Leggings vs Pantyhose

It seems like there’s quite a bit of confusion out there about certain items of women’s clothing. Leggings are often a culprit of this confusion. And it’s no wonder; sometimes they’re called leggings, yet other times referred to as yoga pants, tights, running tights, and more.

Given this, they may be easily confused with other leg garments, including pantyhose and tights. You’ll notice the word ‘tights’ crops up in two places, and that certainly doesn’t help. 

But don’t worry - we’re going to try to clear it all up! 

High Level: They’re Both Leg Garments - But There Are Key Differences

While both leggings and pantyhose are leg garments, there is a key difference that’s easily explainable:

• Leggings are outer garments designed to be worn as clothing. They usually are footless; they start at the ankle and end at the waist.
• Pantyhose are considered a type of underwear. They are usually footed; they start at the ankle and end at the waist or thigh.

Let’s look more closely at all of these clothing types:

What Are Leggings?

Basically, leggings are opaque (not see-through) skin-tight garments. They usually pull on and off (no zipper or other fastening), and 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).

Key things to note about leggings:

• They’re opaque (i.e., not see-through)
• They come in different lengths, including:
• Full length
• Ankle-length, also known as 7/8 length
• Cropped
• Leggings come with different waist rises (similar to jeans), including:
• High waist rise
• Mid-rise
• Low-rise
• Unlike tights, they do not cover the feet; they end at the ankle

Where & How Would You Wear Leggings?

Leggings are usually skin-tight, but it is possible to wear them and still cover any area you may not want to be exposed. Some worry about visible panty lines. But this is your call. 

Here are some suggestions of how leggings are commonly styled and worn:

Wear Your Leggings With a Tunic

Tunics are strange garments. Way too short to be a dress, too long to be considered a regular top. They’re often also pretty boxy in their cut; some would even say shapeless. So, a tunic works great with leggings. 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. If you want to dress up the look, you could opt for leather (or leather-look) leggings. 

A Short Dress

Ever buy a short dress, get it home and find it’s just a bit *too* short? Or ever struggle to find the right way to wear your favorite short dress when you’re either running around, it’s windy, and/or you want to ride your bike? Leggings to the rescue! 

Or a Long Dress…

It might sound strange to wear leggings under a long dress, and indeed it is a little trickier to pull off. But long dresses with leg slits or asymmetric hemlines can be worn with leggings. This is a great way to dress the outfit down a little for day or office wear.

Try Them With Knee High Boots and a Sweater

One of my personal favorite combinations is leggings with knee-high boots (or over-the-knee boots) and an oversized sweater. This look always feels easy, cozy, and still pulled together.

Leggings 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 vibe.

And (Of Course!) They Make Great Activewear

Whether you’re doing downward dog or running 10k, or perhaps just going for a gentle stroll; leggings are the natural apparel to reach for. Indeed, we all fell back in love with leggings and yoga pants (which quickly became non-yoga pants too). But they’re still there for that. Pair with a light top or even a cropped sports bra, and look for moisture-wicking materials to help keep you dry and free from chafing.

What Are Pantyhose?

Pantyhose are considered a type of underwear. They are sometimes also called tights, though tights are usually thicker than pantyhose (but still not opaque, like leggings.) Pantyhose usually encapsulate the feet, unlike leggings, which end at the ankle (or above). 

In addition to being more see-through, it will be clear when you put on pantyhose that the toe seams and gusset are not designed to be seen. Indeed, much more modesty is generally needed with pantyhose than with leggings.

Pantyhose and tights are also usually more fragile than leggings. They can catch and tear more easily (though there are newer brands that claim to be less breakable than traditional pantyhose.)  

In general, it may be helpful to think of pantyhose as a finishing touch to an outfit rather than part of the outfit.

What’s a Garter Belt?

Most pantyhose run from the waist to the toes. But some pantyhose come as a tight, high stocking. Sometimes these stockings stay in place with elastic. But traditionally, a garter belt would be worn around the waist. That belt has dangling clips (garters) which attach to the top of these stockings to keep them in place.

Stockings are a form of pantyhose. They are sometimes considered very retro and sexy, less everyday wear and more dress-up lingerie.

How Pantyhose Differ From Tights

The main difference between pantyhose and tights is that tights are usually thicker and designed to keep the legs warm.

They’re often black and made of thicker material that can be ribbed or have a knitted appearance. They are more commonly worn in winter to keep warm. And tights are a thicker, more opaque legwear than pantyhose, despite still being see-through to some extent. 

Generally, like pantyhose, tights cover the toes and go all the way to the waist. Pantyhose and tights like these are still considered underwear rather than clothing.

Where & How Would You Wear Tights or Pantyhose?

Both tights and pantyhose are usually worn under skirts and dresses, and their stretch fabric make each exceedingly comfortable. Because they come in such dramatically different styles and colors, they can be worn in many ways, too.

Traditional pantyhose are often ‘nude’ or flesh-colored, but wearing them can smooth out the skin’s appearance, offering a little extra coverage and, of course, warmth.

But more decorative pantyhose and stockings can be a style statement. There are fishnet styles, footless tights, sheer tights, thicker tights, and more.  It’s worth considering the style and length of your dress or skirt when choosing the style of your pantyhose. You want them to complement each other, not compete for attention.

Where It Can Get Confusing: “Running Tights”

Okay, now we’ve established that pantyhose/tights and leggings are completely different things, let’s bring back the confusion. Some people call ‘leggings,’ ‘tights’ (or ‘running tights’ or ‘yoga tights.’) This leggings-tights naming convention is sometimes due to regional differences (the same way the Brits call chips, crisps, and fries, chips.) More and more, though, this confusion is clearing up, and many people are calling leggings simply that.

In Conclusion: Leggings = Clothing, Pantyhose = Underwear

While some people find leggings controversial as clothing, they are indisputably designed to be worn as clothing. Indeed, they’re a staple in most people’s wardrobes today. From working out to lounging, layering with daywear, and even for evening wear, leggings have established themselves as a must-have in most people’s closets.

Pantyhose have also been a mainstay in our closets, but for very different reasons. This form of underwear can be smoothing to the silhouette and the skin. It can add warmth and its own style statement to your ensemble.

In summary: Never feel like you need to choose between leggings and pantyhose. They’re not in competition, and there are probably times you will need both in your life!

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on February 6, 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.