Tights are NOT pants!

It's time for my annual rant on an issue that continues to plague me year after year. It's a topic that causes great controversy and a divide among friends. There are those, like myself, that fall into the absolutely NOT, never-ever-ever category, and others who refuse to see the light and continue to obstinately perpetuate this tragedy.

Of course, I'm talking about the fashion epidemic that just will not die:

Can tights* be worn as pants?

(*for the purposes of this post, all leggings, stretch pants or God forbid, jeggings are heretofore referred to as 'tights').

This issue raises its ugly head the minute the weather starts to cool and I am here to categorically address this accursed trend.

Tights are not pants. NOT.

There is a plethora of literature and online articles that strongly support my opinion. Typing 'tights are not pants' into google brings up more than 2 million results. Wow. The leader of this crusade is tightsarenotpants.com which provides stickers, posters and press kits, yes, press kits, all for free in an attempt to rid the world of this abomination. It's a public service, really. Then there's thefashionpolice.net whose mantra is 'leggings are not pants and tights are not leggings'. 

Say it with me people.

I have nothing against tights as a fashion choice, when worn appropriately. In fact I'm an avid fan and have tights of almost every colour, texture and design that I wear religiously during the cooler months. They're ridiculously comfortable. They can look awesome when paired with fabulous boots and the right choice of top.

However, as I understand that tights are NOT pants, I choose to pair them with a skirt, dress or tunic style top that well and truly covers my ass.

As it should be.

I don't want to be seeing other girls camel toes, panty lines or jiggly bits, therefore I won't subject them to mine. It's just respect.

Even men agree with me, with one fashion savvy gentleman starting a petition to try to outlaw the tights-as-pants trend from LaTrobe University in Melbourne. Good for him.

There's one exception to the rule: if you look like Miranda Kerr then have at it and wear what you damn please. Just be prepared for me to glare at your perfect thighs with envy and mutter under my breath that I can see your VPL.

What's your take on this burning issue?

xx