First of all, to anyone who says “leggings aren’t pants,” you can stop reading right now and go F yourself.
Sorry that was harsh, but those a-holes deserve it.
We all know TIGHTS are not pants (which your mama should have learned ya’ by age 6), but leggings are a beautiful thing–they’re comfortable, versatile, HAVE AN ELASTIC WAISTBAND but are still stylish (um, hello?), and can be super flattering (when you find the right ones).
This season, my official uniform has been leggings, silky blouse (a longer/tunic cut if my ass is feeling fat), fur vest, and Frye boots.
Now I’m not suggesting you wear Lululemon pants on a first date (I mean, you COULD…), because there are different levels of leggings these days from “workout only” to “lifestyle/everyday” and many in the gray area, which I’m going to address.
The most important thing is that they make your butt look lifted, legs skinny, and camel toe nonexistent. Below are my top four leggings-for-no-cameltoe favorites with rankings from 1-5 (5 being the best) in the “Work Out” and “Go Out” categories. Read on!
1. MPG
It was immediate obsession when I tried on the MPG Avert Legging ($54-$70) at DEKA Atlanta. Super slimming, muffin top minimizing, AND they are extra long with multiple seams at the bottom, so you can actually cut them to your desired length or keep ’em long to go over your heels. I’ve been wearing them every time I travel, and like, I want to buy ten pairs in case they ever get discontinued.
Work Out Rating: 5. Great for running, cycling, barre, etc. because they stay up and move well. Plus, they keep your legs warm in cold weather and moisture wick in warmer temps.
Go Out Rating: 4. You can totally rock these at happy hour; the only drawback being a small logo on the left leg revealing that they’re fitness gear. BUT…high enough boots will cover it up #ForTheWin (my Fryes do).
2. Bia Brazil
First things first–these pants are one-size (WTF). I tried on the crop legging at DEKA knowing I would barely be able to stuff myself into them, and when they were halfway up my thighs and I was breathing heavy, I gave up and threw them out of the dressing room politely handed them to a sales associate yelling, “THESE ARE BABY PANTS!” But somehow, I fit in the full-length leggings (must have been a factory flaw on that pair) and absolutely love them.
These gems are designed to make your butt look like a Brazilian bikini model (ish), and the wide waistband sucks in the stomach. I have dark gray ones with faux pockets for extra “everyday” appeal (and booty flattering). They do come in crazy prints and colors, but I’m sticking with dark neutrals as my personal goal with leggings is minimizing my bottom half, not enhancing it with a skintight solar system.
Work Out Rating: 4. A lot of women (and fitness instructors) swear by these and I do think they’re awesome, but the one-size aspect brings them down a notch in my book (but maybe I’m still bitter about the aforementioned dressing room incident).
Go Out Rating: 4.5. They’re made to wear everywhere, but again, there’s a small sporty logo at the waistband to cover if you’re trying to pass them off as fancy pants.
If you’re in Atlanta, pick up Bia Brazil at DEKA because, well….
Can someone please get that middle mannequin a sandwich?
3. Lysse
Does everyone know about these?!
I actually saw my mom sporting a pair over Thanksgiving and was like, “Um excuse me, what are those?” She enlightened me about this incredible brand of high-end, super slimming (and REVOLUTIONARY tummy controlling) leggings that come in a ton of styles and fabrics. I love the denim ($68) and am lusting for the Ponte Equestrian ($84) and a comfy cotton pair. Also, they come in sizes up to 3X (ahem, did you hear that, Bia Brazil?).
Work Out Rating: 1. Meh. You could certainly Prancercise in the cotton ones, but these lovelies are designed for sweat-free style.
Go Out Rating: 5. Duh.
4. Elisabetta Rogiani
So, the tagline for this brand is “couture fitness” (gag) and some of the clothing is ridiculous and impractical, BUT…the quality and flatter factor are major. The first time I tried on Elisabetta yoga pants in Atlanta Activewear, I was like, “Wait…is that MY ass?” All the leggings are superb–it’s just a matter of preferring a roll-down or sport waistband (if you’re shorter, stay away from the roll-down) and an ankle gather or not ($87-$98).
I also dig the stirrup pant because it reminds me of my early ’90s childhood (even if the model looks like a stripper on break). Yes, these pants are pricey, but they’re going to last a very long time, and as I mentioned, they flatter like whoa.
Work Out Rating: 5. They’re made for fitness. COUTURE fitness, that is.
Go Out Rating: 4.5. Almost perfection, but they could use a tad more sheen to get you to full-on fancy pants territory. But still, wear them out with boots/heels/whatever and feel free to let the label show (after all, it’s COUTURE).
Disclaimer: I’m not a Lululemon gal (maybe it’s their fat mirrors), but in case it is your jam (and you like fat mirrors), I did consult our friend and style expert Lillian on the best Lulu leggings and she recommended the Skinny Will (it has pockets!) and Wunder Under (not to be confused with Thunder From Down Under).
