Sweatpants are a must-have in a modern men's and women's sports wardrobe. The trends of the last ten years offer a large assortment of original styles, so that any sports activity at a professional or amateur level, be it running, yoga, strength training, acrobatics, dancing (and even just active recreation) gives a feeling of comfort, lightness, convenience and absolute protection.
The designers have done their best to ensure that you and I have the opportunity to make a good choice. Moreover, they learned to create such an athletic bottom that “will be in the feast, and in the world, and in good people.” These include classic straight pants, loose-fitting models, tight-fitting styles, long sports pants, ankle-length, with cuffs, elastic and even with a zipper. But the most popular models today are tights, tights and leggings.
All three positions are a variation of sweatpants. They are great for different types of physical activity, and they have a lot in common:
- Tights, leggings and leggings have an aerodynamic shape - they fit tightly to the body, exactly repeating the relief of the legs.
- All of them stretch well in different directions at once, allowing you to perform intense and amplitude exercises without restrictions.
- They do not rub in places of bends and for the most part have good vapor permeability.
- Like any other sports equipment, they are strong enough and wear-resistant to withstand large aerobic, anaerobic and interval loads, including: shock, friction, stretching and tearing.
However, despite their external and partially functional similarity, tights, leggings and leggings have certain differences. Moreover, they are most pronounced between the first and the other two, and are less significant in leggings and leggings. So, the topic of today’s publication is how tights differ from tights and leggings.
We suggest considering this question in the following format:
- Features of tights.
- Features of leggings.
- Features of leggings.
We will analyze such indicators as: key function, purpose, contraindications, length, design features, seasonality and material of manufacture. Finally, as always, let's summarize.
TIGHTS FEATURES
Tights are modern sports pants with a tight cut and a pronounced compression effect. The name comes from the English noun “tights”, which literally means tights, tights, leggings (that is, the thing fits well). Another translation of this word in the form of an adjective and an adverb (respectively, “tight” and “tightly”) means “tight” or “tight,” “tight” or “close.” In other words, the thing doesn’t just sit tighter than regular tights, but hugs the body well, and this is the main property of these pants.
The key function is compression
By constantly squeezing the body, compression stores and returns energy as muscle tissue stretches and contracts. It helps push blood back to the heart and improves circulation. As a result, the load on the heart and blood vessels is reduced (the latter are not deformed from excessive expansion) and the overall endurance of the body increases. The athlete recovers strength faster and can improve training performance due to reduced muscle vibration and improved proprioception (the sense of one’s muscles and body in space). In addition, during the training process, tights constantly keep the muscles warm, which reduces the likelihood of muscle injuries: swelling, tears, sprains.
Purpose.
Compression pants were created exclusively for sports (almost all types), both indoors and outdoors. Professionals and amateurs love tights precisely for their compression. It significantly supports the muscles and enhances every movement of the athlete. Moreover, this can be felt well in any sports discipline: on the tennis court, marathon distance, in the wrestling room, when performing strength and interval training, such as weightlifting, bodybuilding, crossfit.
Contraindications.
Unlike medical compression garments (with four compression levels, where only the first is used for prevention), sports compression garments have a compression level between 0 and 1 on the medical scale. Therefore, tights have almost no contraindications. Still, before using them you should consult your doctor. There are a number of inflammatory skin processes and chronic vascular diseases for which the use of “compression” is prohibited.
Tights vary by gender
There are men's and women's models, including adult and children's models. The cut of such tights necessarily takes into account the structural features of the body. There is also a separate group - unisex tights - products with a universal cut.
Vary in length
Compression pants come in three types:
- Long - these are ankle-length or completely covering the foot. They are often used for aerobic and strength training.
- Short - to the knees, like shorts. Marathon runners and cyclists love them (hence why they are often called “bicycle shorts”).
- Medium - everything that lies between a long and short size, usually just below the knees. These tights are popular in almost all sports.
Main design features
- The presence of a wide elastic belt that fits tightly around the waist. However, this option is not available on all models. But where it is present, tension and, as a result, abdominal fatigue are guaranteed to be relieved, plus the stability of the lower back is ensured.
