leggings as tights and seams - YouLookFab Forum

I've sadly been away from YLF a lot more than I would have liked recently, and want to make sure I haven't strayed too far over the past year.

In the winter, I frequently wear leggings (that are very much not pants) as tights under skirts or dresses and boots. I've been looking for a new pair of brown leggings, as neither of my current two brown leggings are great (one has uncomfortable stirrups and are pilling, the other isn't the shade I want). So here's the first set of questions: Have I already gone crazy wearing leggings as tights? When are leggings as tights ok, and when are they not? Are there some super thick tights that I should be buying instead (and can they double as loungewear)?

And the second part is that the leggings I'm considering buying and wearing as tights have moderately visible seaming on the sides (http://a2.zassets.com/images/z.....TIVIEW.jpg) Is this way too casual and/or tacky to wear with pencil skirts and heeled boots? My fear is that the seams make these look like athletic gear that would look odd with business casual attire, but I have a history of blow small details way out of proportion. What do you think?

13 years ago

Anonymous

Welcome back Kate! I couldn't begin to know, as I own neither leggings nor tights, but at least you aren't wearing them as pants.

catgirl

Veteran

I wear leggings as tights all the time with tall boots and skirts. I have a couple of seamless ones but in a pinch I don't care about the seam. It's usually not noticeable (at least I hope not).

I also have those fleece-lined tights that are really awesome...

http://www.shopbop.com/fleece-.....859764.htm

are the pricey ones but there are cheaper versions.

(website)

Nice to see you! I'm really not sure. I wear leggings in winter under sweater dresses or tunics. I have once or twice tried under a skirt, but it feels odd to me. Maybe I am getting that same 'gearish' feeling without being able to put a name on it? The seams are just an interesting detail I think - neither gear or not gear.

shiny

Is this because you want the added warmth?

Have you considered layering? I usually just layer two pairs of tights, or I wear ponte knit pants that have fake five pocket look. There are a lot of ponte knit leggings out there in the stores now; that may be a good option, though I would not sleep in ponte knit since it's polyester/doesn't breath.

I wouldn't wear these as tights or leggings, but I do wear them as loungewear around the house, to sleep in, and to exercise in (as base layer):

http://www.smartwool.com/women.....-9950.html

They are quite warm, yet breathable. And do not itch. However, they attract lint like crazy, which is why I wouldn't wear them as tights or leggings.

.. and your thread reminds me I had replacement smart wool leggings on my list for this winter -- thanks!

Mander

I have been pondering this very thing! somehow putting on tights feels like a hassle, so I end up being too lazy to wear skirts or dresses. Something seems off when I wear leggings instead, though. Maybe they are just too heavy to be a substitute.

Scarlet

I wouldn't wear those seamed leggings as tights for anything but very casual. If the issue is warmth I would look for wool tights.

Sona

I wear leggings as tights but usually buy the h and m or other european brands where seaming isn't very visible. I find them much more comfortable on my crotch than tights.

lyn67

I'm always curious about the thema. I was only last fall I have worn leggings as tights under dresses and skirts. It's comfy but it all depends on the fabric both of the leggings and the skirt/dresses you're wearing them with. Sorry I cannot be more specific, but you have to try and see. I've worn knee length denim dress and cord skirt with thick (pants like) black ankle leggings and wedges only, as I felt a jersey dress, or a smarter wool/knitted skirt, will clash with leggings in terms of textures and perhaps level of refinement.
BTW Ican see easier to style leggings as tights with sweatter dresses and chiffon tunics-when you want to wear tall boots.
But see what Deborah(AU)-the Queen of Leggings-says:-)
(I think she listed leggings as the most useful garnment in her warrobe, or so?)

modgrl

I just got a pair of these spanx leggings to wear as tights under dresses in the winter.

http://www.spanx.com/product/i.....age=family

Last year I just wore tights but I want to be able to wear warm socks and I hate wearing socks with panty hose. Also I want them to be really really really opaque and I think leggings will do the trick better than tights.

Rita, how do you like the Spanx high waist leggings?? I have the worst time with hose, tights, leggings digging into my midsection. I hate it.

Diana

Hmm, I've always found that leggings make a look FAR more casual than tights. I will say though that I ONLY buy cotton or modal leggings, never poly (hate how they feel). The poly ones tend to look shinier and sleeker so they might work better.

I like footless tights, especially under boots with socks. They're far comfier than the ones with feet (less pulling and sagging), plus they last longer since I always put holes in the toes of my tights. Actually I have been known to chop the feet off of regular tights after they get holes.

Ariadne

I almost always wear leggings as tights, but my lifestyle is very casual so I'm wearing them with tunics and very casual dresses. Tights always fall down on me and I'm constantly tugging them up. Drives. Me. Batty. (That said, I'm going to try some wool ones this year).

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