Tights v. Leggings

I was asked recently what the difference was between tights and leggings—and what to wear when. Since this is actually not the first time I’ve been asked the question, I thought this subject deserved it’s own blog topic. What is the deal with tights, leggings, and for that matter jeggings and treggings? Yes, you heard me right on the last one. The legging is one portmanteau* loving fashion trend.

Tights come in all colors, pattern, and opacity level. But regardless of the type, they are almost always worn under something else (dress, skirt, or shorts). Unless you’re trying to pull a Lindsay Lohan hot mess, I don’t recommend wearing them on their own. Here are some of my favorite tights pick:

Contrast Heel and Toe Tights – $10.91
These plain opaque tight colors goes with everything. I also love the details on the heels and toes that are reminiscent of socks.
Buy at ASOS

The Peek-A-Boo Fishnet Tights – $14.90
Buy at Shop Akira

Like tights, leggings also comes in many different flavors. If you think jeggings are crazy, try treggings (that’s a combo of trousers and leggings, by the way). Unlike it’s tights cousin, leggings can be worn on its own. But if you’re not ready for all that jelly, you can still wear tights underneath skirt, shorts, dress, and even tunic tops that covers your rear. Here are some of my favorite picks:

Marble Print Leggings – $12.80
Pair this legging with a slouchy graphic tee, circle scarf, and leather jacket for a rocker look.
Buy at Forever 21

Moto Blue Leigh Supersoft Skinny Jeans – $76
Don’t be fooled, “supersoft skinny jeans” is another code word for jegging.
Buy at TopShop

Really Skinny Pants – $59.95
I love this skinny pants/ tregging because it’s super versatile and you can wear it casual or dress it up for a night out. Paired with the right top (read: one the covers your booty), it can even be appropriate workday outfit.
Buy at Gap

Here’s proof for those of you that don’t believe that tregging can be appropriate workwear. Yes, my blazer did cover up my booty. And yes, I did have a big presentation on the day I wore this outfit.

*For you those of you non-nerds, portmanteau is the blend of two or more words into one word. As in, jeans plus leggings equals jeggings.