All my life, the women I’ve known have raved about the unrivaled comfort of leggings.
Having only worn leggings-type garments under other layers while skiing and in cold weather, I’ve never enjoyed their benefits in a day-to-day workout setting.
And while some big-label brands offer versions of compression pants or long underwear for men, Matador Meggings has rolled out true men’s leggings. I slid on two different pairs and ran them through a few of my typical workout routines.
Read on to see if this is the item you’ve been missing in your workout drawer.
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What Is Matador Meggings?
Matador Meggings began with one dude who was fed up with his options in men’s legwear. Valentine Aseyo was training to become a yoga teacher, when a thought popped into his head:
“WTF? I’m the only one in this room who can’t wear leggings. If I did, I’d show off my goods to all these poor (or lucky?) women. Someone should make leggings for men so I can join the spandex party. But no brands offer leggings specifically designed for the male anatomy. Leggings have always been an afterthought for men.”
After scouring the market for available options, Aseyo quickly took matters into his own hands to design leggings worthy of—well, guys needing leggings.
And thus, Matador Meggings was born. A self-aware, no b.s., functional, cut-to-the-damn-chase leggings brand—for dudes. The name for the brand was inspired by the pants worn by bullfighters.
“Men’s leggings” might be living on the outer fringes of what’s acceptable to wear during workouts out for certain guys. And that’s okay.
But you certainly won’t find me muttering a word of discouragement to any of the rather chiseled, decidedly muscular guys on Matador’s Instagram page.
Matador’s Soft Side
Being a new brand, Aseyo wanted Matador to be sustainable and environmentally friendly from the get-go.
To do so, he made a pact to only work with facilities and partners who care about their staff and don’t trash the environment. Matador puts an emphasis on water recycling, no use of harmful chemicals, and adopting a globally conscious mindset.
Bulls of Matador Meggings
Bulls of Matador Meggings is where the action happens. This is the heartbeat of the brand. It’s an all-inclusive community of guys from all walks of life. If anything, this community hammers home the idea that Valentine Aseyo wants you to feel comfortable, both in your skin and your meggings.
Meggings aren't just leggings. At least not with Matador. These bad boys have a moulded crotch cup that adds support and makes sure you don't have a VPL. What's VPL, you ask? A Visible Penis Line. Yep, you don't want that.
Things to Consider Before Buying Men’s Leggings from Matador Meggings
Sorry, meggings are exclusively for guys with big cahoonas and impenetrable egos—I’m kidding, of course.
These are for both for guys partaking in yoga, Crossfit, and other bendy, movement-heavy workouts, but also for guys who want extra support in the gym and on runs.
From a comfortability perspective, yeah, I’d go out on a limb and say most guys will find these superbly comfortable. From a utility perspective, consider if slight compression and a full-range of motion in your legs is necessary in your workouts.
Matador Meggings Review
Comfort and Movement
Considering that Valentine Aseyo, the founder of Matador Meggings, had the original concept for these while in a yoga class, you can trust that they move, stretch, and bend in every which way.
I found the leggings provided more compression in the lower leg and less in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
As an initial
Consisting of a polyester and lycra blend, the leggings have substantial stretch, but don’t feel thin or sparse.
Appearance and Aesthetic
These were designed specifically for men, and that’s evident in the details. Aseyo even employed a bit of playfulness in the specifications, such as trademarking “No-VPL Technology”, VPL meaning “Visible Penis Line.”
The molded crotch is what makes these the most unlike women’s leggings. This is essentially a fabric, foam-like cup that conceals your precious cargo. Although, if you’d prefer to allow some more shape in that area, the foam can be removed from inside the leggings.
While many women’s leggings go up to the waist and hips, these sit right around the mid to lower waist on guys–revealing your abs and lower stomach. The length goes right above your ankle.
Despite the low-ride waist, these leggings don't budge---not even with box jumps or deep squats. So if you're not looking to show off plumber's crack, this is the pair you want.
Functionality
Matador Meggings will give you all the functionality of shorts plus a few extra benefits. For instance, these would hide your precious cargo during yoga, give you extra compression on a run, and wick the sweat from your legs during any workout.
The fabric is comfortable but not totally breathable. On a hot, sticky day, I’d still pick athletic shorts with compression shorts underneath over men’s leggings.
For colder temperatures, these help you retain some heat and could still be worn under other layers if needed.
Matador Meggings created these to be worn on their own. That being said, these would still be quite comfortable under shorts or sweatpants. The two pockets sit flat against your skin so having shorts on top wouldn’t be restrictive.