- The presence of one or two pockets on the back of the belt (this is their classic location) or on the front (extremely rare).
- Zippers on the shins for easy putting on of tights. They are present only in the training version of compression pants; they are not present in competition clothing.
- Compression can be general or common with zonal elements. In the first tights, the maximum level of compression is at the ankles, and as it rises towards the waist, it weakens. For the second, everything is the same + areas (zones) are added with additional compression on certain muscles.
- Mandatory zonal ventilation in areas with the greatest sweating (below the knees and lumbar area).
Vary by season
Often the length of tights is chosen taking into account both the type of training and the season.
- For summer and warm autumn-spring periods, short and medium-length tights are used.
- For the cold off-season - long or medium tights + compression socks.
- For outdoor training in winter - long, insulated (thicker) tights with microfleece inside. In these you can actively engage in outdoor sports in a fairly wide temperature range - from +5ºС to -15ºС
Material of manufacture
They are made only from high-tech sports jersey based on synthetic and artificial fibers (extremely rarely with the addition of natural fibers, for example, merino wool). As a rule, the fabric composition includes: polyester, nylon and lycra (the latter can be called spandex, elastane, neolan, vorin - they are all very similar in characteristics). Polyester gives the material significant strength and wear resistance. Nylon allows the pants to stretch well and regain their shape. And the use of lycra gives compression to the muscles without at all restricting their movements. This composition effectively wicks away sweat and dries quickly (10 times faster than any natural materials), breathes well, warming and cooling when needed. At the same time, sports synthetics with silver molecules (or antibacterial impregnation) cope well with the smell of sweat and protect the skin from the negative effects of fungi.
What items of clothing go with tights and leggings?
Having figured out the difference between tights and leggings, create fashionable sets for every day, for sports activities. Under tights, wear special underwear for athletes. It's breathable and form-fitting. Cotton underwear can be seen under clothing; during active exercise, the fabric may become saturated with sweat and not dry until the end of the workout. This causes significant discomfort.
Pay attention to special models with imitation panties. Their wearing does not require additional underwear. There is an insert inside that fully performs all hygienic functions.
Designers have diversified the appearance of tights. The item is presented in various colors. Monochrome and printed options are popular. For activities in the dark, choose things with reflective particles. This is an additional guarantee of safety during training. T-shirts, T-shirts, tops are suitable as a top. In cool weather, don't forget about sweatshirts and comfortable jackets.
Leggings are actively used by women in everyday outfits. The item hugs your legs, do not combine it with revealing tops - it looks vulgar. The exception is sports kits.
What is the difference between tights and leggings is shown in photos of finished sets. The first item is relevant only for sports and picnics, while leggings are good in the usual combinations for every day.
Avoid combining the product with high-heeled or platform shoes. Combining with sneakers, rough boots with tractor soles, and models with wide heels will help to visually lengthen your legs.
The product in combination with an elongated tunic or cardigan evens out the silhouette and makes it slimmer. This is a tip for girls with non-standard proportions. Choose black, burgundy models and a light top - it looks harmonious.
In autumn and winter, it is better to wear insulated models with voluminous oversized sweaters and sweatshirts that cover the lower part of the silhouette. In spring, change your sweater to a light blouse or shirt, add bright accessories, making your look more original. A leather jacket and bomber jacket will protect you from the cool wind.
Two similar things are striking, but they also have differences; try on tights and leggings, and you can feel the difference between them already when you try them on. Leave tights that follow the shape of your legs for running, Pilates, and aerobics, and feel free to add leggings to your favorite outfits, making your looks more diverse.
FEATURES OF TIGHTS
Leggings are hosiery products, a type of tight-fitting sports pants. The key here is “tight sweatpants.” That is, leggings, like tights, are primarily sportswear. In contrast, leggings are more of a sportswear style, but we talk about them in detail below. For the first time, leggings, as a type of men's trousers in the Russian army, appeared in the 18th century. The material for their manufacture was deer or elk skin (hence the name). But with the advent of regular trousers, leggings disappeared for a long time. Their second coming took place in the 80s of the 20th century, thanks to the advent of such material as lycra. Leggings showed off on fashion catwalks for some time, but very quickly moved into the category of sportswear with a compression effect and never went beyond that.
