Leg Warmers Leg Warmers 80s Fashion

Originally, leg warmers were worn by dancers, who wore them routinely during classes and practice.

And then came the 1983 film "Flashdance." Suddenly leg warmers were everywhere, and could reliably be institute on the legs of girls in junior high and loftier schools — specially those with no interest in trip the light fantastic. (How else do y'all explicate wearing them over jeans?)

Although the popularity of leg warmers in the '80s was a pretty short-lived fad (in terms of longevity, information technology was right up there with the brief just sad ruffled prairie shirt trend), information technology wasn't Pet Rock-level nonsense.

For a couple of years, these stretchy, slouchy sweaters in the shape of a footless sock were a trendy, colorful mode to testify some artistic flair, to prove that you were up on the latest fashions… and, yes, even to warm up your legs when information technology was cold outside.

Of course, you can yet buy leg warmers today — and you won't even demand to navigate through a crush of schoolgirls at the mall to get a pair you similar.

Jennifer Beals with leg warmers in the 1980s movie 'Flashdance'

Leg warmers: A colorful, notwithstanding practical, fashion fad (1983)

By Beverly Garrison – Johnson City Press (Johnson City, Tennessee) January 28, 1983

Remember winters in the '60s, when miniskirts were popular? A woman's poor legs and knees were usually blueish from the common cold.

Thank goodness today's latest fad is more practical. The single biggest accessory for winter 1982-83 seems to be leg warmers — colorful knit accessories that resemble sweaters for the legs.

Danskin leg warmers (1982) — Vintage Danskin leg warmers from 1982

This year, a women'south legs may be bluish, or green, or yellow, or multi-striped. Leg warmers come in all colors and patterns that resemble modern art. New pastels for spring are at present coming into surface area stores.

Margaret Patrick, managing director of Parklane Hosiery in the Mall, said leg warmers were the acknowledged single item during Christmas. "You lot wouldn't believe the number nosotros sold," she said.

Vintage leg warmers - worn with jeans - in the eighties — A vintage '80s leg warmers pattern to knit from Leisure Arts

"Yous'll find leg warmers on anybody from historic period iii to people in nursing homes," Ms. Patrick said. "They really provide warmth for older people who sit around a lot."

But the biggest market for the accompaniment is among teenagers, who article of clothing them over their jeans.

"Lots of older people clothing the leg warmers under their slacks, for boosted warmth," said Ms. Patrick. "And I've even sold them to men who work outside, and besides wear them under their slacks."

Leg warmers were first worn by dancers to continue their legs warm and foreclose musculus cramps. "Dancers still buy them, of class," said Ms. Patrick. "They're merely role of the compatible."

Likewise SEE: Vintage '80s pantyhose, nylons & tights came in lots of crawly colors & textures

This wintertime, you'll encounter leg warmers on school campuses. And you'll also see them worn in business concern offices, grocery stores or shopping.

The about popular way to wear leg warmers is over jeans or cords. Pull them upward over the knee, but never thigh high — they demand a wrinkled look.

Don't exit any of your jeans poking out nether the leg warmer, and never clothing them with high heels.

If you're wearing one of the new brusk skirts and withal want to continue your legs warm, wear opaque stockings and legwarmers with an ankle kicking.

Information technology's permissible to pair leg warmers over opaque stockings with Bermuda shorts.

Leg warmers can be worn in just about every conceivable way, said Ms. Patrick. "It's a thing of personal preference."

Leg warmers are fun manner fad. Enjoy them while they're here since, like most fads, they probably won't be around long.

Likewise Meet: These retro '80s genu-loftier socks & other sassy sock styles went beyond black & white