Bamboo leggings and when they can be worn as trousers

Short answer: Leggings work as trousers when the fabric is thick enough not to be see through and the top covers the hip. If either of those is missing, it looks wrong.

The fabric has to be thick enough

Bend forward in daylight. If you can see skin, they are underwear and not trousers. See bamboo leggings for women.

The top has to cover

A top going down over the hip makes leggings part of an outfit. A short top makes them tights. See bamboo hoodies for women.

The waistband has to stay up

A wide, high waistband stays put when you move. A narrow one rolls down and bulges under the top.

Colour

Black is the only colour consistently read as trousers. Light leggings always look like sportswear. See women bamboo trousers.

Washing protects the stretch

Elastane loses its stretch from heat, and without stretch leggings bag at the knees. See washing and care.

Frequently asked questions

Can leggings be worn as trousers?

Yes, if the fabric is not see through and the top covers the hip.

How do I test whether they are see through?

Bend forward in front of a mirror in daylight. If you can see skin, they are too thin or too small.

Which colour works best?

Black. It is consistently read as trousers, where light colours look like sportswear.