Leggings are garments that tightly cover the legs from the waist to the ankle, while tights usually extend to cover the feet and are thinner and more lightweight than leggings are.

Tights are, however, more opaque than pantyhose are, which tend to be sheer.

Both leggings and tights are usually made from cotton, nylon, or polyester that has been blended with stretchy materials like Lycra or spandex, and both are desirable additions to any child's wardrobe.

They provide warmth and protection for little legs, comfort and flexibility for busy bodies, and a huge variety of colors and styles for young creativity.

The fashion do's and don'ts for kids' tights and leggings are mostly the same as for adults.

Tights are to be worn with dresses or skirts that cover a good portion of the thigh.

If the skirt or dress is very short, leggings are a better choice for modesty and warmth, especially for busy, active children.

While leggings cannot serve as trousers for adults, they are acceptable as pants for kids.


Tights and Leggings for Babies

Babies have been dressed in tights and leggings ever since rigid, restrictive swaddling fell out of favor in the 17th century.

The stretchy fabric and elastic waistbands of modern tights and leggings make them easy to get on and off over bulky diapers, and they make it possible to change the baby's soiled bottoms without changing the whole outfit.

Tights and leggings should be loose to allow freedom for wiggly movement, and the fabrics should be soft so as not to irritate young skin.

Choose garments with foot coverings, which will help keep the baby's toes warm and prevent the loss of little socks and booties.

As soon as they begin toddling, it is better to dress them in leggings with bare feet or flexible slippers in order to promote optimal development of foot musculature and to prevent too many slips and falls.


Tights and Leggings for Kids

Before setting out to purchase leggings or tights for kids, it is a good idea to understand the sometimes subtle differences among the different garments.

The next section of this guide provides descriptions of tights, footless tights, leggings, skeggings, jeggings, and leg warmers in order to help the savvy shopper find just the right item.


Tights

Kids' tights are opaque, not sheer, but they are usually lighter in weight than leggings are.

They are made from cotton, cotton blends, nylon, polyester, acrylic, or Lycra/spandex.

They come in a full spectrum of colors and in patterns ranging from classic stripes and polka dots to animal prints, flowers, and whimsical holiday designs.


Footless Tights

Footless tights , as the name implies, are tights without feet.

They are ideal for babies who are just beginning to walk. Footless tights are often worn by older children as part of the necessary equipment in athletics and dance.

Some have a stirrup, which is a strap of material that goes around the arch of the foot and prevents the tights from riding up too high.


Leggings

Leggings are invaluable components of any child's wardrobe, from toddlers to elementary school students.

They are rugged, stylish, and comfortable, and can keep kids' legs warm and protected during any activity.

After a certain age, leggings are more popular for girls than for boys, but there are styles that will suit the most rough-and-tumble kids of any sex, along with plenty of unisex choices as well..


Skeggings

A clever and unique variation on leggings, skeggings have an attached skirt, allowing the wearer to don just one garment that contains both a skirt and leggings.

These are ideal for a busy, active child who wants to wear a little bit of flair.


Jeggings

Jeggings are leggings that are made to look like tight denim jeans. Some are made of leggings material like cotton/spandex mixtures and are made to look like denim with fake pockets and belt loops, while others are blends of denim and stretchy fabrics with a fly and other details that are found in denim pants.

These types of jeggings are actually very tight jeans.


Leg Warmers


Leg warmers are long, footless socks that stretch from the ankle to above the knee.

All the rage in the 1980s as part of the standard gear for aerobic dance and exercise, they are now popular with kids from infancy through elementary school.

They keep little legs warm, and they protect the knees and clothing of crawlers.

They are available in all kinds of bright and playful colors and designs, and are worn by boys and girls alike.