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How to Wear Plus Size Leggings (Without Looking Ridiculous)

It’s an ever-lasting debate for women of all shapes and sizes: How Do I Wear Leggings Without Looking Ridiculous? Luckily, it’s really quite simple. And, the best tips for wearing plus size leggings also mostly apply to wearing any-sized legging.

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5 rules for wearing plus size leggings

woman wearing plus-size leggings

1. Choose the right fabric

The number one tip for wearing leggings is “make sure you aren’t wearing tights.” What does this mean? Tights are like second skins, and tend to be sheer. A poorly made pair of leggings can mimic that look, and you don’t want that. The biggest leggings fashion faux pas for any lady is to don a pair of tights thinking she’s wearing leggings.

Before you pull out the credit card to buy those leggings, double-check the fabric. At a minimum, you want leggings that feel like thick cotton. Other heavy fabrics (like faux leather) work well too.

2. Choose the size carefully

Plus Size Leggings

No matter what your shape is, “squeezed” doesn’t look good on anyone and “tighter” never makes you look thinner. Buy leggings that fit your body. They should fit snuggly throughout the leg and hip without creating a stomach pooch at the waist. If your leggings create muffin top, they’re the wrong size.

3. Wear a hip-length top

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What to pair with leggings? The answer is anything that is not tight and/or short. Any top that hits at the hip or below is ideal, and choose one that leaves a little room to wiggle. Tunics, over-sized sweaters, dresses, and long shirts are great for every woman.

4. Wear with confidence

The best accessory for your leggings look is CONFIDENCE. You know, when you hear someone say, she’s got that “je ne se quois,” that’s her confidence talking.

Confidence trumps all fashion rules — wear your clothes as if you look amazing and you will look amazing. Simple, right? Remember to stand up straight, hold your chin up high, and wear your leggings with swagger.

5. Know your go-to leggings outfit that always works

plus size leggings outfit collage

My favorite leggings-look is a tunic, tall boots, a sweater, and a long necklace. Yours might be something different. Experiment until you find that go-to look that’s right for you, and then wear it again and again.
Note: This article was inspired by a question from one of our readers, Ehoover51, who asked:

“I’m not skinny so I’m holding off on the leggings. Any advice on how to wear them without looking ridiculous?”

Hope this guide helps, Ehoover!

Allena Rissa

Thursday 19th of December 2019

This is very helpful. Thanks for your help!

TigerKim

Thursday 24th of December 2015

Love the fashion show on the video but I am tired of designers trying to shove us all into tall heels. Then there is the other extreme; one woman was barefoot. Is there nothing in the middle between hobbling and no shoes at all?

Bags

Wednesday 16th of September 2015

Finally, good explanation how to look well i geggings :)

Bree

Saturday 29th of June 2013

I dont think leggings / jeggings / tight jeans look great on every one lol. im 4'10 so i have a "shape" and they fit my body type but its always hard to find a top to go with it so i dont really wear them out the house.. Unless they look just like jeans and have jean like material and arent as tight as reg. jeggings .. I dont think they look good on plus size or bigger people though but thats just my opinion..

Sheila

Sunday 30th of June 2013

Thanks for your two cents, Bree! Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all rule here given our body diversity, so I agree that it's important that we take note of our own body types and see if it really does fit us.That said, I'm size 16 and I love rocking leggings with dresses I wouldn't dare wear with just my bare legs! =)

Guest

Monday 28th of January 2013

Wear pajamas instead and stay home. Or put on some exercise pants and get on the treadmill already. Ick. There's "curvy" and there's FAT. So sick and tired of "curvy" being a euphemism for lard-bucket. Who are these people, fifty shades of Chris Christie in drag?

woman inspired

Monday 21st of March 2016

guest says- your ignorance is disgusting as you must be as a human being! Being big or fat should not matter, but it's people like you that are wrong with our world! you might not be fat but I'd be willing to bet you aren't perfect! Especially when you have to be so disgusting towards others!

D

Saturday 8th of August 2015

Why should you care if someone is curvy? Sounds like you're the one who needs work. Seek professional help.

Ashley L.

Monday 28th of January 2013

 That's a really hateful thing to say about people you don't even know.  I suggest you work on your own faults before you start ragging on strangers, unless, that is, you're already perfect...

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