As fashionistas debate whether wearing tights or leggings is a good look, one Winnipeg high school has settled the question for its students in a policy that forbids them from wearing the garments in place of pants.

St. Boniface Diocesan High School has included specific rules for the fashion trend in its dress code.

According to the school’s parent and student handbook: “Tights, leggings, yoga pants, etc. are not be worn in place of pants,” and “Clothing that is excessively baggy or tight, physically revealing or provocative is not permitted.”

However, students are allowed to wear leggings with other clothing on top, such as skirts.

Student Vanessa Mabasa told CTV Winnipeg that students are expected to show respect with regard to their fashion choices.

“There are some girls who make it too short and we show the part that we’re not supposed to show,” she said.

Head of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg Catholic schools says uniforms and dress codes are part of their tradition, developed with each school community. The codes are reviewed on a regular basis.

Other restrictions in St. Boniface Diocesan’s detailed dress code include:

-Shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. shorter than mid-thigh or 4 inches above the top of the knee cap are not allowed (tips of fingers should not touch bare skin when arms are fully extended)

-Spaghetti straps, strapless, see-through tops, plunging necklines, halter type or revealing tops are not allowed for girls; shirts with sleeves must be worn at all times for boys

-Extreme hairstyles or unnatural hair colours (pinks, greens, blues, purples, orange, etc.) are not permitted; spiked hair and “Mohawk styles” may stand no higher than 2 inches from the student’s head

-Hair, nails, teeth and skin need to be clean

As far as the leggings go, stylist Allana Schmidt says the easy-to-wear garments allow people to dress comfortably and fashionably, but she advises anyone wearing them to cover up with a longer top or blazer.

“It can kind of give a look of wearing something that’s little bit too thin just to be worn alone,” she said.

With a report from CTV Winnipeg’s Ina Sidhu