Team Tights or Team Leggings? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Team Tights or Team Leggings?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

On my recent posts about casual statements and at work-at-home wear that is as comfy as PJs, I've discovered that there seems to be a bit of a divide between those who will happily wear tights with skirts and dresses and those who detest them; between those who enjoy wearing leggings and find them far more comfy or more flattering than tights, and those who find leggings uncomfortable, unflattering, or "undressed."

Quite a number of you were worried that I would find my new dress-with-tights ensemble uncomfortable for a day at home. And several suggested leggings as a more comfortable and possibly better looking option.

I couldn't have been more surprised!

Now, full disclosure: given a choice, I would far rather go bare-legged in a dress. And that is one big reason I wear more dresses in the summer!

I also think -- with my colouring -- it's easier for me to create cohesive and flattering outfits if am bare-legged and/ or wearing nude hose. Dark opaque tights (or leggings) do nothing to "lighten up" my winter world, alas.

But. considering my climate, I need to wear something warm on my legs for half the year. Usually, by default, it is pants. But if I am wearing a dress, I would far, far, far rather wear tights underneath it than leggings, for comfort.

Every legging I've ever tried has slid down on me through the course of the day. (How do you keep them up???? )

Plus, leggings leave lumps and bumps under my dress at the waistline -- so they end up adding bulk and feeling "bunchy."

Tights, on the other hand, conform more to my shape, and as E. says: I've always found mine to be very comfy as long as I don't twist them when putting them on!

But I suspect that she and I are in the minority on this. And I would love to be educated.

Are you Team Tights or Team Leggings? Vote YAY for tights and NAY for leggings -- and explain to me your thoughts!

You may bench yourself if you hate both or never wear either. (Hot chocolate for you, because we like that in a cold climate...).

And if you happily wear both, you can sit on a different bench, and eat some "elastic Turkish ice cream."

Dressing

105 replies

Latest reply was from jurocha

rabbit

Veteran

Yum I want to try that ice-cream, so I'm happily on the bench. I like and wear both tights and leggings (dark hair, so it generally works from a book-ending/column of color perspective). I have to say though for all day wear, leggings (with socks) are more comfy for me than tights.

Leggings with bare ankle skin can get cold or not work with certain shoes, so sometimes the tights win out. My leggings don't fall down because my butt keeps them up I think? It may be that the leggings you have tried were too big? Mine generally don't lump at the waist no matter what dress I'm wearing.

gryffin

Veteran

Wow Suz - I have never had leggings fall down or bag out. Eventually they do pill but that's years usually of industrial wear. Have you tried good old Danskin supplex leggings? Danskin changed their factory, their new fabric is not quite as wonderful as the old, but they are thick and so far wear well and long enough. I can't choose. I never go bare legged. I wear both tights and leggings - it depends on the dress. With tunics, of course, always leggings. I like the Hue super opaque control tops (in black of course). I could not live without both. For lounging, legging because less chance of snagging with the dogs, but for work/out of house either depending on the other pieces!!

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

I guess I'm on the ice cream bench, although as an IT, I have trouble keeping anything but tight hose and tights up for long. That said, horses for courses though...

Joy

Veteran

Tights. I feel undressed in leggings and sometimes foolish like an old person in child's clothing. If I wear leggings, I want woven skinnies, not stretchy jersey.
My YLF education continues with the elastic Turkish ice cream

Peri

Veteran

I know I would choose tights...because I don't have any leggings! Because I'm one who feels they look undressed, unless worn with a longer dress, in which case they might as well be tights.

Which brings up a question...really, what is the difference? I think of leggings as not having feet, and tights as having feet. That in general leggings are a bit thicker but certainly not always.

So really, if you are wearing a dress and boots, wouldn't leggings and tights look pretty much the same?

Deborah

Veteran

Suz, I am with you on the bare legged thing with dresses. That is generally my preference and why I also favour dresses more in summer than winter My pale skin colour lightens up my black dresses nicely

However I am a leggings girl. For me they have an edgier integrity. My leggings all sit smooth on my tummy and I never have any problem with them riding down. They work beautifully with my ankle boots and provide added warmth (one pair I have are fleecy lined). They also come in varying textures. One pair I have, have a subtle sheen to them, making them look quite sleek and dressy.

Not sure if that fully explains it but I love leggings!!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I wear leggings, but only as gear. Otherwise, tights, but I am not a huge fan of most tights because they are annoying to readjust after potty trips.TMI. sorry.

DonnaF

Veteran

Never ever leggings; always tights (NON-control top) for as long as I can remember. I have short, heavy legs and tights give me a longer line. They are reasonably comfy unless it gets too hot. I don't tend to wear dresses, just mostly skirts, so the major annoyance is when I'm wearing a lot of layers that include a slip and a cami in addition to the usual top layers. It is just a lot to get sorted out after the bathroom run; after all, who wants the wrong things tucked in?

