Wearing tight anything can be challenging in the style department, but when you dive into leggings and tights…it’s a whole new level of tricky! Let’s talk about both, the differences and how best to style them so you keep the overall look more elegant and sophisticated. (We also dive into the best brands below. Be sure to keep scrolling!)
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What Are Leggings
Leggings, often called yoga pants, are tight or form-fitting, can be worn without anything over them, are a casual alternative to traditional pants, and are not see-through. They come in ankle length, full length, and calf length. They also have different silhouettes: fitted all the way to the ankle, straight, bootcut and wide. Leggings are typically what you would work out in for exercise.
What Are Leggings Made Of
The most common fabric used for leggings is spandex. Other leggings fabrics include lycra, elastane, or a blend. You’ll also see nylon and polyester in some blends. Some other options include cotton leggings and wool leggings, which are worn for style, rather than working out.
What Are Tights
Tights, commonly referred to as pantyhose or stockings, are definitely lighter and more sheer than leggings. You can’t walk out of the house in just tights with nothing over them… Tights typically are fitted to the leg and cover the feet.
What Are Tights Made Of
The most common fabric used for tights is nylon or a nylon blend. But you’re likely to find tights with small amounts of elastane as well. Since nylon is a less durable fabric, that’s why pantyhose are likely to “run”, rip, or get holes in there. You’ll also see tights, pantyhose, and other hosiery made of other fabrics like silk, cotton, spandex, and and polyethylene. When you get a ‘run’ or hole in your tights, clear nail polish is a great hack to stop it in its tracks and extend the life of your tights.
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How To Wear Leggings & Tights
Leggings
- If you’re worried about showing your bum, make sure you wear something long enough to cover it like tunic shirts, oversized sweaters, and long blazers or jackets.
- Be aware of volume control. When you wear something SO fitted on the bottom, you should aim to wear a looser fitting top or sweater – unless you are truly working out.
- Once you find a brand of leggings you love, buy multiple pairs! I love the Spanx leggings and have several options!
For more of my tips on wearing leggings over 40 (and outfit inspo), make sure you check out this post.
Tights
- You can wear tights under skirts and dresses of any length, but they look the most stylish with a shorter hemline (above the knee).
- Be sure to wear a slip between your tights and skirts/dresses so they don’t stick together.
- For footwear, you can wear ankle booties, knee-high boots, pointed-toe pumps, ballet flats, etc. The most important thing is to avoid shoes that have an open toe when you’re wearing tights.
- Sheer black tights are the most classic, and fail-safe, but you can always add some chicness to a look with patterned tights like dots, fishnet, chevron, etc.
Best Brands for Leggings & Tights
Best Leggings Brands: Spanx, Commando, Zella, Lululemon, Beyond Yoga, Alo
The Spanx faux leather leggings (above) have been a longtime favorite (of mine and of my subscribers) for years. They’re the perfect way to wear leggings but kick it up a notch from regular workout leggings! For workout leggings that have moisture-wicking fabrics, check out your favorite workout brands like Zella, Lululemon, etc. You’re likely to find that any workout brand has an option with moisture-wicking technology to make your workout more enjoyable. Some of my favorite stylish workout leggings are from Beyond Yoga, Alo, and Sweaty Betty.
Best Tights Brands: Spanx, Commando, Sheertex, Natori, Express, Wolford
If you’re looking for tights with tummy control, go with Spanx or Commando. Natori is also super high quality. Express has some wonderful, affordable options but I personally love their patterned tights. Kaitlyn, our Digital Strategy Manager, swears by the Sheertex tights because no matter what you do, they will not tear…there’s some sort of special technology they use that makes them impossible to destroy!
Other Common Questions
- Can I wear nude tights? – Nude tights are usually strictly for function and trying to cover up your legs. I don’t personally like nude tights but if I had to wear them, I’d make sure to get a pair that perfectly matched my skin tone so that you can’t tell you’re wearing them at all.
- Can I wear tights that aren’t see-through? – Yes, you can. My biggest tip is to wear what you’re most comfortable in. The sheer tights add a little “sexy” to an outfit but if thicker tights are more your style, that’s fine too! Just make sure to offset being covered up on your legs with a sleeveless blouse or v-neck dress. It’s all about balance.
- Is it okay to wear printed tights? – 100% YES!
- When can I start wearing tights? – I’d say you can start wearing tights as soon as it gets cold wherever you live. And if it doesn’t get very cold where you live, the fall-winter months are a safe call.
- Can I wear leggings without covering my bottom and can they be worn as pants? – You absolutely can if that’s something you’re comfortable with!
- Can I wear leggings over 40? – YES! As long as you feel comfortable and confident…make sure you check out this post with more of my thoughts on wearing leggings over 40.
- Can I wear heels with leggings? – Since leggings are generally a more casual piece, I’d stick to wearing sneakers, athletics shoes, and booties instead of dressier shoes like heels or ballet flats. But with a dressier pair of leggings (like the Spanx faux leather leggings or some patent leather leggings) you can pair them with booties, knee-high boots, over-the-knee boots, etc.
What other questions do you have about tights or leggings? Let me know in the comments below!
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