Leggings or tights? Which one should I choose?
Leggings and tights are incredibly versatile stretchy bottoms. However, there are also a lot of misconceptions about what they are.
Are leggings and tights the same thing? Both terms are used interchangeably, but they refer to two very distinct pieces of clothing! Each has a different design and functionality.
I’m going to break down the differences between leggings versus tights and when they should be worn. It’s high time we stopped getting leggings vs tights confused!
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In This Post ➜
What Are Tights?
Tights are skin tight leg coverings that come in varying levels of opaqueness–from sheer to mostly opaque. They typically start at the waist and cover all the way down to the feet.
However, tights are not meant to be worn alone as pants! They’re usually too sheer to be worn as regular bottoms.
Instead, they are worn as a fashionable accent, such as under dresses or skirts, and even to provide some warmth to the legs on chillier days.
Tights come in various designs and are a fun way to draw attention to your legs. They can also be worn to more formal events or even to a fun date night out.
Tights Pros & Cons
Now that you have a basic understanding of what tights are, here’s the benefits and drawbacks of tights.
Pros:
- It’s skin tight and thin, so it can easily be layered over
- Incredibly stretchy and comfortable
- Comes in various fun patterns and colors
- Can be used for more formal and dressier events
- Will cover the feet
Cons:
- It’s very thin and sheer, so it’s not meant to be worn alone as pants
- Can be prone to ripping, runs, and snags
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- Skims: FULL CONTROL TIGHTS – The perfect supportive wardrobe solution: these semi-sheer tights feature a built in control top and mid thigh support for superior sculpting and smoothing at waist and thighs.
- Hue: Openwork Butterfly Tight – A vibrantly designed tight with a reinforced toe for added durability.
- Spanx: Tight-End Tights – Step up your legwear game with lust-worthy legs and a tight-end.
What Are Leggings?
Like tights, leggings are also body-hugging. However, they are not sheer and made of thicker fabric.
Moreover, they do not extend past the ankles. Leggings can be worn alone as pants and they can even be used to add insulation to your outfits.
Leggings are popularly worn for workouts, but they can be worn as loungewear or in casual outfits too. They’re stretchy and body-hugging, which makes them comfy and super stylish too!
These bottoms can be worn almost anywhere–from the gym to casual brunches with friends. They can be worn with a t-shirt, crop top, or whatever casual top you have. If you’re looking for athleisure bottoms, leggings are perfect!
Pros:
- Can be worn alone as pants
- Perfect for gym workouts
- Looks great in athleisure outfits
- Body-hugging, but not constricting
Cons:
- Some leggings are more for fashion than for activewear
- Low-quality leggings may be slightly see-through
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- Girlfriend Collective: Lagoon Compressive High-Rise Legging – The legging that started it all. An extra high-rise with four-way stretch and compressive fabric made from recycled water bottles.
- Alo: HIGH-WAIST AIRLIFT LEGGING – Sleek and ultra-smoothing. Perfect for hot studios, hard classes & everywhere else! Made with a second-skin fit & feel, Airlift fabric sculpts and lifts like no other.
- Skims: OUTDOOR LEGGING – This classic, high-rise legging was designed for being outdoorsy, or not. It features a breathable, garment-dyed cotton with a nice smoothing effect.
What’s The Difference Between Tights And Leggings?
Tights and leggings are commonly used interchangeably without a second thought about how different they are from each other. This could not be any more false! Leggings vs tights are entirely separate.
Each has their own design, fit, length, material, thickness, stretch, and usage. You don’t want to wear the wrong ones for the wrong purpose!
Let’s dive into the difference between tights and leggings!
| Leggings | Tights | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Thick and opaque and hugs the legs starting from the waist down to the ankles. | Stretchy and typically sheer. Skin tight and covers from the waist all the way down to the feet. They are worn as an accent to the legs. |
| Fit | Body-hugging, but not tight. Moderately hugs the body’s curves. | Tight on the legs and has a second skin feel. |
| Length | Ends right at the ankles or above the ankles, if cropped. | They typically cover all the way down the legs, including the feet. |
| Material | Made of thick stretchy material, such as spandex, nylon, lycra, or a combination of synthetic fabric. | Made with elasticized cotton, sheer nylon knits with elastic fibers, or polyester blends. |
| Thickness | Thick enough that it can be worn alone as pants. | Lightweight and sheer, but comes in varying thicknesses that can be more opaque. |
| Stretch | Enough stretch to move around comfortably for workouts. | Very stretchy and tight against the skin. |
| Usage | Great for yoga and other workouts. Can be worn as pants and looks great in athleisure outfits. | Worn to accent or draw attention to the legs. Typically worn under dresses and skirts. Can’t be worn as pants since they are sheer. |
Now you know which correct term to use when referring to tights v leggings!
Different Types Of Leggings
These multi-purpose bottoms come in a variety of styles and types. Switch up your leggings collection with an assortment of different types of leggings for different occasions.