FWIW, I have a proportionately small waist, so I never have the tourniquet issues of which other women complain. If there's any question at all about size, I size up. Thus, my tights never slither down unless they are ANCIENT and the rubber is disintegrating.

Tania

Veteran

I need to sit this one out. I have one pair of each and have worn each one time. I currently have no skirts or dresses in the rotation.

But, historically, I found leggings much more comfortable than tights, but I have never had them fall/sag/misshapen. My mom worked in the garment industry and made/had access to all sorts of high quality leggings from the likes of Ann Taylor and J Crew. Then again, that was back in the late 80's early 90's! Lol. I barely realized they had come back in style a few years ago.

Diana

Veteran

Leggings! But I am very selective about them. I don't wear any that contain polyester because that makes me itch. My current go-tos are the modal ones from gap. Super soft and not itchy. I buy them a size too big so they're not super tight.

I hate tights. The reasons being:
--I find them itchy.
--I find the waistbands binding. Also they always seem extremely high.
--if I size up they are still tight. And then they sag. Eta: at the crotch. The waist stays up, so I have BOTH the binding waist AND the saggy crotch.
--I don't like not being able to wiggle my toes. Especially when not wearing shoes. For the record I never wear socks at home either. I'm either barefoot or in warm slippers.
--they're not particularly warm anyway.
--I hate putting them on. Making sure they're not twisted, making sure I don't have any dry skin to snag, etc etc.

Footless tights are somewhat more acceptable.
All that said I do still sometimes suck it up and wear tights. They are better than leggings for dressy things for sure. And sometimes I want to look more refined. Still, it's definitely a trade off between comfort and style in that case.

My real preference is bare legs but I also like not freezing to death.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Never TMI, Ummlila! That is precisely what I am curious about!

I am also rapidly collecting brand names for leggings to try. I have not tried Danskin (since the 80s). So that is a possible. I have tried Hue, and love their tights...but the leggings haven't been winners for me. So far. But perhaps I was not buying the right size. This is always possible.

Now -- here is something -- even my workout leggings tend to fall down, unless they are really, really snug, like compression ones. I do have one regular pair that stay put, but they are made by a gear company that is not in the fashion legging business. (Speaking of which, I love those workout pants and maybe better order an other pair in case they stop making them...)

Note: I am not an IT. I have a bum. And my thighs are on the large side, proportionately. That may in fact be the problem -- my thighs seem to "grip" the fabric and everything wants to sink to that level?

E

Veteran

I'm on team tights as I have more pairs of tights in more colours and thus wear them more frequently. I also like how most of my tights add a touch of refinement to my general RATE style. And it's easier to scrunch socks over them because there's no ankle hem to bunch. But I'll also substitute my couple pairs of leggings for tights (under knee length dresses/skirts, not with tunics) on occasion. I find them all comfy and don't have issues with anything falling down or squishing/segmenting me. I can layer tights too without any discomfort: perhaps my long rise has an advantage after all!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Diana, you can't wiggle your toes in tights? That has not happened to me. Probably a result of having such short legs. Ha!! For once, a fashion advantage to the short -legged!!

Diana

Veteran

No, I can technically. But they feel constricted. duck feet, remember.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Neither for me, can't stand the way they slip down or roll down on me. That's why all of my winter dresses have gone. I have summer dresses which I love to wear with bare legs. I also have a couple of tran-seasonal dresses & a suit. If I need leg coverage with those I usually wear stay-up stockings. The only "leggings" I have are two silk pairs that are slightly see-through & knee length; I wear them under summer dresses for a little more coverage on windy days. I don't like socks either so it's just as well I don't live in a cold climate

ladysarahii

I'm team tights, I guess. I can never get leggings to look good! Although, I am more likely to wear tights at work and leggings on days off. I do find leggings more comfortable.

catgirl

Veteran

I think I contributed to this confusion. I am Team Tights With Dresses. No leggings with dresses. Because I wear dresses and skirts out of the house, when I have on footwear and want to feel dressed.

But I also don't wear dresses or skirts at home. Ever. So no tights at home - much prefer socks and slippers. And I hate tights for all the reasons Diana stated. Plus they remind me of being a little girl forced into frilly dresses and patent Mary Janes. Baggy ankles, discomfort, twisting, itch. So I am Team Leggings With Tunics.

I view them as two completely different categories. Leggings are gear or casual clothing, tights are an accessory.

Aziraphale

Veteran

In truth, I am Team Bare Legs, but since that is not an option I'm going to go with tights. I do actually find certain kinds of tights -- specifically, Hue "sweater tights" -- quite comfy, and a necessity in the rainy chill of Vancouver winter. They stay up, unlike leggings, and don't constrict my (apparently sensitive) midsection. They also don't create the unsightly "segmented" effect that some opaque tights can.

