Leggings vs. Jeggings — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
Leggings are stretchy, form-fitting pants typically made from spandex or polyester blends, while jeggings combine the look of jeans with the comfort of leggings, often featuring denim-like material and details such as pockets and seams.
Difference Between Leggings and Jeggings
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Key Differences
Leggings are tight-fitting pants made from stretchy materials like spandex, polyester, or cotton blends, offering comfort and flexibility. They are often worn for exercise, casual outings, or as a layering piece under dresses and skirts. Jeggings, on the other hand, are a hybrid between jeans and leggings, combining the appearance of denim with the softness and stretch of leggings. They typically feature faux pockets, seams, and sometimes even zippers or belt loops to mimic the look of traditional jeans.
While leggings are primarily chosen for their comfort and suitability for activewear or lounging, jeggings provide a more polished look, suitable for settings where jeans would be appropriate but with the added comfort of leggings. The denim-like appearance of jeggings allows for greater fashion flexibility compared to the often plain, single-colored design of leggings.
In terms of material, leggings usually utilize fabrics with a high degree of stretch and breathability, making them ideal for activities requiring a full range of motion. Jeggings, however, often incorporate materials that give a more structured fit while still retaining some stretch, offering a balance between style and comfort.
Leggings come in various lengths, including full-length, capri, and ankle, catering to different preferences and activities. Jeggings, though they may also come in various lengths, typically resemble traditional jeans in cut and fit, often being full-length to maintain the illusion of denim.
Comparison Chart
Material
Spandex, polyester, cotton blends
Denim-like fabric with spandex
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Appearance
Smooth, single-colored, or patterned
Denim look with faux pockets and seams
Functionality
Exercise, lounging, layering
Casual to semi-casual wear, jeans substitute
Structural Elements
No zippers, buttons, or pockets
Faux pockets, seams, sometimes zippers
Versatility
High for activewear, less for fashion
High for fashion, versatile for different settings
Compare with Definitions
Leggings
Stretchy pants available in various colors and patterns.
Her floral leggings added a pop of color to her outfit.
Jeggings
Stretchy pants that mimic denim.
Jeggings provide the look of jeans with more comfort.
Leggings
Tight-fitting pants made from stretchy material.
She wore black leggings to her yoga class.
Jeggings
Leggings styled to look like jeans.
She wore jeggings with a tunic for a casual look.
Leggings
Comfortable pants often used for exercise.
Leggings are perfect for running and gym workouts.
Jeggings
Hybrid pants combining denim appearance with legging comfort.
Jeggings are ideal for when you want to look polished but feel relaxed.
Leggings
Pants that prioritize comfort and mobility.
Leggings are great for long flights due to their comfort.
Jeggings
Pants with faux pockets and seams resembling jeans.
Her jeggings had detailed stitching to imitate jeans.
Leggings
Form-fitting pants that can be layered under dresses.
She paired her dress with warm leggings.
Jeggings
Comfortable alternative to jeans with a fitted look.
She prefers jeggings over jeans for their flexibility.
Leggings
Leggings are several types of leg coverings that have varied through the years. Modern usage from the 1960s onwards has come to refer to elastic close-fitting garments worn over the legs typically by women, such as leg warmers or tights.
Jeggings
Jeggings () are leggings that are made to look like skin-tight denim jeans. The word is a portmanteau of the words jeans and leggings.
Leggings
A leg covering usually extending from the ankle to the knee and often made of material such as leather or canvas, worn especially by soldiers and workers.
Jeggings
Tight-fitting stretch trousers for women, styled to resemble a pair of denim jeans.
Leggings
A tight-fitting, stretchable garment that covers the body from the waist to the ankle.
Jeggings
Denim leggings, or very skinny jeans.
Leggings
Warm outerwear pants for children.
Leggings
Plural of legging
Common Curiosities
Can jeggings be worn to formal events?
Jeggings are best suited for casual to semi-casual occasions rather than formal events.
Do leggings have pockets?
Most leggings do not have pockets, focusing instead on a sleek and simple design.
What are leggings?
Leggings are stretchy, form-fitting pants made from materials like spandex or polyester.
What are jeggings?
Jeggings are a hybrid of jeans and leggings, designed to look like denim while being as comfortable as leggings.
Are leggings suitable for exercise?
Yes, leggings are often used for exercise due to their flexibility and comfort.
Are leggings appropriate for layering?
Yes, leggings are commonly worn under dresses, skirts, or long tops for added warmth and coverage.
Are jeggings comfortable?
Jeggings offer the comfort of leggings with the stylish look of jeans, making them very comfortable.
Can you wear jeggings to work?
Jeggings can be suitable for work environments with a casual or business casual dress code.
Are leggings breathable?
Yes, leggings made from materials like spandex and polyester blends are usually breathable.
What materials are used in jeggings?
Jeggings often use a blend of denim-like fabric and spandex for a stretchy yet structured feel.
Do jeggings look like real jeans?
Yes, jeggings are designed to closely resemble jeans with faux pockets and seams.
What materials are used in leggings?
Leggings are typically made from spandex, polyester, or cotton blends.
Can you wear leggings to work?
It depends on the workplace dress code; some may allow leggings if styled appropriately.
Are jeggings durable?
Jeggings are generally durable, combining the sturdiness of denim with the flexibility of leggings.
How do you style leggings?
Leggings can be styled with athletic wear, long tops, tunics, or as a layering piece under dresses and skirts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.