Can you tell the difference?

Tights and leggings. Can you tell the difference? These 2 words seem to be used interchangeably nowadays, but there are some differences between them. The only thing similar about the two is that both are leg-wear.

1. Material - Tights (UK) or pantyhose (US) are made usually from a mixture of nylon, spandex and lycra. Leggings are generally made from a mixture of cotton, lycra. Tights/pantyhose are thinner than leggings. Leggings tend to be less stretchable compared to tights/pantyhose.

2. Durability - Leggings tend to be more durable due to its thickness and material used. Sheer tights are the lest durable, while opaque tights offer better durability to sheer tights.

3. Sheerness - Leggings are more opaque and hence people tend to wear them as pants, though leggings are not pants.

Oh, leggings are usually footless while tights/pantyhose are footed leg-wear.

Which one to wear? That will depend on the outfit you are wearing. With a long T-shirt or tunic, leggings are fine. With a dress, skirt, shorts .. tights (sheer or opaque) are better.