What is the difference between tights and leggings?

A modern men's and women's sports wardrobe must include sweatpants. The trends of the last ten years offer a wide range of original styles so that any sport activity at a professional or amateur level, be it: running, yoga, strength training, acrobatics, dancing (and even just active recreation) gives a feeling of comfort, lightness, convenience and absolute protection.

The designers have done their best to ensure that you and I have a good choice. Moreover, they have learned to create such sports bottoms that are "for a feast, for the world, and for good people." These are classic straight pants, and loose-fitting models, tight-fitting styles, long sports pants, ankle-length, with cuffs, elastic, and even with a zipper. But the most relevant models today are tights, leggings, and tights.

All three items are a type of sweatpants. They are great for different types of physical activity, and they have a lot in common:

• Tights, leggings and tights have an aerodynamic shape - they fit tightly to the body, exactly repeating the relief of the legs.
• They all stretch well in different directions at once, allowing you to perform intense and high-amplitude exercises without restrictions.
• They do not rub in places of bends and, for the most part, have good vapor permeability.
• Like any other sports equipment, they are strong and wear-resistant enough to withstand heavy aerobic, anaerobic and interval loads, including: impact, friction, stretching and tearing.

However, despite their external and partially functional similarity, tights, leggings and jeggings have certain differences. Moreover, they are most pronounced between the first and the other two, and are less significant for leggings and jeggings. So, the topic of today's publication is how tights differ from jeggings and leggings.

We suggest considering this issue in the format:

1. Features of tights.
2. Features of leggings.
3. Features of tights.

We will conduct an analysis based on such indicators as: key function, purpose, contraindication, length, design features, seasonality and material of manufacture. In the end, as always, we will summarize.

1. FEATURES OF TIGHTS

Tights are modern sports pants with a tight cut and a well-defined compression (squeezing) effect. The name comes from the English noun "tights", which literally means - leotards, tights, leggings (that is, the item fits well). Another translation of this word as an adjective and an adverb (respectively, "tight" and "tightly") means "dense" or "stretched", "tightly" or "closely". In other words, the item does not just sit tighter than regular tights, but tightens the body well, and this is the main property of these pants.

Key function - compression

By constantly squeezing the body, compression stores and returns energy during stretching and contraction of muscle tissue. It helps push blood back to the heart and improves circulation. As a result, the load on the heart and blood vessels decreases (the latter are not deformed from excessive expansion) and the overall endurance of the body increases. The athlete recovers strength faster and can increase the effectiveness of the workout due to reduced muscle vibration and improved proprioception (sensation of your muscles and body in space). In addition, during the workout, tights constantly keep the muscles warm, which reduces the likelihood of muscle injuries: swelling, tears, sprains.

Purpose.

Compression pants were created exclusively for sports (almost all types of sports), both indoors and outdoors. Professionals and amateurs love tights precisely for their compression. It noticeably supports muscles and enhances every movement of the athlete. Moreover, this is clearly felt in any sports discipline: on the tennis court, in the marathon distance, in the wrestling hall, when performing strength and interval training, such as weightlifting, bodybuilding, crossfit.

Contraindications.

Unlike medical compression garments (with four levels of compression, where only the first is used for prevention), sports compression garments have a compression level between 0 and 1 on the medical scale. Therefore, tights have almost no contraindications. However, before using them, you should consult with your doctor. There are a number of inflammatory skin processes and chronic vascular diseases, in which the use of "compression" is prohibited.

Tights are differentiated by gender

They are male and female, including adult and children's models. The cut of such tights necessarily takes into account the features of the body structure. There is also a separate group - unisex tights - products with a universal cut.

Vary in length

Compression pants come in three types:

1. Long - these are ankle-length or fully foot-covering. They are often used for aerobic and strength training.
2. Short - knee-length, like shorts. They are loved by marathon runners and cyclists (that's why they are often called "bicycle shorts").
3. Medium - everything that lies between the long and short sizes, usually just below the knees. Such tights are popular in almost all sports.

Main design features

• The presence of a wide elastic belt that tightly hugs the waist. True, this option is not available in all models. But where it is present, it is guaranteed to relieve tension and, as a result, abdominal fatigue, plus it ensures stability of the lower back.
• The presence of one or two pockets on the back of the waist (this is their classic location) or in the front (extremely rare).
• Zippers on the shins for easy putting on of tights. They are present only in the training version of compression pants, they are not present in competition clothing.
• Compression can be general or general with zonal elements. The first tights have the maximum compression level at the ankles, and as they rise to the waist, it weakens. The second ones have the same thing + areas (zones) with additional compression on certain muscles are added.
• Mandatory zonal ventilation in areas with the greatest sweating (under the knees and lumbar region).