Key function is to provide comfort during training
Elastic fabric and anatomical cut of the leggings allow the pants to fit tightly around the legs, exactly following the contour of the body. Leggings have a compression effect, but not as strong as tights. And yet, it is the tight fit that allows the athlete to feel his every movement and control the situation. Their main advantage:
- Convenience - free range of motion and no movement restrictions.
- Versatility - suitable for all types of aerobic training at home, in the gym and outdoors.
- Protection - partially protects blood vessels from overload, while warming well and constantly maintaining muscles in a warm state, which reduces the risk of injury.
- Comfort - due to the tight fit, the pants effectively wick moisture out and dry quickly.
Purpose: sport and active lifestyle
There are regular, universal leggings on sale with a very weak tightening effect and special models for specific types of workouts. The first will allow you to comfortably do gymnastics, morning jogging and any activity for the benefit of your health. The latter are specially designed for running, fitness, yoga, that is, for high-intensity and low-intensity training. They differ primarily in the composition of the fabric and some design features.
Contraindications
Due to the weak compression effect (usually tending more towards “0” than “1” on a medical scale), leggings have no contraindications for long-term use in the gym and beyond. The only important thing is to be in constant motion (that is, just lying down and reading a book or sleeping in them is unhealthy).
Leggings vary by gender
They can be found in both women's and men's wardrobes. Tight-fitting pants are worn by people of different sizes. And of course, those with slender legs and a beautiful figure look more advantageous. But at the same time, leggings also provide a neat appearance for skinny and curvy people, especially if you choose the right color, length, print and add the right top. Such sports equipment will at least improve your mood and increase self-esteem.
Vary in length and fit
Leggings come in medium length, just below the knees and long to the ankle. The latter may have a jumper to secure the trouser legs to the foot. This version of elastic sports trousers suits all girls without exception. Most women's leggings have a wide elastic waistband from 10 to 18 cm and a high waist. Such models highlight the waistline well, cover a problem tummy, fit securely and visually lengthen the legs. Men's leggings, on the contrary, have a medium or low rise and a belt up to 5 cm wide. It can have a silicone tape so that the pants do not slip and fit securely, or be equipped with an internal cord for additional fixation.
Main design features and design
- The cut can be solid (seamless) or with inserts. The latter, according to reviews from actively training athletes, is more convenient and practical. It better takes into account the anatomical features of the body. True, these leggings have more seams, but they are all made using flatlock technology (cover stitch), which means they do not protrude, do not rub or irritate the skin.
- Inserts can be decorative (visually highlight the hips, waist, buttocks), compression (this is local compression) and ventilation (in the form of meshes or special perforated fabric). The latter are located in very active areas: under the knees, on the lower back, buttocks, and on the inner thighs.
- Women's mid-rise leggings may have a silicone band instead of a wide belt.
- Leggings with a Push Up effect will help quickly solve the problem of lack of volume in the “fifth point”. A special cut, the presence of specially shaped back pockets or silicone inserts on the reverse side can help lift the buttocks, making their shape more attractive.
- We must pay tribute, unlike tights, leggings are presented in amazingly beautiful colors and prints, especially women's models. Their drawings are mesmerizing, and their designs attract attention and are memorable. This could be: gradient, geometry, abstraction, animalistic and galactic prints. Men's workout leggings come in a variety of colors, but the most popular option is dark tones with bright accents.
Vary by season
Leggings are classified as seasonal sportswear, that is, along with thin summer options, there are also leggings insulated with fleece for outdoor sports during the cold season.
Material of manufacture
Synthetics and semi-synthetics. Among synthetics, the most popular material for making sports leggings is Biflex Elastic. This is a high-tech synthetic with a compression effect, providing good elasticity in 4 directions at once. The composition of sports jersey includes elastane, lurex, microfiber, nylon. Each type of synthetic fiber gives Biflex certain characteristics. It is hypoallergenic, shape-resistant, breathable, wicks away moisture well and dries quickly, is not afraid of UV rays and does not fade. The elasticity of the material in its pure form is from 500 to 700%. Among semi-synthetics, a mixture with viscose, cotton or linen is popular. In this case, the stretch effect of the product drops to 200%.
