Metallic and shiny leggings are having a significant moment in men’s fashion. What started as a trend mostly seen on runways and in editorials has made its way into the mainstream, with more and more guys embracing the eye-catching look. These statement bottoms pack profound visual impact, from liquid-like wet leggings to holographic prints to high-shine metallics.
The Rise of Men’s Leggings
Leggings have become a staple in many guys’ wardrobes over the last decade. What was once seen as a woman’s only garment is now a versatile bottoms option for men. Athleisure culture has played a significant role in the rise of men’s leggings, with compression tights and leggings becoming standard workout gear. But the comfy, flexible bottoms have expanded their reach into casual everyday wear and street style fashion.
Leggings provide a lightweight, breathable alternative to denim that moves with the body. Significant brands now offer men’s leggings made from performance fabrics in primary colours for working out. But more fashion-forward pigments, prints, and fabrics have widened the scope. Now, leggings come in as many colours, patterns, cuts, and materials as women’s to suit any personal style.
Why So Shiny? Making a Statement
One of the latest eye-catching legging trends for guys features shiny, metallic, liquid-look, and holographic fabrics and prints. These statement shiny pairs stand out in a sea of black cotton leggings. They add an element of theatrics and high fashion to any outfit.
Shiny leggings are all about embracing your inner rockstar or pop icon. There’s a glam, larger-than-life quality to the shiny, wet look and holographic leggings that command attention wherever you go. They have an aura of confidence and unapologetic personal style.
On-Trend Textiles: Foil, Lurex, Spandex & More
So what exactly makes leggings shiny anyway? These eye-catching men’s leggings utilize unique materials engineered to have an ultra-reflective, light-catching effect. Some popular fabrics and finishes include:
Metallic Coatings
Metallic foil coatings are applied to the fabric to give it a liquid metal look. This can be matte or high-shine, depending on the finish. Gold, silver, copper, and rose gold are popular metallic shades for leggings.
Holographic Film Laminates
Iridescent film laminates shift colour depending on the viewing angle, creating a holographic light-reflective effect. They often have an oil slick-inspired look.
Lurex Thread
Lurex is a metallic thread made from a polyester fibre blended with aluminium metal. It is woven into knits and stretch fabrics like leggings to create a subtle all-over shine.
Wet-Look Vinyl & Patent Fabrics
Vinyl and patent synthetics have an ultra-glossy finish with significant depth and reflection. Spandex lends stretch for a body-hugging fit.
Incorporating Shiny Leggings into Your Wardrobe
Shiny leggings instantly amp up any outfit, but they require some finesse so your look doesn’t read costumey. Follow these tips when styling metallic leggings for fashionable everyday wear:
Choose Your Shine Level
Sheen spans a broad spectrum, so decide if you want a subtle sparkling shimmer or an in-your-face disco vibe. Let your personal style and confidence levels guide you. A holographic foil finish offers more flair than basic black leggings.
Pair With Neutrals
Tone down the high-wattage leggings with neutral muted hues on top. Black, white, grey, and tan pair well without clashing. Navy and olive also harmonize nicely. Solid colours help shiny leggings take centre stage.
Mind Proportions
Create balance by pairing skinny leggings with looser-fitting tops and outerwear. An oversized jacket provides a nice counterpoint to extra snug metallics. Go baggy on top and fitted on bottom.
Play With Textures
Juxtapose matte and shine by pairing metallic leggings with chunky knit sweaters, leather and suede jackets, or denim.Â
Shiny Leggings Do’s & Don’ts
Want to shine bright in metallic leggings without veering into fashion faux pas territory? Take notes on these dos and don’ts:
DO visually break up your legs.
Wearing leggings and shiny shoes in similar hues can create the optical illusion of long, bare legs. Throw on socks or lace-up boots.
Don’t pair with overly matchy tops.
Resist the urge to twin a silver foil top with matching silver leggings—it’s too costumey. Offset with neutral and earth tones instead.
DO have fun with prints and patterns!
Wild graphic prints, camo, and houndstooth provide exciting complements to shiny leggings. Feel free to get creative.
Remember the importance of fit.
Shiny leggings highlight every contour, lump, and bump, so ensure yours fits smoothly without sagging or muffin-topping. Spot clean after each wear.
Feel Your Look: Luxe Loungewear or Streetstyle Fashion?
Shiny leggings quickly shift from casual loungewear to downtown cool, depending on how you style them. Dress up metallic leggings with tailored blazers, Chelsea boots, and pops of colour for fashion-forward flair. Or pair it with hoodies, high tops, and baseball caps for a laidback, sporty vibe.
However you wear them, shiny leggings like mens silver leggings by kapow meggings make a high-impact style statement. It’s time to break free from fashion norms and embrace these head-turning bottoms! Don’t be afraid to shine bright!
