Tights vs. Leggings — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Tights are typically sheer, close-fitting legwear covering the body from the waist to the feet, mainly worn for warmth or aesthetics, while leggings are thicker, opaque garments worn for comfort, fashion, or athletics.
Difference Between Tights and Leggings
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Tights are made from thin, often translucent materials like nylon or silk, making them ideal for wearing under dresses and skirts for warmth or as a fashion statement. Leggings, on the other hand, are crafted from thicker materials such as cotton, spandex, or polyester, and are often worn as a standalone garment rather than just an underlayer.
Tights usually cover the feet, extending from the waist, making them suitable for pairing with dresses and skirts during colder weather. Leggings, whereas, typically stop at the ankle and are frequently used in casual or athletic settings.
The opacity of tights varies from very sheer to semi-opaque, primarily intended to enhance the look of the legs or to provide minimal warmth under clothing. Leggings, however, are generally opaque and can be worn in professional or casual environments without the need for additional coverings.
Tights are often considered an essential part of formal attire, especially in professional and dressy settings. Leggings, on the other hand, are embraced in casual wear and have gained acceptance in more relaxed professional environments.
Tights come in a variety of colors and patterns, often featuring designs like fishnets or floral prints, which are intended to be shown off as part of an outfit. Leggings also come in various colors and styles but are typically worn to either complement or serve as a central piece of a casual outfit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Material
Nylon, silk, elastane
Cotton, spandex, polyester
Opacity
Sheer to semi-opaque
Opaque
Coverage
Extends from waist to feet, covering toes
Typically stops at the ankle
Typical Usage
Under dresses and skirts
Standalone garment in casual or athletic settings
Fashion Perception
Formal, dressy
Casual, versatile
Compare with Definitions
Tights
Thin, close-fitting legwear covering from the waist to the toes, often sheer.
She wore a pair of black tights under her red dress to keep warm.
Leggings
Thick, form-fitting garments that extend typically to the ankles, highly opaque.
He wore grey leggings during his morning jog.
Tights
Used primarily for warmth and aesthetics under other garments.
For the ballet recital, all performers were required to wear white tights.
Leggings
Often worn as a standalone piece in casual outfits.
For the movie night, she chose comfortable leggings and a hoodie.
Tights
Not typically worn alone; serves as a base layer.
Despite the cold, she found her tights sufficient under her long coat.
Leggings
Accepted in casual professional environments.
On casual Fridays, employees often wear leggings to the office.
Tights
Can be part of a professional or formal ensemble.
She chose sheer tights to complete her business attire.
Leggings
Suitable for both athletic activities and casual wear.
She wore her favorite leggings to the yoga class.
Tights
Often feature decorative elements like patterns or colors.
Her fishnet tights added a bold touch to her otherwise conservative outfit.
Leggings
Can come in a variety of styles, including high-waisted or cropped.
Her high-waisted leggings were perfect for her workout session.
Tights
Tights are a kind of cloth garment, most often sheathing the body from the waist to the toe tips with a tight fit, hence the name. They come in absolute opaque, opaque, sheer and fishnet styles — or a combination, such as the original concept of the American term pantyhose with sheer legs and opaque panty.
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.
Tights
(UK) A close-fitting, sheer or non-sheer skin-tight garment worn principally by women and girls that covers the body completely from the waist down, usually including the feet.
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.
Tights
(wrestling) A garment, similar to briefs, worn chiefly by professional wrestlers.
Leggings
A tight-fitting, stretchable garment that covers the body from the waist to the ankle.
Tights
(mining) In blasting rock, a piece of unbroken rock within the pay limit of a blast.
Leggings
Warm outerwear pants for children.
Tights
Close-fitting garments, especially for the lower part of the body and the legs.
Leggings
Plural of legging
Tights
Skintight knit hose covering the body from the waist to the feet worn by acrobats and dancers and as stockings by women and girls
Tights
Man's garment of the 16th and 17th centuries; worn with a doublet
Common Curiosities
How do tights differ from stockings?
Tights cover the entire leg and waist, whereas stockings only cover from the feet up to the thigh or mid-thigh.
Can leggings be worn as pants?
Yes, leggings can be worn as pants, especially in casual settings or for athletic purposes.
Are leggings acceptable in professional settings?
Leggings are sometimes acceptable in more relaxed professional environments but may not be suitable for formal settings.
What are tights?
Tights are thin, close-fitting legwear that covers the body from the waist to the toes, usually made from materials like nylon or silk.
What are leggings?
Leggings are thicker, form-fitting garments that extend to the ankles, made from materials like cotton or spandex.
What types of outfits go well with tights?
Tights are typically worn with dresses, skirts, and long tunics.
Are tights suitable for wearing alone?
No, tights are generally not suitable to be worn alone as they are sheer and designed to be worn under other garments.
What types of activities are leggings suitable for?
Leggings are ideal for activities like yoga, running, and gym workouts due to their flexibility and comfort.
What is the main fashion role of leggings?
Leggings are versatile and can function as a standalone garment or as part of an athleisure outfit.
Can tights provide significant warmth?
Yes, tights can provide warmth, especially those made from thicker, opaque materials or designed for cold weather.
Do leggings come in different styles?
Yes, leggings are available in various styles, including ankle-length, capri, and high-waisted.
Are there athletic tights?
Yes, there are athletic tights designed specifically for sports and exercise, offering features like moisture-wicking.
Can tights be worn during all seasons?
Tights can be worn during all seasons, with lighter versions for summer and thicker versions for winter.
How should tights and leggings be cared for?
Tights and leggings should typically be washed gently to avoid tearing and to maintain their elasticity and color.
Do leggings offer different levels of compression?
Yes, some leggings offer compression features that can enhance blood circulation and muscle support during physical activities.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Temperament vs. Personality
Next Comparison
Indemnity vs. GuaranteeAuthor Spotlight
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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
