Leggings vs Jegging
Leggings have taken over the world! It seems we simply can’t resist their comfort, versatility, or a wide array of options. Leggings can include the original yoga pant, the plain black basic legging, and even leather or faux leather leggings. You may even have a selection of fall, spring, summer and winter leggings in your wardrobe.
But have you heard of jeggings? They’re a kind of legging, so definitely part of the legging family. In essence, they’re leggings designed to resemble skin-tight jeans (but offer a whole lot more comfort.) Confused about the differences? Let’s clear it up!
What Are Leggings?
Leggings (sometimes called fashion leggings) 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, matte), lengths (ankle and cropped), colors, cuts, and even materials (from plain cotton to denim-looking “jeggings” and even leather). These leggings are usually worn and sold as everyday clothing items, ideal for layering under dresses and sweaters.
When people say ‘leggings’, they’re usually thinking about a classic black neutral piece. Leggings can, however, also include certain styles of leather pants or faux leather leggings.
What Are Jeggings? Basically, Jeggings Are Just Leggings That Resemble Tight Jeans
Jeggings are leggings that are designed to resemble skinny jeans. They may be made of thicker material than yoga pants or athletic leggings. But they are still basically pull-on, skin-tight pants, just like leggings.
The key difference between your everyday legging and jegging is that jeggings are really printed leggings designed to look like denim (note: they are not made of denim.) This look can be very convincing, especially since jeggings can also come with the appearance of different denim washes and colors, just like jeans.
Jeggings are like leggings in the sense that they simply pull on. However, unlike leggings, in their attempt to ‘imitate’ jeans, they may have pockets and even print the stitching you expect to see around the waistband. Sometimes they even have the belt loops and zippers you’d find on jeans.
Are Skinny Jeans and Jeggings the Same?
Some jeggings are so convincing that it’s easy to mistake them for skinny jeans. But while jeggings and skinny jeans may be designed to imitate each other, they are different clothing items.
The key difference is the material: Denim is a cotton product, and as we all know, denim jeans are the real deal. 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, cotton twill 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 bottom) and never regain their shape even after washing, jeggings will stay tight-fitting.
Are Jeggings More Comfortable Than Jeans or Tight-Fitting Pants?
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. But, in general, comfort is the main reason people love leggings and jeggings over other kinds of tight-fitting pants.
8 Reasons Why We Love Leggings and Jeggings
1. Comfort
Due to the amount of stretch they have, leggings are the ultimate in comfort. They give you that second-skin feeling. No annoying waistband or seams to contend with; they’re just an item of clothing that you can feel your most comfortable in. Different styles may offer some support or gentle shaping, but they should still not feel tight or leave red marks around your waist. Instead, you should just feel gently ‘held in’ and supported.
2. Dress Them Up!
You might assume that leggings and jeggings are always casual, but they can be dressed up. As with any neutral, it’s all about what you wear with your leggings and how you style the outfit (shoes, purse, accessories). Leggings worn with heels, a silk blouse, and a blazer can look office-ready. Or leather leggings can elevate and add edge to a daytime look and pull it into the evening.
3. ...Or Dress Them Down
Of course, you can go the other direction too. Who doesn’t love leggings and a tee or sweatshirt, plus their favorite pair of trainers for the ultimate weekend comfort look? And even a look like this can be taken up a notch with some designer sneakers and the right purse. The point is, don’t feel like leggings are confined to one look. They are the ultimate neutral wardrobe workhorse, meaning they can go as dressy or as casual as you feel!
4. They’re Great for Layering
Think of leggings and jeggings as a “Best Supporting Actor” in your wardrobe. They’ll rarely be the hero of your ensemble, but they’ll quietly let other items of clothing shine. Whether you wear leggings with a great blazer, sweater, dress, crop top, or a simple tee - they’ll support your whole get up.
5. They’re Amazing for Travel
Space is of the essence when you’re traveling. And so is comfort if you’re going to be sitting on a plane for long stretches. Wearing leggings check all the boxes, giving you comfort for that red-eye flight and taking up minimal space in your luggage. Which leaves more room for all the cute things you’ll want to bring home. Win-win!
6. Coverage Without Bulk
If you - for whatever reason - aren’t comfortable with a lot of skin on show, leggings and jeggings offer coverage without bulk. Leggings are perfect for wearing beneath short summer dresses or sweater dresses; they’ll protect your modesty and give you a sense of confidence and security.
7. They’re Great for Transitional Seasons
Sometimes you want that extra coverage, not for modesty reasons but because Mother Nature can be a fickle friend! Leggings will help make that summer dress fall-friendly. Or on the flip side, they’ll help lighten up a winter ensemble in spring.
8. They’re Basically a Cute Wardrobe Staple
Honestly, I can’t imagine a modern wardrobe without a pair of basic black leggings. Even for people who don’t like wearing leggings as ‘on-display’ pants, they can be layered under dresses, sweater dresses, and more.
Basically, leggings are cute, timeless (and ageless), and they’re a great staple for every wardrobe at every age… though how you might wear them may change over time.
How to Wear Leggings or Jeggings
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. Basically, this is your call… we’re no fashion police! But here are some suggestions of how leggings are commonly styled and worn.
Wear Jeggings or Leggings 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 or jeggings. 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 the look up, 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, 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, either because you’ll be running around, 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 Jeggings 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. Time and time again, this look just feels easy, cozy, and still pulled together.
Jeggings 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 leather biker jacket, compared to a cargo jacket.
Or With Tees and Trainers
Sometimes, it’s the simple things… a perfect white tee, 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 appearance.
Basically, You Can Wear Jeggings Any Way You Like!!
Truth be told, you’ll probably come up with lots of other ways to wear jeggings and leggings! There’s no wrong way, really. As long as the leggings fit you well and are opaque, you can style leggings (and jeggings) 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 a great basic legging, 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 is a must have.
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 goes with plenty of other clothing items and is easy to wear both inside and outside.
Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 5, 2023.
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.