Leggings under the dress instead of tights

Short answer: Leggings are thicker than tights and therefore keep you warmer under a dress. They are more visible, but they do not ladder and can last many seasons if you look after them.

Warmth

Leggings have more fabric than thin tights and so insulate better against cold and wind. You notice it most on a bike or waiting at the bus stop. On the coldest days, leggings under a dress are often what lets you keep wearing dresses all winter. See bamboo leggings for women.

Durability

Tights ladder easily when they catch on a nail, a ring or a piece of furniture. Leggings are knitted more densely and do not. They can therefore last many seasons, as long as they are washed gently and kept out of the tumble dryer.

The look

Leggings are clearly visible and become part of the outfit, while tights blend more into the whole. It is not a question of right or wrong, but of the look you want. Black leggings under a dark dress give a calm, coordinated look for everyday wear.

Under long dresses

With a long dress, leggings barely show, because only a small strip of leg appears between dress and shoe. Here leggings are the obvious choice, since they add warmth without changing the look. With boots, your legs are fully covered. See the range of bamboo dresses.

Coverage

If the fabric is too thin, leggings become see-through when you bend over or crouch. Choose a denser quality if you will wear them under a short dress. A quick check in front of a mirror in good light soon shows whether they cover enough.

Leggings length

Leggings come in full length and in shorter styles that end at the calf or above the ankle. For winter, full length is the warmest choice, as the ankle is otherwise bare between shoe and leggings. Shorter styles suit spring and autumn with a lighter dress.

The alternative

For smarter occasions such as parties, meetings and dinners, tights are still the most common choice. They look more elegant and suit dressy shoes better. Many people keep both in the drawer and choose according to the occasion. See bamboo tights for women.

Washing

Wash leggings at 40 degrees inside out and without fabric softener. Avoid the tumble dryer, because the heat damages the elastane, so the leggings lose their shape and bag at the knees. Hang them to dry instead. Read more in the washing guide.

How many pairs make sense

Two pairs in the same colour mean you always have a clean pair while the other is in the wash. Black or dark grey goes with most dresses. Well cared for and never tumble dried, they last many seasons.

Pairing with shoes

Leggings under a dress work with trainers, ankle boots and tall boots. With trainers, short socks keep your feet warm, while tall boots add an extra layer around the calf. Choose shoes in the same colour as your leggings if you want your legs to look longer.

Frequently asked questions

Which is warmer, leggings or tights?

Leggings. They have more fabric and insulate better than thin tights. On the coldest days you can also wear both together under your dress for extra warmth.