There’s no shortcut to buying a pair of leggings vs stockings. And while it may seem like a daunting task to most of you. It’s a tough call to decide which one is the best for you.
The differences between leggings vs stockings are quite noticeable. But they also differ in how you wear them and where. Leggings have thicker material than stockings. And stockings have a sheer quality that leggings can’t compete with.
The sole purpose of this article is to get you to find your style between the two.
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LEGGINGS: THE VERSATILE ONE
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If you’re not in the mood for jeans? You can slide your legs into a casual pair of leggings. It’s really that simple. Leggings are comfy, stylish, and durable. Plus, you don’t have to chase a bigger or smaller size. Leggings are generic in fit and even enhancing.
What this means is that the materials that it’s made of. Such as spandex, nylon, polyester, elastic, or spandex. These materials give a good shape to your body. Starting from the waist down to your thighs.
They stretch and shape your body unlike jeans or even stockings. Leggings have the thickest fabric when compared to stockings. But you can still wear them with a variety of shirts, tops, and dresses.
This brings leggings to the forefront of being stylish as well as effective. And once you find the right fit, you won’t complain about it rolling or sagging or wrinkling. It stands up well against wear and tear. It works well when you want to wear something comfy on a daily basis. Because walking around in them, you won’t feel restricted or hot.
The material, though it’s thick, offers better ventilation than jeans. The thick fabric is helpful during the winter months. Where the likes of stockings are kept aside as they have the thinnest material quality.
Leggings are versatile because of what they’re made of.
Spandex: Most of the activewear is made of spandex. They’re stretchy, body-fitting, and booty-enhancing. This means they offer a certain degree of lift and support. When compared to cotton leggings, this feature is unique and perfect for activewear.
Polyester: Polyester leggings have incredible sweat-wicking and breathable features. They’re also a popular choice for activewear. But they absorb moisture where spandex resists. However, going for a polyester-spandex blend is a good option.
Nylon: Nylon leggings are soft, light, and comfy. They look stylish in a variety of colors and prints. Plus, they don’t tear, rip, or sag after a few washes. Making them easy to care for and durable.
Newer brands are coming up with a nylon-spandex blend. Getting the best of both worlds. That is the stretchy quality of spandex and comfort of nylon. You can wear them to exercise or on a casual night out. This material is a hybrid in many ways. Such as for style, functionality, and performance.
STOCKINGS: THE CLASSY ONE
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Stockings can be worn with formal and fancy outfits. The most popular colors choices are black and nude. But buying nude stockings can be a little tricky. As you want them to match your skin tone.
Most people confuse stockings with pantyhose. The former being thigh-high while a pantyhose stretches up to the waist. Stockings come with a belt garter that sits right above the hemline. This is what makes stockings a great catch.
They don’t ride up while you are seated. Nor do they slip down at unfortunate moments when you’re moving around. The garter belt keeps the stockings in the right place. Giving stockings an appealing and practical look and feel.
But recent fashion trends have deemed stockings as an “accessory.” Why is that? Probably because of how sheer and skinny they look and feel against the skin. You can’t probably think of wearing them all the time.
LEGGINGS VS STOCKINGS – WHICH IS BETTER?
You won’t know what to wear until you do. And this will help you decide what to wear when.
1. How To Wear Leggings
Leggings are great for everyday and basic wear. You can wear them in the coldest weather. As the thick material provides warmth. On top of that, they’re great for working out in. Most yoga pants act as leggings.
Materials such as spandex provide better support and lift. And they’re stretchy and less stiffly-structured. So you won’t feel hot or restricted in them. Even if you wear them for a long period of time.
Leggings come in a variety of colors and prints. Black may be the basic go-to for daily wear. But there’s a lot to choose from when you want to make a bolder style statement.
Dark colored leggings do give your body a slimming effect. Meanwhile, they’re subtle for office use. And the bolder colors are perfect for parties and other social gatherings.
2. How To Wear Stockings
Let’s say you own a striking pair of black stockings. And you’re unsure about what to wear them with.
There’s a lot you can do with stockings that you don’t already know of. They go well with long jackets, coats, A-line skirts, and denim shorts.
You can wear stockings under any clothing to make them look good. But there’s a difference between dressing up for work and outside-office occasions. While leggings are more basic when it comes to pairing up with prints. Stockings are a bit trickier to pair other clothing with.
For starters, stockings and tunics make the perfect formal wear. Buy stockings that aren’t too low and are near thigh-high. Nylon-spandex is the perfect material blend for stockings.
The material is sheer but looks simple and classic. Even a dress, Trench coat, and platform shoes make a classic formal look. And if you’re really serious about your work ethics. Going for the modern pairing of a printed dress and a blazer.
LEGGINGS VS STOCKINGS – COMPARISON
Being presented with too many options is a bad thing when you want to compare basics. So to give you the lay of the land about leggings vs stockings. A brief comparison of a stylish pair of leggings and stockings might help.
1. Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings
You can clearly see the wide range of color and print options of these leggings. It really speaks of its versatility in terms of style and comfort. Made of polyester and spandex, the Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings are a catch.
The fabric is stretchy without being too flexible. It sits well on your skin and is not see-through even in broad daylight. The fabric feels soft even though it’s thick enough to keep you warm in chilly climate.
These leggings are all weather-friendly. You won’t feel sweaty or stuffy during the humid climates. The seams and waistband are buttery soft and of premium quality. You can pair them with up basic or fancy outfits.
The best part about them is that they don’t show any panty line. It’s hard to find such leggings within this price range. The material doesn’t give in to sagging after a few washes. Whether you hand wash them or throw them in the washer. The material stays firm, durable, and breathable.
Pros
- Not see-through at all.
- It fits all body types and sizes.
- Stretchable fabric with multiple waistband sizes.
Cons
- It bunches a little at the ankles.
- The material isn’t dryer-friendly. It’s hang-to-dry only.
2. Dreamgirl Women’s Sheer Thigh-High Stockings
The Dreamgirl Sheer Thigh-High Stockings offers versatility on a new level. They have a nice and comfortable feel. Made of nylon and spandex, these stockings look stylish and long-lasting.
The construction in the lace top doesn’t slip off your legs. All thanks to the silicone under the lace which helps keep the stockings up and firm. The best way to keep them that way is to hand wash them.
Your skin will sweat with these on but not in a bad way. All you have to do is them these stockings clean and they will stay up. It absorbs moisture from sweating and other impurities.
Unlike other choices, these stockings curve and shape your legs. The seams and lining are durable and feel soft against the skin. If you’re worried about its size, these are easy to put on sit well from the top.
Pros
- Comfortable and easy to wash.
- Plus-size options are available.
- The rubber padding keeps the stockings firm.
Cons
- The thin nylon fabric is sensitive.
- Like most stockings, they rip easy.
WHAT’S THE VERDICT?
There was a time when leggings were considered sloppy. And stockings were only a size zero’s paradise. But not anymore.
This leggings vs stockings debate proves that anyone can wear them. You can dare to add stockings in your shopping list once the temperature rises. And opt for the stretchy and ultra-comfy world of leggings when you want to ditch wearing tight jeans.
Both leggings and stockings can be useful in many ways. You can change your outfit based on how you feel. And if you don’t have tons of money for buying clothes. A simple pair of leggings and stockings can go a long way.
Related Tips and Tricks from TheWiseMum Lists:
Leggings vs Jeans – Comparison and Tips You Need to Know
Best Anti-Cellulite Leggings That You Can Buy Today?
Sources:
https://www.luxury-legs.com/blog/2019/02/stockings-vs-tights/