Sweater tights don't look fab with everything, and if I'm actually wanting to look dressed-up, I'll wear nylons and put up with the segmentation. Or, better yet, I'll wear thigh-highs -- although one time I did have a bit of a wardrobe malfunction with them, where the left one must have got a bit stretched out and wouldn't stay up. Lol. But for everyday cuteness with a skirt, sweater tights are the ticket.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ah, Una. I did (or do) as well -- I think. But Deborah said that she considers a dress as short as the one I just bought to be a tunic. Which made me realize that the definition might be more elastic (har har har....get it???) than I had supposed. And made me wonder if there even IS a definition!! I thought tunics were typically shorter and less shaped. But maybe I am wrong?

I am fascinated but as confused as ever. Because it doesn't seem to depend exactly on body type which one we will be able to tolerate better!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I like both. I really think it dpends on the brand. My favourite tights are Hue (not that I've tried a lot of different ones)and I'm comfortable ii them all day, Although I...'m not sure I'd choose them for home wear. My long leggings are made of bamboo, and are very comfortable. I bought them at Samuel and Co (do you have that there?) I also have capri leggings by Donna which are very comfortable. I think I'd choose leggings for lounge wear, for the simple reason that the toes are the spots that wear out for me, so leggings have a much longer life.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Aziraphale, what do you mean the "segmented" look? I am curious!

Alassë

Veteran

Team Tights. I don't care for footless (why cause a visible line across the ankle?), and I suspect I'd feel less than dressed in leggings. Caveat: the only tights comfortable for me are fleece-lined or sweater tights; otherwise, I consider tights constricting and uncomfortable.

catgirl

Veteran

Segmented worm! Like when the tights bisect you...

Also can't recommend the Lysse leggings enough. Am considering the velvet tuxedo ones for the holidays.

And I think of a tunic as something requiring pants to be decent. To me yours is still a dress. Leg length may matter - like with my new black dress, a tunic on the model.

Oh and I'm returning the Gap sweater. Not as much fun in XS. So no sweater for me!

Lyssé Tuxedo Stripe Velvet Control Top Leggings

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

The Kooples Sheer Inset Crepe Dress

$285.00 $170.98

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

3

Sal

Veteran

Team tights....but not a very loyal supporter. I'm a bit out of love with opaques but they do meet a need. I have worn nude sheers this year once, and I have a couple of pairs of textured/lacy tights that I have worn a couple of times (but they are not the most flattering on my legs).

I wear leggings to the gym all the time (Underarmour or Nike mostly).

Gigi

Veteran

If my legs aren't going to be visible (e.g., if I'm wearing a maxi skirt), I will wear leggings because I feel that they are more comfortable. But if I'm wearing a skirt where leg will be exposed, I will most definitely wear tights.

I think that I feel that leggings are more comfortable because they don't seem to be as tight at the waist, and I feel like my toes are less constricted. But it's not a big difference, only slight. If I put tights on to wear to church, for instance, when I come home and change out of my church outfit I will just keep the tights on; I won't change to leggings.

My favorite leggings are Old Navy.

bj1111

Veteran

What Una said with more clarification.

Leggings are proper bottoms for me with a tunic or a dress and I will wear them at home and out of the house.

Tights are an accessory and only for outdoor use. Only acceptable under a dress not a tunic. Ok to wear with pants but gives me a unibutt so prefer not to.

Hose is a special class of tights...sheer only to be worn with dresses. Too fussy with pants.

I'd like that ice cream now, please.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am still really confused about the "bisected worm" thing. Where? How? How is it different in leggings?

Una, currently, other than workout gear, I own 2 pair of leggings. One modal type pair from Gap -- they are soft but they bag out and fall down and seem too light. And a Lysee pair. They fall down. Creep creep creep all day. I haven't even tried them tucked into boots -- that will be a certain mess!

I am sad about the sweater because it looked good on you -- but glad you do not have something that was less than 100% fab.

I hear you on the leg length thing. That is why I thought my dress was a dress, but Deborah felt it was more tunic length. So it seems perceptions differ there. It is a few inches above my knee. And I do see that on someone of my advanced age that would read as a very short dress without opaque tights or leggings or some form of coverage, so I'm not arguing with her at all and very much value her opinion on it!

The bench is winning, but tights are showing surprisingly strong!!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I like tights because they keep my feet warm and I don't need socks. I like leggings to because they are easier to put on. I think it is elastic ice cream for me!

abc

Veteran

Leggings with tunics. Pantyhose or tights as needed with dresses. Never leggings with dresses.

I wish I hadn't seen those holiday appropriate leggings, Una. My favorite pair are that brand and I rave about them (in my mind at least) every time I wear them.

Good luck Suz and this is a very hair splitting interesting thread!

12…4