Controversy Over 'Shorts Leggings' Worn by Celebrities: "Why Wear Tight Clothes?" vs "They Can Become Everyday Wear"

"Respect the Right Not to See What You Dislike"... Leggings Becoming Everyday Wear Debate

Photo by Andar homepage capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] As leggings emerge as a representative 'athleisure look' that breaks down the boundaries between sportswear and everyday wear, debates surrounding them have reignited. Athleisure is a portmanteau of Athletic and Leisure, characterized by combining the functionality of sportswear with trendy design aspects.

According to the fashion industry on the 20th, sportswear and women's clothing brands have recently launched short leggings designed in various lengths and colors.

These products, called so-called 'shorts leggings' or 'biker shorts leggings,' have shortened the length of leggings that usually reach the ankles to above the knees or mid-thigh. They emphasize advantages such as being cool to wear even in summer weather and not compressing below the calf when bending the knees, making them comfortable.

Riding the popularity of shorts leggings, sportswear brands including Jeximix and Andar, as well as women's shopping malls, are flooding the market with new products under the name 'biker shorts.' Recently, celebrities like singer Sunmi and Jessi, as well as fashion influencers, have gained attention by posting photos wearing shorts leggings.

However, opinions among netizens are sharply divided over the normalization of leggings in daily life. Some netizens expressed discomfort, saying, "There are more than a few embarrassing moments," "Do we really have to wear tight clothes?" and "Wear them only when exercising at home."

In response, other netizens pushed back, asserting the right to wear what they want. They commented, "Let's not care about what others wear. Everyone has their own individuality, so whether they wear panties or long padded jackets, don't mind it," "Leggings are clothes too. They should be wearable anytime like gym clothes," and "I don't know how long this debate will go on. Just leave people to wear what they want."

Meanwhile, opinions such as "If there is a right to wear what you want, the right not to see what you dislike should also be respected," "I can't understand the wearers' feelings just like they don't understand the viewers' feelings," and "Wearing them knowing many people feel uncomfortable is selfish" have emerged, keeping the debate intense.

Photo by capture from Xexymix homepage

Some voices call for refraining from wearing leggings outside of exercise in public places. They said, "Can't sportswear be worn only when exercising?" "This is not a world where you live alone. Please observe TPO (Time, Place, Occasion)," "Leggings with full makeup and handbags? Sometimes it's funny to see people wearing leggings who obviously aren't exercising," and "If you dress appropriately for the time and place, no one would say anything. Wear them when exercising! It's not like you come to the supermarket or department store wearing them."

One netizen said, "I was supposed to meet a friend at the Han River, but she came out wearing leggings alone without exercising, and I could only think she was seeking attention. It was so embarrassing."

There are also calls to change the perception of leggings themselves. One netizen said, "I like walking and only run for exercise, but many people look down on leggings, so sometimes I feel self-conscious even when I wear them to exercise," adding, "I hope that someday in Korea, like in foreign countries, the perception of leggings will change to a truly natural one."

Meanwhile, the domestic leggings market has grown to the third largest in the world, following the United States and Japan. According to market research firm Euromonitor, despite the overall decline in clothing market sales due to COVID-19 last year, domestic leggings sales increased, recording 762 billion won last year, up 9.3 billion won from 752.7 billion won in 2019.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.