Here’s a list of popular types of leggings to look out for:
- Ankle length leggings – These types of leggings are one of the most popular styles. They are also known as full length leggings. The length ends right at the ankles, which makes it perfect to show off your shoes too!
- Mid-calf leggings – These leggings are also known as capri length pants or ¾ length leggings. The length falls between the knees and ankles.
- Knee length leggings – Like the name suggests, the length of these leggings end just below the knees. The shorter length helps with mobility and is great for exercises that require more leg extensions, such as Zumba and dancing.
- Jeggings – Jeggings is the combination of leggings and jeans. These leggings have the same look as skinny jeans–complete with phony pockets and seams to make it visually similar to jeans. However, unlike skinny jeans, they’re extremely stretchy like leggings.
- Leather leggings – These types of leggings are made of either faux leather or real leather. They’re edgy and help toughen up casual outfits.
- Colored and patterned leggings – These leggings come in various colors and prints, such as tie-dye or leopard prints. They make fun outfits and pair well with simple tops.
Different Types Of Tights
Tights also come in a variety of types too! They bring attention to your legs and look great under dresses and skirts.
Add a few different types of tights to your closet to play around with! Here’s some of the most common and popular tights you need to know.
- Opaque – These are the thickest type of tights and the least sheer tights. They’re also more resistant to snags and tears.
- Sheer – Like the name suggests, these tights are sheer. Your skin will peek through more clearly through these tights. They’re breathable and great for warmer weather outfits.
- Control top tights – These tights have the magical ability to smooth any belly fat and overall lower body shape for a smoother and shapely look overall. They specifically target the tummy and buttocks area.
- Patterned – Tights with patterns add a fun detail to your legs. You can find patterns, such as polka dots, hearts, and many more! They help add a fun and interesting detail to a plain outfit.
- Fishnet – Fishnet leggings are made of large knitted loops. They add a sultry detail to any outfit!
- Knitted – Knitted tights are much thicker than your typical tights. They are usually made with cotton or merino wool. These tights are great for colder temperatures.
- Colored – Add a pop of color to your outfits with a fun pair of colored tights. These tights can come in fun colors, such as burgundy, blue, yellow, and so much more.
How To Wear & Style Leggings & Tights
Now that you know the difference between leggings versus tights, it’s time to style these cute tights and leggings.
Here’s a few tips to keep in mind as you style leggings and tights:
Styling Leggings
- Since leggings are made of a thicker material, they can be worn alone as pants. Try pairing high-waisted leggings with a crop top for a simple, but cute athleisure outfit.
- Leggings tend to make your bottom half narrow, so to balance that out, pair an oversized or boxy top to add volume to your upper half.
- Leggings go well with sneakers or flats for a casual look. Some fashion leggings would pair well with heels or sandals.
Styling Tights
- Pair sheer tights with a mini skirt or dress. This helps cover up the legs, but it can also look very sultry too because the tights are sheer.
- Coordinate patterned or colored tights with a neutral toned top and bottom. This is a simple and minimal color palette that will bring attention to your tights.
- If it’s cold outside, play around with thicker tights, such knitted tights. These would look great with an oversized hoodie or longer top.
- Tights tend to look better with heels or nice flats since they have a more formal look to them. However, ankle boots and combat boots can also look really nice with tights in the fall too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Leggings & Tights Suitable For?
The key to styling leggings versus tights is knowing when to wear each appropriately. Each of them are generally associated with a certain aesthetic or activity.
Leggings are usually worn as athletic wear or at casual events. In contrast, tights are usually associated with more formal or dressy occasions.
However, tights can be worn with casual outfits too, especially if they have patterns or are brightly colored.
Can You Wear Leggings As Pants?
Yes, leggings can be worn as pants because they are made of thick fabric that’s not sheer. In fact, they can even be more flattering than your typical pair of pants!
Leggings will hug your body’s curves and flatter any body shape. They’re also very stretchy, so they’re extremely comfortable to move around in.
Are You Able To Workout In Tights & Leggings?
Athletic leggings are perfect for workouts. They tend to be breathable, lightweight, and have moisture wicking properties.
However, tights are not made for workouts! They are made of fragile fabric that can be torn or ripped easily with rapid or hard movements. Tights are more decorative and made for more formal occasions.
What Temperature Should You Wear Tights?
Tights can really help extend the wear of your summer dresses and skirts into the colder seasons. Generally, whenever you feel cold and want to wear a dress or skirt, then tights will come in handy.
For me, I like to break out my tights when it drops below 60°F. It feels too chilly to bare my legs at those temperatures.
Are Leggings Good For Hot Weather?
Yes, leggings are great for hot weather, especially if they are made for workouts. These athletic type leggings tend to prevent you from overheating and have moisture wicking technology.
Since leggings are breathable, they’re great for hot weather, especially if you’re active too!
There you have it! I hope this gives you a better understanding of the difference between leggings versus tights.
Which one do you prefer or wear more often–leggings or tights?
Disclosure: Vain Affair is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.
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