There are lots of talented fashion journalists contributing to this site and they’ll probably curse me for what I’m about to write, but I cannot sit in silence any longer.

There is an item of clothing that women – of all shapes and sizes – persist in wearing but would be wise to avoid. I can only surmise that the majority of fans are not in possession of a mirror, as why else would any sane person consciously flaunt their dimpled thighs to the world?

Consequently, I move that leggings be banned.

Before you think I’m some dour old spinster, bitter that I cannot pull off these second-skin pantaloons, rest assured I applaud women everywhere for having the body confidence and self-esteem sufficient for allowing them to wear such a garment without shame (of that, I am admittedly jealous). However, I have very solid grounds for wishing leggings away.

It would appear that I live in an area of high-level leggings saturation. Everywhere I go, there is some inappropriately be-leggingsed woman, happy to trot around with a flimsy bit of Lycra barely disguising her derrière. It’s exceedingly difficult not to be hypnotised by the undulations of some girl’s buttocks, but I do wish the leggings-lovers would demonstrate a little more decorum. After all, there’s nothing worse than sitting on the bus and finding yourself at eye-level with a fellow passenger’s camel toe.

You see, no matter what size you are, wearing leggings is not attractive. Unforgiving and stretched almost transparently tight, leggings reveal even the least little imperfection: knobbly knees, thick ankles or heaven forbid, an unkempt bikini line *shiver*.

Oh, how many times I have wanted to tap some poor, unsuspecting fashion failure on the shoulder and tell her: “we can see your thong, dear”. Why is it that advocates of this awful trend don’t realise that their black/white/spotty pants are clearly visible? My advice: wear flesh coloured knickers! Always flesh coloured. Though I suppose we should be thankful for any pants at all, given how see-through leggings can be *double shiver*.

Okay, this may sound harsh, but you know I’m right. Wearing leggings under a decent length skirt or tunic, or for a yoga class, I can just about accept, but on their own, never! Just because an item of clothing is convenient, doesn’t make it right.

Yet if you insist on wearing them, at least do this one little thing for me: take a look at your posterior in the mirror before leaving the house and be honest – would you baulk at your behind? If so, bin the leggings and slip on a nice pair of jeans instead!