Vary by season

Often the length of tights is chosen taking into account both the type of training and the season.

• Short and medium-length tights are used for summer and warm autumn-spring periods.
• For the cold off-season - long or medium tights + compression stockings.
• For outdoor training in winter - long insulated (thicker) tights with microfleece inside. In these you can actively engage in sports in the fresh air in a fairly wide range of temperatures - from +5ºС to -15ºС

Material of manufacture

They are made only from high-tech sports knitwear based on synthetic and artificial fibers (very rarely - with the addition of natural fibers, such as merino wool). As a rule, the fabric composition includes: polyester, nylon and lycra (the latter can be called spandex, elastane, neolan, vorin - they are all very similar in characteristics). Polyester gives the material significant strength and wear resistance. Nylon allows the pants to stretch perfectly and restore shape. And the use of lycra gives compression to the muscles, without restricting their movements at all. This composition effectively removes sweat and dries quickly (10 times faster than any natural materials), breathes perfectly, warming and cooling when necessary. At the same time, sports synthetics with silver molecules (or antibacterial impregnation) cope well with sweat odor and protect the skin from the negative effects of fungi.

2. FEATURES OF LEGGINGS

Leggings are hosiery items, a type of tight-fitting sweatpants. The key word here is "tight-fitting sweatpants". That is, leggings, like tights, are primarily sportswear. In contrast, leggings are more sportswear, but we will talk about them in detail below. Leggings first appeared as a type of men's pants in the Russian army in the 18th century. The material used to make them was deer or elk skin (hence the name). But with the advent of regular trousers, leggings disappeared for a long time. Their second coming took place in the 80s of the 20th century, thanks to the appearance of such a material as lycra. Leggings were on the fashion catwalks for a while, but very quickly moved into the category of sportswear with a compression effect and never went beyond that.

The key function is to ensure comfort during training

The elastic fabric and anatomical cut of the leggings allow the pants to fit tightly around the legs, precisely following the contours of the body. The leggings have a compression effect, but not as strong as tights. And yet, it is the tight fit that allows the athlete to feel every movement and control the situation. Their main advantage:

• Convenience - free amplitude and no movement restrictions.
• Universality - suitable for all types of aerobic training at home, in the gym and outdoors.
• Protection - partially protects blood vessels from overload, while warming well and constantly maintaining muscles in a warm state, which reduces the risk of injury.
• Comfort - due to the tight fit, the pants effectively wick away moisture and dry quickly.

Purpose - sports and active lifestyle

There are regular, universal leggings with a very weak tightening effect and special models for specific types of training. The first will allow you to comfortably do gymnastics, morning jogging and any activity for the benefit of your health. The second ones are specially created for running, fitness, yoga, that is, for high-intensity and low-intensity training. They differ primarily in the composition of the fabric and some design features.

Contraindications

Due to the weak compression effect (usually tending more towards "0" than "1" on the medical scale), leggings have no contraindications for long-term use in the gym and beyond. It is only important to be in constant motion (that is, simply lying down and reading a book or sleeping in them is unhealthy).

Leggings differ by gender

They can be found in both women's and men's wardrobes. Tight pants are worn by people of different builds. And of course, those with slender legs and a beautiful figure look more advantageous. But at the same time, leggings also provide a neat appearance for thin and curvy people, especially if you choose the right color, length, print and complement them with the right top. Such sports equipment will at least improve your mood and increase your self-esteem.

They vary in length and fit

Leggings can be of medium length, just below the knees and long to the ankle. The latter can have a crossbar to fix the legs on the foot. This version of elastic sports pants suits all girls without exception. Most women's leggings have a wide elastic waistband from 10 to 18 cm and a high waist. Such models emphasize the waistline well, cover a problematic tummy, sit securely and visually lengthen the legs. Men's leggings, on the contrary, have a medium or low rise and a belt up to 5 cm wide. It can have a silicone band so that the pants do not slip and sit securely or be equipped with an internal cord for additional fixation.

Main design features and design

• The cut can be one-piece (seamless) or with inserts. The latter, according to reviews from actively training athletes, is more comfortable and practical. It takes into account the anatomical features of the body better. True, such leggings have more seams, but they are all made using flatlock technology (overlock seam), which means they do not protrude, do not rub or irritate the skin.
• Inserts can be decorative (visually highlight the hips, waist, buttocks), compression (this is local compression) and ventilation (in the form of mesh or special perforated fabric). The latter are located in very active areas: under the knees, on the lower back, buttocks, on the inner thighs.
• Women's mid-rise leggings can have a silicone band instead of a wide belt.
• Push Up leggings will help you quickly solve the problem of insufficient volume of your "fifth point". A special cut, the presence of specially shaped back pockets or silicone inserts on the inside will help lift your buttocks, making their shape more attractive.
• It must be said that, unlike tights, leggings come in amazingly beautiful colors and prints, especially women's models. Their patterns are mesmerizing, and the design attracts attention and is memorable. This can be: gradient, geometry, abstraction, animalistic and galactic prints. Men's training leggings are available in different colors, but the most popular option is dark tones with bright inserts.

