If you ever doubted that leggings are a movement as much as a piece of clothing, take a look at what happened to United Airlines over the weekend. In a move that sent shockwaves across athleisure (and comfy travel) aficionados everywhere, two activewear-clad teenage girls were banned from boarding their flight because of dress code violations, reports Reuters.
The airline later took pains to say that regular passengers are welcome to say yes to spandex (thank goodness—who doesn’t fly in their coziest leggings?). But the girls were turned away (and told to either change their outfits or cover up with dresses) because they were “pass travelers,” AKA friends or family of United employees, who are held to a stricter standard, the company said.
“I have flown United before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress. Next time I will wear only jeans and a top.”
Regardless, it’s hard to imagine being told that yoga pants are unacceptable. (Are you supposed to relax in that tiny space wearing a material that doesn’t stretch? Absurd.) Even celebrities took to Twitter about the ridiculousness: everyone from Patricia Arquette to comedian Sarah Silverman, who canceled her United flights for an upcoming tour. And Chrissy Teigen tweeted: “I have flown United before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress. Next time I will wear only jeans and a top.”
The lesson? Don’t mess with our yoga pants. (By the way, United: You would have avoided this whole mess if you’d listened to the women of Barrington, RI, who took to the streets last year to fight for their right to wear leggings.)
And if you’re even thinking about banning in-flight face masks, think again.
Want to make a bold pro-leggings statement? These are the 9 shiniest (and coolest) pairs around. And these are the styles celebs are currently coveting.
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