Leggings vs Jeggings: Differences + How to Wear Them

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Leggings vs jeggings, is there actually a difference? 

When it comes to comfortable fashion, these two both have a place, but there are definite differences between the two. 

Both of these styles of pants have their own unique advantages, and that’s what we’re going to look at today.

What are Leggings?

There is nothing quite like the comfort of leggings.

They are hands down the best choice when it comes to comfy, cozy articles of clothing. When wearing leggings it’s almost like you just have a second skin!

Leggings are tight-fitting pants that are typically made of a soft material in a stretchy fabric like spandex, nylon, cotton, or a combination of those fabrics. 

Leggings are typically worn for comfort, athletic purposes, and/or as casual wear.

However, workout leggings are sometimes made of different materials than leggings meant for everyday wear, so it’s important to purchase a pair made of the right materials for the intended purpose.

For many women leggings are one of the must-have clothing items they can’t live without, myself included!

Examples of Leggings:

Satina High Waisted Leggings

Blisset High Waisted Leggings

TNNZEET High Waisted Leggings

Leggings vs tights and yoga pants

The biggest differences between these three types of pants are the material that is used and their purposes. 

Leggings and yoga pants are more for the purpose of workouts and are made with a stretchier and thicker material that offers more coverage. 

Tights are usually made of a thinner material and are often worn under a tunic top, dress, or longer top. 

Their fabric is usually cotton or a cotton blend that is a stretchy material but doesn’t offer solid coverage when you bend over, which is why they’re meant to be worn under other articles of clothing. 

The great thing about leggings is that they come in many different colors, lengths, and prints. 

What are Jeggings?

Think of jeggings as a combination of jeans and leggings, hence the clever word jeggings. 

With a pair of jeans, you are more likely to have less room for movement but with jeggings, you get the look of jeans in a stretchier type of fabric.

This makes them more comfortable to wear which is why jeggings are often referred to as a more comfortable version of jeans.

Jeggings also come in different styles and various colors and can offer an elastic waistband, fake pockets, distressing, belt loops, etc. 

Just like leggings, there are many different ways to style jeggings. 

Examples of jeggings:

VIPONES Women Jeggings High Waisted

Just Love Ripped Denim Jeggings

Levi Strauss High Rise Jeggings

Main Differences Between Leggings Vs Jeggings

One of the key differences between a pair of leggings and jeggings is the illusion you get with jeggings that you are wearing denim instead of yoga pants. 

Jeggings can be worn to places where leggings might not be appropriate, like a business casual day at work. 

Leggings are for far less formal occasions when you don’t need to have a professional appearance.  

While jeggings do come in several colors, you will mostly find them blue or black as they are made to imitate jeans. 

You can get both of these types of pants in different lengths, colors, and material combinations.  

Leggings Outfit Ideas

Leggings are a great base for a casual look, whether you’re running errands or actually going to the gym. 

You can opt for more modern leggings like this faux leather pair, or you can go the workout route with a pair made from a spandex blend. 

With A Tee Or Crop Top & Flannel Shirt

I love these crop tops because you can either wear them by themselves with leggings if you are going to the gym, or you can pair them with another layer for brunch with the girls! 

These are my favorite leggings for times I want to be really comfy but also want to look a bit more put together.

They are seamless with a high waist and look amazing with everything from a solid color top to a faux leather vest. 

Long Tops

If you love the look of leggings but prefer some coverage for your backside, longer tops like a tunic top are always a great option.

This pairing can also be dressed up a bit depending on the shoes you wear.

Running Jacket

Throw on your favorite t-shirt and this lightweight jacket for a run or running errands. You can even pair these with your jeggings if you want to dress them down. 
 

A womens outfit idea of a grey hoodie, grey baseball cap, black purse, white sneakers, black leggings, and gold earrings.

Shop Hoodie | Shop Sneakers | Shop Leggings | Shop Purse | Shop Hat

Sneakers

A cute pair of white sneakers is one of the style staples I always keep in my closet. 

For a cozy but cute look, throw on a roomy sweatshirt, your favorite sneakers, and a baseball cap! 

This look screams effortless chic and works for just about any casual occasion. 

Jeggings Outfit Ideas

Just like you would wear regular jeans, jeggings can be worn with just about anything! 

Like jeans, jeggings come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can dress them up or down for a stylish look.

Jean leggings, AKA jeggings, can be worn with a nice blouse for work, with a more casual cute top and wedges, or with a band tee and sneakers. Here are a few different options that would be cute paired with jeggings. 

Button Down Blouse

This is a super cute peplum-style blouse that would pair really well with actual denim or jeggings.

It is a great choice for a work shirt that can also be paired with slacks or a skirt. 

Boho Style Blouse

This boho style blouse would be really cute paired with white jeggings and a comfortable pair of sandals.

This is another look that could easily go from day to night.

Casual Blazer

In the warmer months, or for work, you can wear your jeggings jeans with a bodysuit and a blazer.

I love the casual blazer look with a simple necklace and cami but you can also dress this up with some strappy heels and a crop top.

A womens outfit idea with jeggings, white sneakers, a band tshirt, gold bracelets, and a black purse.

Shop Jeggings | Shop T-Shirt | Shop Sneakers | HandbagBracelets

Band Tee

The band tee with jeans is a really trendy look right now. You can wear them with heels or sneakers to complete your look.

FAQ

Which is better jeggings or leggings?

Jeggings and leggings really have two different purposes. Even though they can both be worn as a casual look, which is better overall will depend on the occasion you’re dressing for.

Can jeggings be worn as pants?

Yes! That is the beauty of jeggings. 

You basically get the same level of comfort as leggings but with the look of real jeans, so they are super easy to style. 

They are meant to bring more comfort in a less casual package.

Are people still wearing jeggings?

Yes, jeggings are still very popular and acceptable for a variety of occasions. 

Jeggings bear a very close resemblance to a pair of skinny jeans, and skinny jeans are still very much in style. 

Jeggings just offer all the pluses we talked about above including more movement and comfort overall. If you get a good quality pair of jeggings, you can hardly tell they are any different than skinny jeans.

Jeggings are great for a date night but also work for everyday casual wear, making them a great staple to keep in your closet all year round.

Is it better to size up or down in leggings?

This will be a matter of preference. However, because leggings are made of a stretchier fabric, there is generally some wiggle room in terms of sizing. 

Leggings are meant to be skin-tight, but there are various levels of skin-tight, and you’ll want to find the fit that is most comfortable for you. 

Remember that some materials may shrink in the washing machine and/or dryer. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that sizes can vary widely from brand to brand. It’s always best if you can try your leggings on before you purchase them. 

The main thing you want from leggings is comfort. 

If they are too loose and you’re pulling them up all the time or too tight, and you can’t breathe, those things defeat the purpose of wearing leggings. 

Are jeggings tighter than leggings?

This, again, will be a matter of preference. Since jeggings are an alternative to skinny jeans, I would say you want them fairly snug, but they don’t need to be skin-tight. 

Conclusion

The biggest difference between leggings and jeggings is the materials they are made of.

The main reason people choose to wear jeggings over regular denim jeans is because they have a softer material and are more comfortable. 

Both jeggings and leggings fabric’s stretchiness is a huge bonus, and they are both popular thanks to today’s fashion industry. 

Your classic black leggings are great for so many things and the better choice for the gym while jeggings are the better choice for slightly dressier occasions. 

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