Leggings and jeans – two staples in every woman’s wardrobes. But which is really the better choice? While jeans have traditionally been the go-to for casual wear, leggings have become a new favourite. So let’s find out why leggings beat out jeans:
Comfort
If leggings could be described in one word it’d be comfort.
Leggings are made with stretchy fabric, usually a spandex/cotton or nylon/spandex blend. This gives them an incredible amount of movement, making them far more comfortable than stiff denim jeans. Leggings move with you and conform and contours to your body’s shape. Jeans don’t have nearly as much stretch or flexibility.
The extra spandex in leggings also makes them more form-fitting without being too tight. They hug your curves without squishing or squeezing you. Jeans often feel restrictive as you move around. The waistband and flies can dig into your skin uncomfortably.
Leggings are also available in a wide array of fabrics, many designed for comfort. Soft cotton blends feel cosy on your skin, while moisture-wicking performance fabrics keep you cool and dry during workouts. Jeans pretty much just come in denim, which isn’t known for its comfort. The thick seams and metal hardware like rivets and buttons can irritate your skin after hours of wear.
Given their unbeatable comfort, it’s no wonder women love wearing leggings as everyday casualwear. You just can’t simply achieve that same level of comfort in stiff, unyielding jeans.
Style
Beyond just comfort, leggings offer far more variety and style options compared to jeans. While jeans come in different cuts like skinny, ripped, baggy, bootcut, and flare, they’re still limited to that basic denim look. Leggings, on the other hand, come in a rainbow of colours, prints, patterns, textures, and styles.
Solid leggings in every colour imaginable let you create a spectacular range of outfits. Pair bright red leggings with a neutral top or mix and match complementary shades. Printed leggings like tie-dye, floral, graphic prints, or swirls add flair and interest to any outfit. Even basic black leggings look sleek and modern with the right top.
Textured leggings provide visual appeal through cable knits, scalloped lace, faux leather, or eye-catching wet look fabrics. Shimmery metallic leggings add flash and glam for nighttime looks. Novelty leggings with bold graphic designs or cosmic prints make a statement. Distressed details, mesh panelling, and edgy faux leather take leggings into rocker chic territory.
Jeans simply can’t compete with the vast selection of colours, prints, and textures that leggings offer. You’re limited to traditional denim blue and black – hardly enough to create the variety of looks that leggings provide.
Leggings also come in more varied styles than jeans:
- Stirrup leggings extend under the foot for a sleek, long line.
- Ankle-length leggings show off a bit more skin.
- High-waisted leggings accentuate your legs and curves.
- Side-striped leggings elongate the look of your legs.
- Faux leather or wet look leggings add edgy style.
- Lace leggings provide dainty femininity.
- Split-hem leggings give you a peek of skin.
Jeans pretty much look like…jeans. The most style you’ll get is variations on the cut and maybe some distressed effects. But leggings can completely transform your look with style details that jeans just can’t replicate.
Versatility
The ultimate advantage leggings have over jeans is their incredible versatility. While jeans are pretty much limited to casual wear, leggings can span dressy, workout, yoga, casual, sporty, and everywhere in between.
Dress up high-waisted, thick ponte knit leggings with a tunic and heels for work or nighttime style. Faux leather leggings create an edgy rocker vibe paired with boots. For casual daytime errands or brunch, try ankle leggings with a long sweater or oversized top.
Leggings are also perfect for working out. Cotton-spandex blends provide maximum stretch and movement whether you’re doing yoga, running, or lifting weights. Performance fabrics wick moisture during high intensity workouts. compression leggings support your muscles for injury prevention and faster recovery.
One can lounge around the house in soft, comfy leggings. Unlike stiff jeans, they allow total flexibility and relaxation as you unwind. Throw a pair of leggings in your luggage as pyjamas or to wear on travel days.
Leggings work for:
- Work/professional outfits
- Going out to dinner or cocktails
- Running errands
- Casual daytime wear
- Lounging at home
- Working out
- Travel clothing
With some wardrobe changes like swapping out tops, shoes or accessories, you can wear leggings just about anywhere from the gym to work to a night out on the town. Jeans don’t have that adaptability. You won’t wear denim to exercise or as pyjamas.
Leggings are just infinitely more versatile than jeans. One great pair of leggings provides the foundation for so many different stylish looks. You’d need a whole denim collection to get that much use out of jeans.
Parting words
Jeans will always have a place in fashion, but leggings are often the more comfortable, stylish, and versatile choice for daily wear. With the array of leggings available today, you can easily find pairs that suit your personal taste and style.
Shop our exclusive denim look leggings & jeggings collection.