Leggings and their features
Leggings are also a versatile and practical form of skinny trousers. However, they are preferably designed for a female audience and can be used not only for sports, but also in everyday life.
They can be easily combined with any clothing style and are suitable for all women, regardless of age and body type. There can be both summer options made of thin material, and winter ones insulated with fur or fleece.
What are leggings
Today, leggings are preferably made from high-quality synthetic materials, mainly lycra or nylon. These fabrics are quite reliable and durable, despite their transparency and thinness.
Since these trousers come in many varieties, there are also models for men - meggings. They are special leggings for sports and various strength exercises.
Meggings
Among other things, leggings are perfect for training in the gym, or as insulation under the main equipment of athletes. If we talk about this type of leggings, which are intended specifically for sports, they use breathable material that allows the skin to breathe. Also, almost all of these models are made without seams, and therefore do not chafe the skin.
What capabilities do leggings have and what are they intended for?
In addition to the fact that leggings are distinguished by excellent performance characteristics, practicality and versatility, they do not require any special care. These items can react quite calmly to external factors, and also do not shrink after washing.
Leggings fit tightly to the body, providing complete freedom of action, and do not limit anything. The key to comfortable wearing is the correct choice of legging size. Models that are small or too loose can cause discomfort (see-through, chafing, etc.).
In addition to sports, they are well suited for everyday wear.
Dear readers of the Tkan.Club website, if you still have questions on this topic, we will be happy to answer them. Leave your reviews, comments, share stories if you have had experience in selecting similar clothes! Your life experience may be useful to other readers.
FEATURES OF LEGGINGS
Leggings are a type of tight-fitting pants. They are very similar to leggings and tights, but unlike them they are not sportswear, but belong to the category of sports-style clothing (with the exception of sports leggings, an analogue of leggings). They are of English origin: leggings from leg - leg. Leggings are an invariable attribute of casual style. Such pants are found only in the wardrobe of the fair half of humanity. They are worn by women of any age and size.
The key function is to provide comfort and not restrict movement
Leggings are very comfortable in everyday life as home wear, and in addition, they fit perfectly into an everyday street wardrobe (provided that the ensemble is chosen correctly).
Purpose
Tight pants perfectly highlight your figure. They are worn with both sports shoes and shoes with platform heels or heels. They go well with most items in a woman's wardrobe and perfectly complement spectacular layered looks. Leggings are universal in use - suitable for physical education, dancing, outdoor activities, city walks, parties, shopping. And some models can also be worn to work if the company does not have a strict dress code.
Contraindication
If the model does not have a clear compression effect (so-called sports leggings), then it can be used in everyday life without restrictions on wearing time.
Vary in length
Leggings do not differ by gender - they are exclusively the prerogative of ladies, but tight pants are not so categorical in length: they can be long and shortened just above the ankle.
Main design features
- In most cases, leggings have a low to mid rise without a wide waistband.
- There are options with rear patch pockets, belt loops, various inserts made of a similar material, but of a different color, or from materials of a different texture.
- The bottom of the legs can be open or end in a “loop” that is used to secure the foot.
- There are “hooligan” styles of pants with ripped patterns or slits at the knees, as well as leggings with multiple cuts on the front or sides. Similar things are worn with clothes in an informal style.
- Leggings, like leggings, come in a huge variety of colors. Moreover, the models can be either monochromatic or with a variety of patterns, including 3D. Such models make any image bright and unique.
Vary by season
Leggings are seasonal clothing. For summer - pants made of polyester and viscose. For spring and autumn - tight-fitting trousers made of medium-weight jersey. And for the cold off-season and winter - products made of thick knitwear with additional insulation on the reverse side made of fleece.
