Leggings vs Yoga Pants

It’s easy to be confused in the world of fashion. Of course, it’s a world that isn’t static. Every season, garments are invented and reinvented. And this can sometimes impact the language used. This can leave many of us confused about what term refers to which garment.

To compound this confusion, there are geographical differences. What something is called in the U.K. may differ from how it’s described in the U.S. 

Leggings had a massive resurgence as part of the athleisure movement in the last 10-15 years. And since then, many different styles and types have emerged. Moreover, different terminology is used; some call them leggings, others yoga pants. Sometimes, they’re running leggings or activewear leggings. Other times, they’re simply running tights. 

Let’s try to clear up the confusion on leggings vs yoga pants - for good! 

Are Leggings the Same as Yoga Pants?

Some people definitely use the terms leggings and yoga pants interchangeably. They have a lot in common, and many of us also wear them interchangeably.

If you want to be a complete purist about it, there are some differences. But they also have quite a lot in common. At the end of the day, they’re both pull-on, skin-tight pants. 

What Are Leggings or Fashion 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 visible 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). These leggings are usually worn and sold as everyday clothing items, ideal for layering under dresses and sweaters. 

For the most part, though, when people say ‘leggings,’ they’re thinking about a classic, black neutral piece. Leggings can, however, also include certain styles of leather or pleather (faux leather) leggings/stretchy pants.  

What Are Yoga Pants or Yoga Leggings?

Yoga pants - aka activewear leggings - are a kind of legging. Yoga pants were designed originally for wear during yoga classes, but they have long been part of our everyday wear. Many of us lived in yoga pants during the pandemic, for example. (When we weren't in our elastic or drawstring waist pants, of course.) 

Because yoga is a very active exercise and practice, with lots of bending, stretching, twisting, and even inversions, yoga pants have some characteristics that you may not necessarily find in ‘fashion leggings.’

For one, yoga pants are generally worn higher on the waist, so they don’t slip when you’re doing forward bends. Like most athletic wear, yoga leggings are often made of a sweat-wicking material to keep you dry and cool during your practice. 

As yoga leggings came to be worn for other exercises and sports, more technology and innovation were introduced to activewear leggings. Among those innovations was compression, or compression zones.

Compression Leggings (aka Compression Pants or Compression Tights)

The term “compression” in clothing is not regulated, so it can fall on a spectrum. Compression clothing includes socks, yoga pants, shorts, and sleeves. Compression materials put pressure on different parts of the body (and the amount of pressure can vary.) Some compression garments are all-over compression, and some (like Knix leggings) have compression zones.

The purpose of compression pressure is to improve blood circulation, which can help with athletic performance, reduce fatigue and even aid with muscle recovery. Compression leggings usually look “sportier” than regular leggings. They will usually have a thicker waistband and are often high-rise. You may even notice more panels on the legs. Materials will look less like 100% cotton, and you’ll probably notice greater elasticity, which may make these items look much smaller on the hanger.

Can You Wear Yoga Pants as Leggings?

As mentioned, many people use the terms ‘leggings’ and ‘yoga pants’ interchangeably, and they each come in a range of styles, from the simplest black garments to adorned, paneled, and performance garments.

So, basically, yes: You will be able to find a pair of yoga pants that will serve as part of your everyday wardrobe as ‘fashion leggings.’ You may find that yoga pants tend to come with a higher percentage of elastane than fashion leggings (which will have a higher percentage of cotton.) This may make yoga pants appear shinier, which may - or may not - be a look you’re going for!

Leggings and Yoga Pants vs Tights 

Tights are different from leggings and yoga pants. They are usually considered part of your underwear rather than an item of clothing.

For one, they’re usually much less opaque (even thicker tights will usually have some degree of see-through). It’s worth noting that tights come with different degrees of opaqueness, often identified as the “denier” of the tights. While underwear with a very thin denier is often referred to as “pantyhose”, the term “tights” usually refers to a thicker stocking. And, of course, tights encapsulate your feet too.

While both tights and leggings can be used for layering (e.g. you can wear leggings under a dress as an alternative to pantyhose), tights are not designed to be worn as ‘pants’ the way leggings can be. The gusset and seams are not generally designed to be on display (never mind the fact they’re usually more sheer than you’d want your outerwear to be).

Like leggings, tights can come in different designs and colors. You can have lace, wool and nylon, or even fishnet tights, to name a few. They can range from very translucent to very thick (again, usually identified by the denier). They can even be embellished with crystals and other adornments.

Tights are also usually more fragile than leggings. They can catch and tear more easily. For the most part, we think of tights as a finishing touch to an outfit rather than a major part of that outfit.

Let’s quickly summarize the key differences between leggings vs tights:

The Difference Between Leggings and Tights

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Yoga Pants or Leggings

Whether you’re wearing yoga pants in the yoga studio or out for brunch, there are some key characteristics you will want to consider when shopping for your ideal pair. This includes navigating the many yoga pant styles out there!

Length Is a Consideration

Leggings generally come in different lengths, and each individual brand may label those lengths differently. Basically, you’ll have full-length, ankle-length, and cropped. So just be really clear on the look you’re going for. Do you want to show a little ankle? Do you want to show a little bit of your lower calf? Or do you want full coverage? When you find a legging you love, you might also want it in all the different lengths offered. 

...As Is Rise

Similar to jeans, leggings come in high, medium, and low rise. Again, this is a personal choice. Some women love feeling held in by high-waisted yoga pants (especially when they’re in yoga class doing activities that involve a lot of bends). Others like to show a little midriff and opt for a medium rise. 

Your taste in jeans is generally a good indicator here, as is the activity you’ll be wearing leggings for. When all else fails, go for comfort.

Look For Other Features, Like Moisture-Wicking

The benefits of compression can be offset if you get hot and sweaty, especially if the material doesn’t wick away that moisture. So look for moisture-wicking (or sweat-wicking) fabrics too. That way, you’re not just compressed, but will also stay cool and dry, which will help prevent chafing.

Do You Want Compression?

Compression materials put pressure on different parts of the body (and the amount of pressure can vary). Some compression garments are all-over compression, and some (like Knix athletic leggings) have compression zones.

Pay Attention to Seams

Yoga pants and leggings are great for preventing inner thigh chafing, as the material creates a physical barrier to prevent friction. Seams, however, can sometimes cause chafing too. So pay attention to how seams are cut and look for seams that are offset on the inner leg, so they don’t constantly rub together.

Cheap Leggings Can Become See-Through

Unfortunately, as with so many things in life: Buyer beware the cheapest option. Often, cheaper yoga pants and leggings are the leggings that will become transparent after a few washes. They may also lose their shape, becoming baggy in the bottom or legs. You may even find that the color fades, so your perfect black leggings soon become a sad, gray version of themselves.

So, if you want yoga pants and leggings that will hold their shape, color, and opaqueness, spending a little more will be well worth it. Only you, of course, can be the judge of that. 

Always be sure to try leggings on first and foremost. Then once they're yours, keep a close eye on them as they wash. Soon enough, you’ll be able to separate the real deal from the pretenders.

Check Out Knix Leggings!

If you’re on the hunt for a great yoga legging, look no further!

Our leggings come in all the 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). Our leggings have 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 personalize and easy to wear both inside and outside - whether it's to yoga practice or simply for a nice walk through the park.   

Check out all our leggings here.

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.