So say no to camel toe, get your gams into some badass leggings, and if someone says they aren’t pants, you send them my way.
LYLAS,
Ashley
Do you have leggings you love that I didn’t mention? Let me know with a comment!
Two words strike fear into the hearts (and crotches) of women everywhere: Camel. Toe.
It can creep up (literally) when you least expect it, even when you think you’ve stuffed yourself into a pair of leggings that has your lady business in mind. If you exercise, you probably own a pair of capri tights—the standard, flattering workout pant for all females. So I took it upon myself to do extensive research (read: shop) to find the best and worst out there when it comes to the dreaded camel toe AND also address another two-word concern–muffin top. My rating system is from 1 to 5 with the following descriptors:
1: Worst camel toe ever. Like, a camel literally crept into your pants and stuck its toe between your legs.
5: No camel toe here. You can run, Fly, cross your legs, do yoga, rub up on a dude, whatever without the slightest hint of a hoof.
Now let’s get into these pants…
The Pant: Lululemon Run: In the Sun Crop, $88 (and pretty much all Lulu pants for that matter)
Rating: 5. Of course it is. Lululemon’s ad campaign is “Say No to Camel Toe” and they reign supreme when it comes to fitness gear.
Perks: Where to begin? Super lightweight “Luxtreme” material keeps you and your lady business cool, they’re chafe resistant, the wide waistband minimizes muffin top, discreet pockets can hold a key and/or iPod, etc.. Oh, and Lulu pants come in true sizes (2-10) for an even more perfect fit. They would.
Bummer: They’re $88. When it comes to performance workout gear, you get what you pay for.
Where to find: Online and at Lululemon stores (in Atlanta, at Shops Around Lenox).
The Pant: MPG Simha Capri, $54-$58
Rating: 5. I freaking love this pant. I have yet to see camel creep in.
Perks: The thick, high-rise waistband with the dip in the front literally takes away your muffin top. As in, you’ll wonder where it went (but you won’t miss it). This pant feels like a second skin and is moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
Bummer: It’s not as lightweight as the Lulu pant, but that also means it can carry over into the cooler seasons.
Where to Find: Online and in Atlanta, at Atlanta Activewear.
The Pant: Adidas by Stella McCartney Run 3/4 Tight, $90
Rating: 4. If you’re so skinny that you never have to worry about muffin top (bitch), you can wear these lower with no camel toe. But if you need to ride your pants up a bit higher like the rest of us, a little bit of C.T. can sneak up occasionally.
Perks: They are ultra lightweight and make your legs look so thin, it will be worth a little bit of crotch crease. And like, they’re Stella McCartney. I rock them all over town with no shame.
Bummer: Outside of NYC, the line can be hard to find and is pricier.
Where to Find: Online and in Atlanta, at DEKA. Try some discount sites to land them on sale.
The Pant: Under Armour Escape Fitted Capri, $44.99
Rating: 3. I’m usually a fan of Under Armour and these pants are okay. Every so often, a bit of camel can surface, but for the most part, you’ll get a comfortable, non-awkward wear out of them.
Perks: The ruching and wide waistband is super slimming/muffin minimizing and UA’s fancy “Moisture Transport System” keeps you cool and dry. (Also, I’m LOVING UA’s What’s Beautiful campaign right now.)
Bummer: Since they’re a cheaper material, they won’t feel like a second skin and will lose their elasticity quicker.
Where to Find: Online and where Under Armour is sold.
The Pant: C9 by Champion Knee Tights, $34.99
Rating: 3. You’re going to get some toe, but these pants are still totally wearable. Let it be known that I ran my first half-marathon in Champion pants from Target before my obsession with fancy “performance gear” began and it was all good.
Perks: These pants are cheap and available at Target (always a plus). The wide waistband minimizes muffin top and they’re comfy.
Bummer: Again, cheaper material = no orgasmic, second-skin feeling you get when you pull on a pricier pair. And you know you’re not leaving Target without spending $65 more on stuff you may or may not need.
Where to Find: Target stores and online.
The Pant: Nike Tech Women’s Running Capris, $58
Rating: 2. Oh, Nike. I am on my eighth pair (seriously) of your Air Zoom Structures and will never wear another running shoe, but your pants need WORK, girl. I want to love you, but I just can’t.
Perks: The Dri-FIT material does keep you dry. Hence the name.
Bummer: The thinner waistband (with drawstring, ugh) induces muffin top and you may as well have a full camel foot inside your pants. Also, the image of the pants on a gray background is really screwing up the aesthetic of this blog entry.
Where to Find: You sure you want to?
I hope this helps you fine ladies on the search for your dream tights, but keep one thing in mind while shopping: Per the pants experts at Atlanta Activewear, it’s the fit (not your hoo-ha) that determines whether a hoof makes an appearance. Don’t assume you’re going to be the same size every time (I always bring two sizes into the fitting room with me).
Let me know with a comment or a tweet if you have another top pick or complete disaster when it comes to camel toe and muffin top!
LYLAS,
Ashley