Leggings: a garment with a lot of history

The history of leggings is very long, their origin dates back centuries. Initially, they were used as a garment to combat the cold in countries with lower temperatures or to protect the skin from chafing and wounds in rural areas. Although similar pieces of clothing were always used and are considered precursors to leggings, it was not until the 20th century that they became a fashionable item of clothing as we know it.

The worlds of cinema, music and fashion feed off each other, so it is important to highlight some of the moments in history that were decisive for the evolution and rise of leggings. We can't think of a better way to go through the history of leggings than through cinema and music, remembering music videos and films.

Audrey Hepburn elegantly wore a classic look with leggings in Sabrina

The 1954 film Sabrina , directed by Billy Wilder and starring film legend Audrey Hepburn, helped popularize the use of leggings. The popular actress was always a reference for the world of fashion, and although she was not the only one to wear leggings on screen and probably not the first either, her influence on the public certainly served to make known the use of one of the most comfortable garments: leggings. As far as the success of the film is concerned, it is curious that of the six Oscars for which it was nominated, it only won the one for best costume. Was it because of the leggings? ;)

In the image, we see a frame from the film in which Hepburn shares the scene with William Holden, dressed in a style of plain leggings and ballet flats, a look that is also very popular today.

However, it is necessary to clarify that it was not until the 1960s, after the invention of elastane in 1959, an absolutely revolutionary innovation for the textile industry, that leggings acquired the elasticity that characterizes them. But before this historic event took place, they were already beginning to be used as the fashionable garment that they are and acquiring looks so typical of leggings, giving rise in the 1960s to styles with large belts and high heels or ballet-style shoes.

Patricia Field brings back leggings in the 70s

It is common in the fashion world for garments to appear and disappear periodically, depending on the trends that were prevailing at the time. They were also worn in the 1970s. The famous New York stylist Patricia Field was in charge of bringing back this garment that had lost some prestige, and it seems that it came back stronger than ever before, and has not disappeared in the following decades, since then it has not disappeared from the catwalks, fashion magazines or stores.

We can't leave the 70s without talking about the movie Grease (1978). Who doesn't remember that gorgeous Olivia Newton John in those black leggings with heels?

The 80s, pop music and leggings

Music has always been a reflection of the fashion of its time, especially since the origin of music videos in which the idols of the moment were seen sporting whatever was in fashion.

Since then, pop music icons have spread fashions and trends through their videos like a plague. Of course, leggings were also a very common garment in the music videos of the 80s.

Many will remember Madonna in the 1984 video for Like a Virgin, swaying on a gondola through the canals of Venice dressed in blue leggings.

When it comes to trendsetting in the 80s, it is obligatory to mention Cyndi Lauper, as she was the international artist who starred in the most risky outfits and, of course, also with leggings.

We can safely say that, although it may seem like something new to younger generations, leggings have always been there. In their long history, they have disappeared from the streets in short periods of time, but they always come back, most likely because they are a very comfortable garment, suitable for all sizes and with a great versatility of uses: heels, boots, flat shoes, sneakers, blouses, dresses, skirts, etc. The uses of leggings have evolved and so have their designs. Today, they can be found with pretty fantasy prints , or even with a denim look, also known as jeggings . So if, like us, you also consider them a perfect garment, the ultimate wardrobe staple and the MUST have, don't worry, if they disappear, they will come back. We can't live without them!