Within the past few years, leggings have become an increasingly popular choice among teenage girls. With the endless combinations of cuts, colors, patterns and lengths, nearly every girl can find a pair that suits their preferences while ensuring comfort. To many, they are an essential clothing item.

Despite the appeal, leggings are almost a controversial topic when concerning schools. The issue of whether or not to allow them to be worn in schools has sparked student protests, sexism debates and parental judgement. According to some parents, teachers, and school board members, leggings are far too suggestive to be worn in school and serve as too large of a distraction to male students.

Skyview High School in Buckeye and Horizon Community Learning Center in Phoenix are some local Arizona schools who prohibit leggings in their dress codes. “I think leggings are suggestive. They definitely don’t leave anything to imagination,” says Deb Rothstein, a parent of a freshman at Desert Vista. “But they cover a lot more than some of the shorts I’ve seen. I personally don’t have a major issue with people who fit leggings wearing them, like athletes. But if you don’t fit them, I don’t want to see you in them.”

Many do not take a definite side on the issue. There is very little tangible evidence supporting statements claiming that leggings have an impact on learning. For some, the distraction is not enough to significantly impact learning and academics.

“Leggings don’t distract me,” says Desert Vista freshman Chase Thomas. “They seem comfortable and girls should be able to wear them if they want to.”

Others do not think banning leggings are a priority, claiming schools should work harder to put restrictions on crop tops and short shorts.

“Unfortunately, women are viewed as sex symbols,” says Rothstein. “If it’s causing a true distraction, something has to be changed.”

According to many female students, the issue is sexism.

“Leggings shouldn’t be banned,” says Carly Goodman, a freshmen at Desert Vista. “They’re very comfortable and they can help girls feel more comfortable about their bodies. If they were banned that would be completely unfair because guys can sag their pants to their knees and no one does anything about it. Dress codes already have such strict rules for girls, and it is so sexist because guys can wear just about anything.”

Many schools, especially middle schools, will permit leggings with very specific restrictions. Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School in Chandler allows leggings only if your shirt covers your bottom entirely. Many schools have taken up similar policies.

No changes will be directly made at Desert Vista in the near future. Until official studies have been conducted and confirmed, dress code adjustments will not be carried out.