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.
Do I need to wear panties under thongs?
How to wear thongs correctly and do you wear panties under thais? An interesting question that does not have a clear answer.
How to wear men's thongs with or without panties is a personal matter for everyone. If you are uncomfortable, wear additional sports underwear (the option of family shorts or “boxers” is, of course, not even considered here).
In some cases, athletes wear a short version as underwear, and long sports pants on top.
In professional sports, it is not uncommon for an athlete to train in such shorts or trousers on his naked body; often the same requirement is made at competitions.
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%.
Reviews
Ivan, 28 years old
I bought the running thai and am incredibly pleased. Here are a few reasons why I definitely recommend this option. They look incredibly cool on any figure. It is really more convenient to play sports in such clothes, and in any weather, in the heat, in the cold, and in the rain. The pants are very light and do not add extra load. They have pockets where you can put your keys and phone, and, importantly, they won't go anywhere while you're running. I definitely recommend it.
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.
Popular brands
Adidas . Occupies a leading position. This brand produces both winter models designed for operation at extremely low temperatures, and regular ones - for gyms and summer jogging.
Asics . The collections include all-season women's tights, which will not be cold in winter (unless the temperature goes into the deep minus) and not hot in summer. The manufacturer also has purely winter options.
Nike . The widest range possible to satisfy the needs of the most demanding athlete. The manufacturer pays attention to important details. For example, many elongated models have zippers and water-repellent inserts in the ankle area to prevent the fabric from getting wet.
Reebok . The collections contain many interesting models in bright colors and unusual prints. Consequently, products released under this brand are most suitable for fashionistas and those who like to attract attention.
Craft . The manufacturer offers a variety of models of good quality at affordable prices.
Important! Products made by unknown Chinese manufacturers may disappoint. Therefore, if a fan of an active lifestyle expects a positive effect from sportswear, then it is worth worrying about purchasing a branded item.
Price and where to buy
Tights today are made by many modern brands from different countries, the most fashionable brands are Axis and Adidas, Converse and Kraft, Saucony, JOMA and many others. The price of such clothing depends on the brand itself, as well as on the type of product and its purpose, and is generally divided into short tights, which cost a little less, as well as medium and long ones.
On average, you can buy them in online stores for 1670-2925 rubles, and many such stores can offer discounts of up to 60% or even more. You can also buy sportswear in a regular sporting goods store, of which there are many in every major city.
Review of popular models
Adidas Supernova Sport P91095
Pleasant to the touch, almost weightless model of summer equipment is made using the patented ClimaCool technology. The manufacturer claims that running in tights will be easy and comfortable even in the hottest and stuffiest weather. The material consists of three layers of fibers, each of which does an excellent job of ventilation and moisture removal.
Craft Termal (female model)
Comfortable, simple tights with mesh areas and reflective elements. The products are designed for activities in the warm season. The clothing is well ventilated and, at the same time, perfectly protects from wind and rain, allowing you to play sports regardless of weather conditions.
Asics L1 Gore Wind Stopper Tight
A distinctive feature of the collection is the inner layer of clothing, adjacent to the skin, very pleasant to the touch, soft and warm. Tights with a layer of microfleece retain heat perfectly. The presence of additional inserts makes the clothes windproof and, at the same time, breathable. There is a drawstring and pockets in the lumbar area, and a zipper at the bottom of the garment.
You can order products to be sampled at home
within St. Petersburg
up to 5 pairs of shoes
and up to 5 types of clothing/accessories.
If after trying on something you didn’t fit/didn’t like, or the purchase price turned out to be less than 7,000 rubles, you only need to pay the delivery cost – 250 rubles.
Important selection criteria
To maximize the effectiveness of your training and achieve productivity, not only the appearance of the equipment is important, but also its comfort and functionality. Properly selected fitness tights should have the following characteristics:
- good compression;
- ergonomic cut;
- smoothed seams;
- effective ventilation;
- Made from moisture-wicking fabric.
In addition to the listed parameters, running models must protect the athlete’s legs from wind, rain, frost, and so on.
