Gen Z Ditches Leggings for Baggy Activewear

In a surprising turn of events, Gen Z has declared training leggings “dead,” opting instead for loose-fitting clothes like baggy sweatpants and shorts during workouts.

This shift isn’t just about personal taste; it seems rooted in deeper issues related to body image. A young TikTok user shared, “I feel really embarrassed and anxious wearing leggings. They fit so tightly, and I can see the outline of my feet.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend as many echo similar frustrations online.

Feelings of discomfort with leggings have sparked a notable change in purchasing habits. Research indicates that interest in leggings has dropped from 46.9% to 38.7% since 2022. Consequently, major athletic brands like Nike and Adidas have scaled back their legging offerings, although Lululemon remains committed to investing in them.

Data from Pinterest also highlights this trend, revealing that people under 27 are gravitating towards “boxy” outfits. Around 58% of searches for oversized sweatpants and T-shirts come from the 18 to 24 age group.

Experts attribute this preference for looser clothing to an overall desire for comfort and the influence of celebrities like Billie Eilish and Zendaya, who have made oversized styles fashionable.

Interestingly, this resistance to leggings isn’t a new phenomenon; many influencers have criticized them as “disgusting” or “outdated” in viral discussions. While some are advocating for yoga pants and flare leggings to reclaim their place in style, none have quite taken the spotlight from traditional leggings.

As a response, some Gen Z influencers are expressing a strong preference for shorts. One TikTok fit influencer stated, “I promise you, if you wear good shorts, you’ll never touch leggings again,” while a nutritionist echoed similar thoughts, explaining how gym shorts make her feel “cute and confident,” in stark contrast to her feelings about leggings.