Fabric and Accents
The leggings are made up of 80% polyester and 20% lycra. Lycra is basically just spandex for those unfamiliar with the name.
This blend makes for a fabric feel that is stretchy but not skimpy or see-through. I’m also a fan of how the stitching wraps around your legs and gives you extra brace.
Each pair comes with drawstrings the same as those you’d find in a good pair of joggers or sweatpants. The drawstrings add some snugness around the waist, but I think the waist band itself holds the leggings in place nicely on it’s own. In other words, I could have done without the drawstring and hardly noticed.
Complete your workout look with a reversible face mask that matches your style of meggings. These brand new masks come in an array of colors and patterns and will make a statement anywhere you go.
Positioned between the back and left side lies a small zip pocket that goes deep enough to hold keys, a Smartphone, or a wallet. But probably not more than two of each.
On the right thigh, is a form-fitting slip pocket for your phone. Although, it wasn’t as snug as I wanted it to be. I would favor the zip pocket to assure no valuables fall out.
On the back of the meggings, directly below the waistband, is a small loophole with the logo patched on. This is used to pull a shirt or sweat towel through and hang it from the back of the leggings.
This feature would be ideal if you ended up taking your shirt off on a long run, to go hands-free. It’s also quite useful for carrying your gym towel around as you move through a workout
Despite the low-ride waist, these leggings don't budge---not even with box jumps or deep squats. So if you're not looking to show off plumber's crack, this is the pair you want.
What do Other Reviewers Say About Matador Meggings?
On Google and other sites, it was hard to find an outright negative review. Most guys who have purchased and worn Matador Meggings for a while cited their comfort and versatility.
Many buyers got them for a specific exercise, such as yoga, but ended up wearing them during other workouts, around their home, and even while running errands.
My Thoughts Overall On Matador Meggings
What I Like
Designed for the male anatomy.
Form-fitting against your body.
Built with quality layers of materials.
Creative branding and marketing.
What I Don’t Like
Not breathable for hot weather.
Slip-in pocket wasn’t snug enough.
Stitching was prone to some loose threads.
Who is Matador Meggings for?
At a base level, Matador Meggings are for guys who need an alternative to athletic shorts, joggers, or sweatpants. This could be due to the nature of their workouts (i.e. yoga, pilates, cycling), or because they prefer form-fitting clothes while working out.
But from a broader view, these are for any type of active guys who want to change up their workout apparel and incorporate the cushy movement-friendly benefits of leggings.
The Verdict
The modern man is getting creative with his workouts. He’s open to trying things he might not have done in the past like yoga, cycling, pilates, stretching, group classes, etc.
New territory elicits new equipment.
Matador Meggings has designed leggings specifically for the male anatomy. This includes a soft crotch cup, form-fitting materials, a low-waisted cut, and pockets.
This solves the problem of having your junk visible during a workout and adds extra support across your entire lower body.
The price is fairly steep for a single pair of leggings. Yet, I don’t see other brands designing something as specific and functional as Matador Meggings for any cheaper. This brand is servicing a growing sector of the fitness gear market.
If you aren’t totally sold, order a pair and try them out. Matador Meggings offer 30-day returns and free shipping on any order, regardless of purchase price. Admittedly, it would be quite difficult to accurately judge these without sliding them on and deciding for yourself.
What do you think, are meggings the missing link in your fitness gear repertoire? Or something you can live (and workout) without?
Meggings aren't just leggings. At least not with Matador. These bad boys have a moulded crotch cup that adds support and makes sure you don't have a VPL. What's VPL, you ask? A Visible Penis Line. Yep, you don't want that.
FAQs
How do you wear leggings for men?
The same as women’s leggings, men’s leggings are worn without any under on underneath. Simply slip on the leggings as your base layer and you are ready to go. The leggings look best paired with a shirt or tank top and athletic sneakers. For yoga or pilates, these would be fantastic worn totally by themselves.
What are leggings for men called?
Men’s + leggings = meggings. Hence, the name Matador Meggings.
Are men’s leggings comfortable?
Men’s leggings are extremely comfortable. These will move in any direction you want them to. They also provide added compression and support to any workout.
What does the crotch look like?
The soft, moulded crotch helps to conceal your goods while also providing comfort and support. The crotch is designed with the male anatomy in mind.
How should I style my meggings?
On Matador Megging’s website, they’ll say “Any way you want.” The meggings are meant to be a comfort staple of your wardrobe. Something you can wear in and out of the gym. There’s no boundaries, so wear them however and whenever you like.