El-No: That Shine Ain’t Fine

What the heck Oprah? Australia?!?

I can’t top that, but today’s reader submitted photo is documenting a journey. Judging by the shiny metallic Tin Manish spandex leggings, I think that Miss El-No is off to see the Wizard (the wonderful Wizard of Oz).

Spandex is a synthetic fiber that was first produced in the Fifties as a possible replacement to rubber. Rubber was in short supply during World War II and as a result had an unstable price point. While several companies competed to introduce this synthetic to the market, the Dupont Company was the leader. In 1962 Dupont started marketing spandex under the name “Lycra.”

This lightweight man-made fiber is a polymer that can be stretched and then recoil back to its original shape. Its composition also makes it very easy to dye -which brings us to Miss El-No’s silver leggings. How are these a good idea?

There is a time and a place for spandex- running pants; mixed in with denim to put that stretch in your jeans; Spanx. Wearing an unflatteringly shiny legging is just not right. It is even worse when paired with a mid-thigh denim skirt. This unsightly combination draws attention to the widest part of Miss El-No’s leg instead of helping her look hip and sleek.

I would give these metallic pants away (perhaps to a Chicago Marathon runner or a Halloween party attendee). Replace them with a flattering matte legging. Check out this option from Hue (which comes in black, charcoal grey, and navy).  

*Thanks for the photo JBW