Should Yoga Pants and Leggings Be Banned in Schools?

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Dress codes exist at schools throughout the Commonwealth, and at Alexandria City Public Schools, it’s no different.

However, as has been the case in many years, schools in various cities and counties throughout Virginia are either banning the wearing of yoga pants and leggings, both of which are a staple in many young women’s wardrobes, or making suggestions on how they should be worn.

When the first day of school begins in two weeks, on Sept. 8, in Alexandria, students will not be allowed to wear uncovered yoga pants or leggings, according to the Alexandria City Public Schools Dress Code:

“Leggings may not be worn without a top garment completely covering the area between the waist and buttocks.”

Over the past couple of years the issue of yoga pants and leggings in schools has become a hot topic with schools across the country making the call that they are simply not appropriate for a learning environment.

In February 2014, Rockport, Mass. middle and high school banned them after teachers said they were too distracting to other students. After several students were forced to change or sent home for more appropriate clothing, the school re-examined its policy and and dropped the ban.

In 2013, a middle school in Petaluma, Calif. prohibited students from wearing them, again saying they were distracting with the school’s principal saying “the appropriate attire contributes to a positive learning environment.”

While leggings and yoga pants aren’t banned outright in Alexandria, the dress code is pretty specific about what students are and are not allowed to wear to school.

A look at the student handbook outlines the dress code for high school students, which includes not wearing anything that’s inappropriate, as well as clothing that promotes alcoholic beverages, drugs or profanity.

Clothing deemed inappropriate in a school environment in Alexandria includes:

1. Students are expected to wear clothing that covers their chests, torsos, and midriffs, and that covers their entire undergarments.
2. Underwear or other clothes used as undergarments may not be exposed. This includes “muscle shirts,” A-shirts, and sleeveless undershirts.
3. Tops that reveal chest, torso, or midriff may not be worn.
4. Clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, violence, profanity, or the use thereof, or gang-related attire, may not be worn.
5. Fishnet or other see-through materials may not be worn without clothing underneath those items.
6. Pants and tops should fit appropriately to cover private areas when sitting, standing, and walking.
7. Clothing that is sexually provocative may not be worn. No low-cut or revealing necklines are allowed.
8. Backless shirts or blouses may not be worn.
9. Pants, shorts, and skirts should be long enough to cover at least mid-thigh. Pants, shorts, and skirts should be secured at the waist/hips.
10. Shoes/footwear should be worn at all times. Fit and style should be appropriate for students to safely transition throughout the school.
11. Gloves, sunglasses (unless prescribed), and masks may not be worn.
12. Headgear including hats, do-rags, bandanas, hoodies, or ear covers may not be worn unless required for medical or religious reasons.
13. Leggings may not be worn without a top garment completely covering the area between the waist and buttocks.
14. Pajama pants or sleepwear are not appropriate for the school environment and may not be worn.

You can read up on the entire ACPS Dress Code here.