Tops to Wear with Leggings

As I've become more fond of wearing leggings, I've had to keep on the look out for suitable tops to wear with them. My general rule is that I must have full butt coverage. If I can find something long in the back that also covers the tops of my thighs in the front, even better. I just don't have the confidence or desire to show my butt covered only in lycra to the world.

I'm not the only one with the butt coverage preference, either. More of my pals are embracing leggings, too, and we often share texts and emails about where to find tops that are just the right length. We even discussed the subject during my appearance on Fangirls Going Rogue. Given that it comes up so often, I figured it was time to round up some examples and places to search for long tunics, sweaters, blouses, and tees. All the tops!

My favorite look for leggings is the one I'm wearing here (minus the shoulder pauldron):

(that's my sis on the left)

I'm wearing Black Milk's Middle-earth map leggings with a long black tank I purchased from Sidecca and a sleeveless sheer and flowy Converse label blouse I bought from Target over a year ago. My butt is more than covered and the solid color goes with most of my leggings. I try to find tops that follow this template as much as possible. Here are the resources I've found:

Long tank tops as undershirts - If you're planning to layer, a long, snug tank top makes a good base. I have success finding these at stores like Sidecca (my favorite), Forever21, and Target. All three places have a wide selection of solid colors, and the tanks are usually under $10. Make sure they're long enough to stretch over your behind.

Long tank tops as the only shirt - If you just want to wear a tank as your only shirt, you'll  need something that's still long and probably a little loose. (That's my preference anyway. Ups to you if you're comfortable wearing just tight tanks. I need to conceal squish). I've found suitable tanks at Target (like these) and, thanks to @sarahkuhn, at Gap. They have tanks with butt flaps that are perfect for leggings!

Depending on the color and print of your leggings, you can also try costume style long tanks from WeLoveFine. For example:

Long t-shirts, blouses, tunics, etc - For long sweaters or shirts to layer over a tank top, I've had the best luck at Target. Seriously. I make it a point to wander through the women's department (particularly the clearance racks) any time I'm in the store, and I'm often pleasantly surprised. Here are some examples from their website:

$24.99, variety of colors

$24.99

Macy's is also a good resource.

Not digging the long shirts? Get an oversized cardigan or wear a short skirt over your leggings.

Need more ideas? I've created a Pinterest board with plenty of examples of long tops to wear with leggings. I'll add new shirts as I come across them.

If you're shopping in person and aren't positive whether a shirt is long enough, take a few minutes and try it on. I know, I hate trying on clothes too, but you'll be sad if you get home and discover your butt is still showing underneath the top. If you're purchasing the shirt online, make sure you can clearly see where the shirt falls on the model.

If you've had luck at with places I haven't already covered, please comment and share your discovery!

For a review of different brands of geeky leggings, check out this post.