on for outdoor recreation.
Helpful tips for choosing
To buy good women's or men's tights, it is important to follow a number of rules when choosing pants. The main criteria are the quality and wear resistance of the fabric. To ensure that the product lasts as long as possible, it is better to give preference to models that combine natural and synthetic fibers.
Recommendations for choosing tights:
- The right size. The product should not restrict movement or fit too tightly around the legs.
- Season and purpose compliance. For cold weather, woolen models are suitable. But athletes should give preference to lighter leggings made of cotton and elastane.
- Quality of seams. Before purchasing, you need to carefully examine all the lines. They should be strong and neat.
- Manufacturer. You should choose pants made by trusted companies that have a good reputation in the clothing market.
An important criterion, especially for women, is the type of figure. Curvy ladies will suit dark products of cold tones. The presence of a small pattern is acceptable. Slender women can choose any print and color.
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