Types of women's tights
Products are classified by length (ankle, mid-calf, knee). There are insulated models that warm the lower body and retain heat, but prevent increased sweating. If the process will take place in the gym or outdoors during the warm season, then purchase ordinary lightweight tights of any length. When choosing, it is worth considering the type of sport, since these products are not universal, and each type of activity requires a specific model. Tights are currently being produced for:
- Run. They are in greatest demand. Distinctive features: elastic waistband of considerable width, reinforced inserts made of compression material that support the buttocks. Summer and winter (insulated) models are available for purchase.
- Cycling. They can have any length, but most often - to the knee. Such models are called “bicycle shorts”. The main distinguishing feature is the reinforced gusset.
- Fitness. They have a special “design”. For example, seams are either absent altogether or made completely flat, which eliminates chafing of the skin during exercise. Women's gym tights have good stretch and do not restrict movement. Thanks to the compression material, the rate of burning fat deposits increases, and without the “greenhouse effect”.
- Yogi. The clothing simultaneously supports the muscles and does not interfere with freedom of movement, and the presence of folds in the folds (for example, under the knee) increases the service life of the equipment. In such tights you can take any position without risking anything.
What are tights
Tights are a type of sports equipment for men and women, which are tight-fitting pants or long shorts. In appearance they are very similar to tights or leggings. The main purpose of tights is to protect the athlete from the effects of external environmental factors while playing sports outdoors and indoors. Thanks to modern synthetic materials, they perfectly remove moisture (sweat) from the body, thereby helping to control the body's thermoregulation. In cool weather, protect from wind and the risk of hypothermia.
WHY DO ATHLETES CHOOSE TIGHTS?
Do tights have to be compression? Yes, definitely, because tights without compression are not tights, but regular leggings or leggings. Both are good in everyday life and can be used for active recreation, but are not suitable for intense training.
Only the compression effect allows you to actively train and improve your athletic performance. Constantly squeezing your muscles increases blood flow to them, which in turn makes it easier for your heart to withstand increased stress. And this is the basic idea behind compression pants.
In regular sportswear, you get tired much faster, because the muscles quickly become clogged. During active exercise, oxidative processes occur in muscle tissue. Muscles lose their elasticity and ability to contract. They swell and you feel pain and fatigue. The vessels are dilated, and the heart has to push the blood renewed with oxygen with greater force. It starts to work to the limit, and this is dangerous. Regular pants do not help you in any way, but compression pants create a pumping effect that literally drives oxidized blood back into the heart. It is renewed and saturates the muscles with a new portion of oxygen. At the same time, the veins do not swell, therefore the blood flow does not decrease and there are no consequences in the form of varicose veins of the extremities. Tights give you the ability to train as hard as you need to and still feel energized and ready to push the limits. For this reason, they are loved by amateurs and professionals of various sports.
Compression pants offer several benefits:
- They keep muscles warm, which reduces the risk of injury.
- Due to their tight fit, they effectively wick moisture away and dry quickly.
- Improves blood circulation even in small vessels.
- The muscles are constantly toned, get tired less, and recover faster.
- Reduce swelling and the likelihood of getting a sprain.
- Provide good thermoregulation of the body.
What are thais for?
Sports equipment is a serious thing. If you, for example, are seriously involved in running or cycling, you understand that doing this in ordinary clothes is simply uncomfortable. This is why you may need such sports pants - they make the athlete faster, stronger and more resilient.
Such pants will probably be useful for any sport in which freedom of movement is important. they can be summer and winter, men's and women's, long and short - there are plenty to choose from. The top sports brands regularly create new collections of this type of sports equipment, so in terms of design, the problem of choice will not arise either.
Definition and main features
So what are tights? The word translates from English as “tights” and completely describes the appearance of sports leggings. They are always made of elastic fabrics that completely follow the contours of the body. Tights are most often used for running, but with equal success they have entered other areas of athletics, as well as fitness.
The main feature of this item of clothing, as well as the difference between tights and leggings, is the material of manufacture and the cut. Sports leggings are made only from special wind and waterproof fabrics that provide a compression effect. The material supports the athlete’s muscles well, protecting him from microtraumas and at the same time does not hinder movement at all. Leggings always keep you warm, remove moisture and allow your skin to breathe freely. The feeling of a “second skin” is also ensured by the cut of the tights, which additionally ensures aerodynamics.
