Meggings sound like a trend. They are actually just leggings built for men, cut for a male body, and worn by more guys every year. Here is what they are, where the word came from, and who actually wears them.
What are meggings?
Meggings are men's leggings. The word is a blend of "men" and "leggings," and it stuck because it says exactly what the product is. Same four-way stretch you would expect from good activewear, cut for a male frame instead of a female one.
The difference is in the pattern. Women's leggings are shaped for a wider hip and a higher waist. Meggings sit lower, run straighter through the hip and thigh, and use a wider, flatter waistband that holds without digging in. Put a guy in women's leggings and the rise and seat feel wrong. That male-specific cut is the whole point.
Where the word came from
Men have worn leg-hugging garments for centuries. Think hose, tights, and every dancer, cyclist, and wrestler since. The modern term "meggings" showed up in the early 2010s as designers and gym brands started building leggings specifically for men. Matador leaned hard into the word and helped popularize it. The category has grown ever since, and now it covers gym wear, running, festivals, and everyday layering.
You will also see "men's tights" and "male leggings" used for the same thing. They all describe the same garment. We just call ours meggings.
Who actually wears meggings?
More guys than you would guess. Here is the breakdown.
- Gym-goers and lifters: squat-proof fabric and full range of motion, no bunching under a heavy set.
- Runners and cyclists: compression-style support and no fabric flapping in the wind.
- Yoga and mobility: four-way stretch that moves with deep positions instead of fighting them.
- Festival and rave crowds: this is where loud all-over prints win. Galaxy, camo, and bold patterns are the whole look.
- Everyday guys: worn on their own or layered under shorts for a bit of coverage and comfort.
If you are new to the category and want maximum print options, our galaxy and camo ranges are the easiest place to start.
How meggings differ from women's leggings
People assume leggings are unisex. They are not, and the fit is the reason.
| Feature | Meggings (men's) | Women's leggings |
|---|---|---|
| Waist rise | Lower, sits at the natural male waist | Higher |
| Hip and seat | Straighter cut for a male frame | Shaped for a wider hip |
| Waistband | Wide and flat, holds without digging in | Narrower, often higher |
| Fit intent | Built for men from the pattern up | Built for women |
This is where fit matters most. Some brands run small, so a men's medium ends up feeling like a small. We list a full size chart on every product page with exact measurements, so you order once and get it right. Ours run true to a meggings-specific fit, and we carry adult through plus-size up to 6XL.
How to start wearing meggings
You do not need to overthink it. Start where you already spend time.
- Pick your setting first. Gym, run, yoga, or festival. That decides how loud you go on the print.
- Layer if you want to ease in. Plenty of guys wear meggings under shorts for their first few outings, then drop the shorts once they get used to them.
- Get the size right. Check the size chart against your own measurements before you order. It takes a minute and saves the guesswork.
- Then pick the print. This is the fun part. Try the Army Camo for the gym or Purple Galaxy for the festival crowd.
Why print matters more than most brands admit
Most men's legging brands stock a handful of prints. Solid black, solid grey, maybe a camo. Matador runs around 60. That is fine if you want plain. It is limiting if you want to actually stand out.
We built the biggest print library in the category, with over 3,900 designs and counting. Every pair is hand-cut, sewn, and printed to order in the USA. No mass production, no warehouse of identical stock. Our men's meggings are $88.99 with free worldwide shipping, and 96,000+ customers have bought from us across the last nine years. If you want the full range, start at the shop meggings hub or browse the plus-size range.
Quick FAQ
What are meggings?
Meggings are men's leggings. The name blends "men" and "leggings." They use four-way stretch fabric cut for a male body, with a lower rise and a wider waistband than women's leggings. Men wear them for the gym, running, yoga, festivals, and everyday layering.
What is the difference between meggings and leggings?
Meggings are cut for a male frame. They sit lower on the waist, run straighter through the hip and seat, and use a wider, flatter waistband. Women's leggings are shaped for a higher rise and a wider hip, so they fit differently on a man.
Who wears meggings?
Gym-goers, lifters, runners, cyclists, yoga practitioners, and the festival crowd all wear meggings, along with everyday guys who want comfort and stretch. They are common in activewear and increasingly worn as casual layering under shorts.
Are meggings squat-proof?
Good ones are. Squat-proof means the fabric does not go see-through when it stretches over a deep squat. GearBunch meggings use squat-proof, four-way stretch fabric built to hold up under a full range of motion.
How do I choose the right meggings size?
Check the size chart on the product page against your own measurements before ordering. Some brands run small, so do not assume your usual size. GearBunch carries adult through plus-size up to 6XL with a meggings-specific fit.
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