Leggings vs Jeans

This is a fight we’ll never pick a side one side of: Jeans vs. leggings. And the good news is that we don’t have to: There is room in all our closets for great jeans and great leggings. And what you reach for on any given day will be as much about how you feel in your own skin that day and the look you’re going for as it has with any of the inherent qualities of the two garments.

But if you’re confused about the difference between leggings and jeans, we’ll help with that, and we’ll also tell you what the hell jeggings are! Read on.

What Are Leggings? They’re Basically Pull-On Skin-Tight Bottoms

Leggings (sometimes called yoga pants) are opaque (not see-through) skin-tight pants. They usually pull on and off with no zipper or other fastening. While they may have pockets and other accents, most are unadorned with any pockets or seams beyond the seam that runs around the inner legs.

Leggings are usually made of cotton and lycra, though they now come in an astonishing range of finishes (shiny, matt), lengths (ankle and cropped), colors, cuts, and even materials (from plain cotton to denim-looking “jeggings” and even leather). 

For the most part, though, when people say ‘leggings,’ they’re thinking about a classic black neutral piece. These basic black leggings are usually worn and sold as everyday clothing items, ideal for layering under dresses and sweaters and often feature an elastic waist.  However, leggings can also include certain styles of leather pants or faux leather leggings.

What Are Jeans? Denim Fabric Is a Key Difference

Some leggings are so convincing that it’s easy to mistake them for skinny jeans. But while leggings (particularly jeggings) and skinny jeans may be designed to imitate each other, they are different clothing items.

The key difference is the material: As we all know, jeans are made out of denim, which is a cotton product. While jeans may also have stretch, the bulk of their composition is always cotton denim. Leggings and jeggings, on the other hand, are made of cotton-spandex fabric or knit polyester/cotton/spandex/elastane blends. 

Because leggings and jeggings have more stretch than jeans (even jeans with stretch), they may hold their shape better over time. While jeans can become baggy (especially in the ass) and never regain their shape even after washing, jeggings will stay tight-fitting.

Okay, But WTH Are Jeggings?! They're Jean Leggings!

Jeggings are leggings that are designed to resemble skinny jeans. Jean leggings (or jeggings) may be made of thicker material than yoga pants or athletic leggings. But jean leggings are still basically pull-on, skin-tight pants, just like leggings.

The only difference between your everyday cotton leggings and jeggings (or jean leggings) is that jeggings are really printed leggings designed to look like regular jeans (note: they are not made of denim.) This look can be very convincing, and jeggings can also come with the appearance of different denim washes and colors, just like skinny jeans.

Jeggings are like leggings and pull-on. However, unlike leggings, in their attempt to ‘imitate’ jeans, they may have fake pockets and even print the stitching you expect to see around the waistband, even belt loops and the zippers on jeans.

What’s Better: Leggings or Skinny Jeans?

Because of their material and composition, jeggings may be more comfortable than skinny jeans to a lot of people. Of course, it also depends on the style, cut, and size of the jeans you’re wearing. There are comfortable jeans out there—and uncomfortable leggings! But, in general, comfort is the main reason people love leggings and jeggings over other kinds of tight-fitting pants, including skinny jeans.

Why Some Prefer Jeans

Skinny jeans are a classic wardrobe staple for very good reasons. They’re durable, warm, and versatile. Of course, jeans, including skinny jeans, come in a variety of cuts and denim finishes (dyes and washes like acid-washed denim.) But they’re also versatile in the sense that they can dress up and down—offering full wardrobe flexibility.

For some people, leggings expose too much of every lump and bump. They may prefer the modesty offered by a thicker material and a less skin-tight look, and skinny jeans can offer just that. Or they may be adhering to a dress code at work, for example.

They may also have had some bad experiences with leggings: Leggings often have a bad reputation because some of them are see-through (or they can become see-through after many wearings.) 

Often, cheaper leggings or yoga pants will become transparent after a few washes. Or they will lose their shape, becoming baggy in the ass or legs. You may also find the color fades, so your perfect black leggings soon become a sad grey version of themselves.