Differences
So how do thai differ from the familiar leggings or leggings?
The main difference is that the first ones were originally designed for sports. What does it mean?
- Made from compression jersey
- Have several ventilation zones
- Excellent moisture absorption
- Provide support for muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Able to prevent seizures and the possibility of injury
- Reduce discomfort after training due to the fact that an athlete equipped in this way produces less lactic acid
- Keeps you warm in cold weather and protects from sun rays on hot days
- Improves venous circulation
Additionally, read: Our article will tell you how to remove green grass from jeans.
The running version has a wide waistband made of elastic material that supports the spine and lower back. It has been proven that such clothing increases the effectiveness of running training.
Here's the difference between thai and leggings.
How to wear tights?
During training, tights must be worn over shorts. Meanwhile, it should be understood that ordinary cotton underwear will not work in this case, since during active movements it will get wet and will not be able to dry throughout the entire workout. In addition, this intimate item will be clearly visible through the thin and elastic surface of the leggings.
To avoid this, it is recommended to use special breathable panties for athletes - they do not cause discomfort and provide maximum comfort for several hours. In addition, there are special tights with shorts that do not require wearing underwear. The internal insert in such models fully performs all its functions, so you can do without this part during training.
How to choose running tights
Now on the sportswear market there is a huge number of manufacturers and brands offering their models of tights and their innovative developments and technologies. Let's figure out how to choose tights:
- Choosing the right size. When you come to the store, it is not enough to simply choose your size, since the sizing chart for different manufacturers may differ. It is better to try on several models and sizes. Properly fitting pants should not hang and at the same time squeeze, especially in the area under the knee, where blood vessels pass close to the surface of the skin;
- Read the tag carefully and check the fabric composition; it should contain lycra or elastane. It is also better to choose models with flat seams - this will eliminate the risk of chafing during long workouts;
- Some models have zippers at the bottom of the legs, in the area of the boot, which allows you to comfortably put on and take off the tights, even with sneakers on;
- For ease of use, manufacturers provide their models with zippered pockets where you can put your keys, smartphone or other personal items, freeing your hands;
- The presence of reflective elements will allow you to safely train in the dark.
Depending on the anatomical structure of the male and female body, manufacturers produce male and female models. Men's tights, like women's, come in three lengths.
- Adidas Adizero Sprintweb Long Tight
- Nike Tech Power Tights
- Asics Leg Balance Tight 2
- Brooks Threshold Tight
- Saucony Siberius Tight
Male models
- The Adidas Adizero Sprintweb Long Tight is an excellent model for high-intensity training and competition.
- Nike Tech Power Tights - the model has a good level of muscle support, which is necessary for tempo training and running with acceleration.
- Asics Leg Balance Tight 2 - compression inserts in the calf muscles reduce fatigue and allow for intense work during interval training.
- Brooks Threshold Tight - DriLayer technology will help keep your body dry during long running sessions.
- Saucony Siberius Tight is a model with a built-in innovative temperature sensor that helps control its deviations. An excellent choice for the off-season and mild winter.
- Asics Lite-Show Winter Tight W
- Craft Lux Tights W
- Nike Epic Lux Running Tights W
- Puma Ignite Long Tight W
- Under Armor UA Rush Run HeatGear Tight W
Female models
Women's running tights:
- The Nike Epic Lux Running Tights W are a running style with tangible muscle support made from Nike Dry fabric.
- Craft Lux Tights W - a distinctive feature of the model is the absence of longitudinal seams, which makes training as comfortable as possible.
- Puma Ignite Long Tight W - made of breathable dryCell fabric that dries quickly during training both outdoors and in the gym.
- Under Armor UA Rush Run HeatGear Tight W - innovative fabric contains minerals that absorb the energy released by the body and return it back, thereby increasing the athlete's endurance.
- The Asics Lite-Show Winter Tight W is an excellent choice for running in harsh weather conditions - temperatures around freezing and strong winds.
