Leg Warmers: IN or BIN

Photo from Teenvogue.com

Leg warmers have become a staple in the Y2K-inspired winter wardrobe. Yet, are they a chic addition to your closet, or should they stay confined to the ankles of figure skaters?

The Origins of Leg Warmers

The leg warmers were not initially created to satisfy the fashion necessities of the 21st century. They were rooted in Northern Europe where people, such as fishermen and other workers, would wear cotton pieces of fabric to keep their lower limbs heated during cold weather.

Leg warmers were also utilized in the late 1900s, as a simple way to collect the sweat post-workout. However, it seemed to have disappeared, but that is not until recently. Today, leg warmers can be found everywhere from Olympic figure skaters to the ankles of stylish New Yorkers. 

Leg Warmers for Ice Skaters
Photo from Pinterest.com
Photo from icestyle.com

For years, leg warmers in all different shapes and sizes have been utilized for figure skaters to keep their legs warm, while performing and practicing. Also, it has other reasons, such as protecting the physical skate as well as preventing things like an untied skate from prohibiting the skater. Not to mention, it also provides another layer of protection for when the figure skater is jumping and spinning, as it can help protect their ankles. 

Leg Warmers for Fashion
Photo from Edikted.com
Photo from Freepeople.com

It has been all of the rave during the past winter season for girls to wear leg warmers over things like their Uggs, or any shoes. It helps provide that extra protection from the harsh winter winds, that long socks are just not cut out for. Not to mention, adding a little leg warmer inside of your tall boots, provides just a little something that doesn’t look half as good without it. 

My Take

As a former figure skater, I’ve owned my fair share of different types of leg warmers, whether it be pink and sparkly, to the plain white ribbed ones. They are a simple staple that I think look cute and practical, while also keeping you warm not only during practice at the cold ice rink, but can also be implemented in a daily use.

They give off a coquette kind of look, and have a lot of girls pairing them with boots for another layer of warmth. In this sense, I think that they’re IN for the time being, but there is always a chance for something to swoop in and gain all of the attention. So, what’s next? Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on leg warmers? Let us know @VALLEYmag on Instagram!

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