And so, skinny jeans may seem like an altogether more robust and durable option. Not to mention, the thicker material of skinny jeans can offer greater warmth in colder weather, while the fact denim is a cotton-based fabric means jeans are also more breathable.

How to Wear Leggings, Jeggings or Skinny Jeans

Both leggings and jeggings are usually skin-tight, but it is totally possible to wear them and still cover any area you may not want to be exposed to. Basically, this is your call… we’re no fashion police! But here are some suggestions of how leggings, tight jeans, or skinny jeans are commonly styled and worn.

Wear Jeggings or Skinny Jeans or Leggings Styled With a Tunic

Tunics are usually way too short to be a dress, too long to be considered a regular top. To complicate things further, they’re often also pretty boxy in their cut; some would say shapeless. But a tunic can come alive when worn with leggings, jeggings, or tight jeans. They’ll help balance out the volume on top and give you a flattering silhouette.

...Or a Long Shirt

If you love an oversized shirt (whether it’s a crisp, white classic shirt or a soft, cozy flannel number), you’ll find a perfect pairing in leggings or jeggings. If you want to dress up the look, you could opt for leather (or leather-look) leggings. That crisp white shirt legging combo can take on a whole different look if you accessorize it. Basically, it’s your perfect neutral palette.

A Short Dress

Ever buy a short dress and get it home and find it’s just a bit *too* short? Or struggle to find the right day to wear your favorite short dress because you’ll be running around, or it’s windy, or you want to ride your bike? The sad result can be an item you loved on the hanger languishing at the back of your closet. Leggings to the rescue! Throw on a pair of leggings beneath that dress and give it another chance! Bike rides, sudden breezes, and bending over will be no issue for you!

Try Leggings and Skinny Jeans With Knee High Boots and a Sweater

One of my personal favorite combinations is leggings or jeggings with knee-high boots (or over-the-knee boots)  and an oversized sweater. The leggings really do just fade into the background here, and I always find this look makes me appear taller too. This look always feels easy, cozy, and still pulled together.

Both Leggings and Skinny Jeans Also Look Great With All Kinds of Jackets...

If you love the simple combo of leggings and a tee or simple sweater, shake that look up with different jackets. The combination will take on completely different looks when you pair it with a blazer, as opposed to a jean jacket. Or with a biker leather jacket, compared to a cargo jacket.

Or With Tees and Trainers

Sometimes, it’s the simple things… the right pair of jeans or leggings, a perfect white t-shirt, a great pair of sneakers, and you’ve got a great look. Top it off with a crossbody purse and a pair of sunglasses, and you’ll have a look that’s timeless and ageless, with clean lines for an always chic look.

Basically, You Can Wear Leggings, Jeggings, or Skinny Jeans Any Way You Like!!

Truth be told, you’ll probably come up with lots of other ways of wearing jeggings and leggings! There’s no wrong way, really. As long as the leggings fit you well and are opaque, you can style them any which way you want. The key is that you’re happy and confident in the clothes you wear, not that anybody else approves of them!

Check Out Knix Leggings!

If you’re on the hunt for great basic leggings, look no further!

Our leggings come in seasonal colors, but basic black is by far the most popular and versatile. Our seamless leggings put comfort first. They’re made with 360-knit BlissFit™ Fabric for body-hugging smoothness that moves with your body.

Plus, when it comes to compression, we’re here to support (yep, pun intended). A ribbed waistband for gentle compression that smooths and holds your tummy. 

Finally, they’re as versatile as they come. Perfect for lounging, for layering with whatever ensemble you’re putting together, and, of course, as activewear. The flattering high-rise yoga pants style is easy to style and easy to wear inside and outside.

The Good News: You Don’t *Really* Need to Choose!

As we said at the very start, the great news here is that you really don’t have to choose between jeans and leggings in a “forever” kind of way. Both are staples in the fashion world and in our hearts. We definitely rock both, and there are no hard and fast rules why you should choose one over the other.

So do yourself and your closet a favor and invest in both: The right fit and quality materials are worth spending more on for any kind of wardrobe staple like this because these garments will be the workhorses of your wardrobe. And once you find a style you love, buy multiples! There’s nothing worse than your favorite basics being discontinued!!

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.