Stockings, Tights, and Leggings: Which is It?

Often confused with one another, we ladies tend to use the names stockings, tights, and leggings interchangeably to describe the thin cloth that keeps our legs warm in the winter. In reality, the three aren’t the same, though their differences are uncomplicated: stockings, tights, and leggings (in that specific order) only differ in their level of opacity and coverage. Stockings are the sheerest and the shortest of the three, whereas leggings offer full coverage and can double as pants. Tights fall somewhere in the middle. The ever-growing trend of covering your legs is the perfect excuse to add an extra layer during the winter months—and to shopping trips! 

Stockings 

Stockings bring sex appeal to the party of leg-hugging attire. They start at the toes and end at the knee or mid-thigh. It was once popular to pair stockings with a garter belt to keep them in place, however today, garter belts are used as a form of lingerie. Stockings are sheer and generally worn with a skirt or dress, and they are often paired with a boot or heel. Currently, an opaque stocking made of knit material paired with a cute dress is a trend taking the fashion world by storm. Check out these cream colored thigh highs by Urban Outfitters. The perfect look to keep your legs warm while sporting a cozy sweater dress on these chilly days.  

Tights

Tights are the happy medium of the three. They are made of a sheer, often transparent material that is slightly more opaque and resilient than stockings. Tights come in a variety of colors, however nude, black, navy, and mauve tend to be the most popular. Wearing nude or skin-colored tights makes for flawless and smooth legs. When worn under a dress or skirt, a nude tight creates the illusion of perfect bare legs. A black, navy, or mauve tight can be worn to give a more sophisticated or modest look to an otherwise revealing outfit. Colorful Floral prints are expected to be huge this season in fashion. If wearing colorful flowers on your legs is too eccentric, don’t worry—the "it" look is still achievable with a more modest tone. Try these floral print tights by Calvin Klein for a quiet version. Paired with cute booties, a knee-length cotton or knit dress, and a scarf to rock the season’s hottest look. 

Leggings 

Often acting as a pant, leggings are a comfortable and flattering alternative to jeans. They come in endless colors and styles and may be referred to as "yoga pants." Due to their flexibility and full coverage appeal, leggings have become a permanent fixture at the gym. They provide freedom of movement while acting almost as a second skin. Outside of the gym, leggings are paired with oversized sweaters, tee shirts, and crop tops. Their tight, curve-hugging fit often makes for a flattering silhouette of a woman’s natural shape. Designers such as Marc Jacob, Alexander Wang, and Dior owned the runway this season with Steampunk and Goth legging looks. For a mild, ready-to-wear version, check out these daring lace-up Nasty Gal leggings that embrace the punk theme. Pair them with black pumps, or tone them down with a soft T-shirt or blouse

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