Differ by season

Leggings are considered seasonal sportswear, that is, along with thin summer options, there are also fleece-lined leggings for outdoor sports in the cold season.

Material

Synthetics and semi-synthetics. Among synthetics, the most popular material for making sports leggings is Biflex Elastic. This is a high-tech synthetic with a compression effect, providing good elasticity in 4 directions at once. Sports knitwear includes elastane, lurex, microfiber, nylon. Each type of synthetic fiber gives Biflex certain characteristics. It is hypoallergenic, shape-stable, breathable, wicks moisture well and dries quickly, is not afraid of UV rays and does not fade. The elasticity of the material in its pure form is from 500 to 700%. Among semi-synthetics, a mixture with viscose, cotton or linen is popular. In this case, the stretch effect of the product drops to 200%.

3. FEATURES OF LEGGINGS

Leggings are a type of tight pants. They are very similar to leggings and tights, but unlike them, they are not sportswear, but belong to the category - sports-style clothing (the exception is sports leggings - an analogue of leggings). They have English origins: leggings from leg - foot. Leggings are an invariable attribute of casual style. Such pants are present only in the wardrobe of the beautiful half of humanity. They are worn by women of any age and build.

The key function is to provide comfort and not restrict movement

Leggings are very convenient in everyday life as home clothes, and in addition, they fit perfectly into everyday street wardrobe (provided that the ensemble is chosen correctly).

Purpose

Skinny pants perfectly emphasize the figure. They are worn with both sports shoes and platform shoes or with a stable heel. They go well with most items in a woman's wardrobe and perfectly complement spectacular multi-layered looks. Leggings are versatile in use - suitable for physical education, dancing, active recreation, city walks, parties, shopping. And some models can be worn to work if the company does not have a strict dress code.

Contraindication

If the model does not have an obvious compression effect (the so-called sports leggings), then it can be used in everyday life without restrictions on the time of wearing.

Vary in length

Leggings do not differ by gender - they are exclusively a women's prerogative, but the length of tight pants is not so categorical: they can be long or shortened just above the ankle.

Main design features

• In most cases, leggings have a low and medium rise without a wide waistband.
• There are variants with back patch pockets, belt loops, various inserts made of similar material but a different color, or of materials of a different texture.
• The lower part of the legs can be open or end with a “loop” that is used to fix the foot.
• There are "hooligan" models of pants with a torn pattern or slits on the knees, as well as leggings with many cuts in the front or on the sides. Such things are worn with clothes in an informal style.
• Leggings, like tights, are presented in a huge variety of colors. Moreover, the models can be either plain or with various patterns, including 3D. Such models make any image bright and unique.

Vary by season

Leggings are seasonal clothing. For summer - pants made of polyester and viscose. For spring and autumn - tight-fitting pants made of medium-density knitwear. And for the cold off-season and winter - products made of thick knitwear with additional insulation on the back side made of fleece.

Material of manufacture

For sports leggings, biflex, elastic, lycra are used. And leggings for everyday use are sewn from a variety of materials. The composition can be natural, synthetic, mixed. The main requirement for the fabric is its elasticity. The cut can be tight and partially loose. Often elastic denim and woolen fabrics with the addition of lycra or spandex are used. Knitted leggings are also available. Options made of elastic "leather-like" fabric are very popular.

Let's sum it up

So, how are tights different from leggings and tights?

Tights differ from leggings and tights by their high compression effect and purpose - they are exclusively sportswear for high-intensity strength and aerobic training. Tights are sportswear with a low compression effect (compression - between "0" and "1" on the medical scale). And leggings are tight-fitting pants in a sports style: for home, city, active recreation, parties.

Tights are made only from high-tech synthetics. The material for leggings and tights is a synthetic and combined composition (in the case of leggings, it can be as close to natural as possible).

Universal sports leggings are great for all types of aerobic training at home, in the gym and outdoors. They will be comfortable for doing gymnastics, morning jogging and any activity for your health. But if you have chosen a specific sport, note that there are leggings for high-intensity and low-intensity training.

Leggings are not suitable for sports, but for home, city and active recreation - this is an ideal option. They allow you to create spectacular casual images. You can also find sports leggings on the market. When choosing such, be sure to pay attention to the composition of the fabric. It will indicate what activity these tight pants are suitable for.

Below we publish a summary table of the features of each pants.