I don’t want anyone to feel offended but I’m gonna have questions about fitting, sizing and style.
Assuming you’re talking about leggings in the form of stretchy, form fitting pants, I would recommend going to a second hand clothing store and just picking out a bunch. Pick different sizes, different brands, different colors, and then try them on at home. A lot of second hand stores allow returns for clothing within a certain time frame and you will pay much less than you would for new ones, plus have a greater variety of brands to try on. Most department stores might have 3-5 different brands if that, some second hand stores will have a dozen or more. See what is comfortable and what you feel good in.
If you’re thinking of tights or the sheer or semi-sheer layer you wear under a skirt you’ll need to buy them new, and just get a size up from whatever size you think you might be. They are always too small!
Do it in the changing room?
The store person isn’t going to have answers for you. Women’s clothes have never worked like that and you’re dipping into a market that stuggles to make fits for womens bodies, and you’re wanting to make it work on a man’s body.
Just buy a couple pairs and try them on at home, keep your receipt. See how they feel and fit amd when you find one thats decent, just stick with that brand.
Can you expect to return them at a store, or are no-return policies standard, like for swim suits?
Stores let me return anything I want, including a bathing suit like 4 months ago at kohls. I can’t really say yes, but I’d assume yes.
Besides leggings are like pants. They’re not touching gross parts on people with underwear on any more than jeans do, especially on women’s cuts. Our pants are basically always up on the butt and front tightly.
Wear underwear. Also, if the leggings are in a package, you can’t try them on first. Like socks.
One of my high school buddies worked at TJ Max. One of his duties was to repackage underwear that people had tried on. He said that one time he repackaged a pair that had somebody’s name sharpied in the waistband.
As far as etiquette at the store, I can’t help because I get mine online, but I have some pro tips for finding the right ones!
If you have a lady friend with a similar body type to you, ask what size she wears. Even if she’s propositionally smaller or larger than you, you should be able to scale the info to your size.
Get proper measurements. Crotch to ankle on the inside of the leg, around the thigh, and around the waist above the hips and on the hips. Knowing these, you can literally just measure the fit if not order them on measures.
Look for high waisted tights. Ladies don’t have the extra hardware between the legs so the inseam can go all the way up, guys normally need 2-5in free space. Unless you’re planning on tucking constantly, getting high waisted means they aren’t halfway off your butt all day.
It helps to shave your legs while you’re getting used to them. The hairs can get tangled, pulled and itchy for a while when you’re first getting used to them.
I use mine as lining for pants during winter, if that’s your plan, go for a shiny, less cottony fabric. The synthetics don’t pill as easily and don’t have as much friction when pulling on jeans. Also, aim for less than more. You may think you want those fur lined flanel tights, but under other pants, those are going to have you cooking like a goose. They’re made to replace pants so pretend they’re a whole layer on their own.