20+ Differences between Pantyhose and Tights (Explained)

Pantyhose and Tights are a very classy way of elevating a look. Both types of garments are widely used by women, mainly under their dresses and skirts. Due to a similar purpose, Pantyhose and Tights are often confused, making people use the terms interchangeably.

However, it should be noted that if there are similarities, there are also differences. The major difference between Pantyhose and Tights is that Pantyhose is typically thinner than Tights.

Comparison Between Pantyhose And Tights

Parameter	Pantyhose	Tights
Emergence	Pantyhose emerged after the emergence of Tights. The traces of the origin of Pantyhose takes us back to 1859.	Tights emerged before the emergence of Pantyhose. The traces of the origin of Tights take us back to the 18th century.
Meaning	A legging type of clothing that covers the whole lower body with a sheer cloth. It has a reinforced area from the waist to the thighs.	Another legging type of clothing with the same purpose as Pantyhose, except it, has a moderate sheer cloth covering the lower body.
Types	It can be broadly classified into four main categories:	It generally has no types.
Fabric	It makes use of a thinner fabric in comparison with Tights. It largely uses Hosiery fabric and, at times, cotton lycra.	It makes use of a thicker fabric in comparison with Pantyhose. It largely uses nylon fabric.
Transparency	In comparison with Tights, it is more transparent.	In comparison with Pantyhose, it is less transparent.
Exposure	It provides more exposure than Tights do.	It provides less exposure than Pantyhose does.
Coverage	It provides less coverage in comparison with Tights.	It provides more coverage in comparison with Pantyhose.
Denier Count	To qualify as a Pantyhose, it must have a denier count of less than 40, precisely between 8 to 30.	To qualify as Tights, it must have a denier count of more than 40, precisely between 40 to 100.
Durability	Compared with Tights, Pantyhose is less durable than Tights because they use thin fabric, making it very easy for them to tear.	Compared with Pantyhose, Tights are more durable than Pantyhose because of the use of thick fabric.
Wearing	It is always worn under skirts and dresses. It can not be worn independently.	It can be worn under skirts and dresses as well as independently.
Considered as	Since it can not be worn independently, it is considered an undergarment or lingerie.	It is considered a normal piece of clothing.
Look	Pantyhose can give you both an informal and formal look.	Tights only give an informal look.

Major Differences Between Pantyhose And Tights

What exactly is a Pantyhose?

A Pantyhose is a type of legging made up of mesh. It is often confused with Tights, but it differs greatly from Tights. The traces of the emergence of pantyhose can be found as early as 1959. It was originally called panty legs.

Since its emergence, it has attained wide popularity, which continues until today. It provides more exposure to the skin as it is made from a piece of thin fabric and provides a classic finish to skirts and dresses.

Features of Pantyhose

The traces of Pantyhose can be found as early as 1959.
It was originally called panty legs.
For Tights to be considered Pantyhose, they should have a denier count of 40 or less.
It is generally considered a piece of lingerie as it can not be worn alone. It is always worn under skirts and dresses.
It is typically made from hosiery fabric.
It provides moderate coverage against scars and marks.
It provides high exposure.

Key Differences: Pantyhose

A type of women’s wear that is like leggings but is sheer is known as Pantyhose.
In comparison with Tights, it is thinner in fabric.
It is generally considered as women’s undergarments or lingerie.
It is generally worn under skirts and dresses but typically not independently.
It provides more exposure than Tights.

What exactly are Tights?

Tights are a kind of leggings that are less sheer than Pantyhose but also less opaque than leggings. The traces of the emergence of Tights can be found as early as the 18th century.

Tights have always been in trend since their emergence, especially because they can be worn independently. They provide very less exposure to skin and hide scars and marks as they are made from a piece of thick fabric.

Features of Tights

Tights made their emergence as early as the 18th century.
These clothing items are considered to be Tights only when they have a denier count of more than 40.
It is mainly considered normal clothing instead of an undergarment. They can be worn independently if one does not want to wear them under a skirt or a dress.
It is typically made from nylon fabric.
It provides high coverage against marks and scars.
It provides moderate exposure.

Key Differences: Tights

A Tight is also very much like a Legging, but Tights are less sheer than Pantyhoses but less opaque than a Legging.
In comparison with Pantyhoses, it is thicker in fabric.
It is not considered women’s undergarments. They are seen as just normal clothing.
Just like Pantyhose, it is worn mainly under skirts and garments and can also be worn independently.
It provides less exposure than Pantyhose.

The Contrast Between Pantyhose And Tights

Emergence

Pantyhose – Pantyhose emerged after the emergence of Tights. It is estimated to have originated in 1959.

Tights – Tights emerged way before the emergence of Pantyhose. It is estimated to have originated during the 18th century.

Meaning

Pantyhose – Pantyhose is a legging-like garment that covers the legs from the waist to the toes. It is considered sheer and has a reinforced area from the waist to the thighs.

Tights – that cover the lower body from the waist to the toes. It typically does not have a reinforced area in its upper part. It is the same throughout and is moderately sheer.

Types

Pantyhose – Pantyhose can be broadly classified into four main categories: control top, sheer to waist, support Pantyhose and stockings, and thigh high Pantyhose.

Tights – There generally are not any types of tights.

Fabric

Pantyhose – Pantyhose is generally made from hosiery fabric.

Tights – Tights are generally made from nylon fabric.

Durability

Pantyhose – Pantyhose is made from a thinner fabric. Thus, it is common for Pantyhose to get teared up as it mostly meshes. Thus, they are considered less durable than Tights.

Tights – Tights are generally made from a thicker fabric which is the reason behind their high durability.

Denier Count

Pantyhose – To qualify as Pantyhose, it must have a denier count of less than 40, precisely between 8 to 30.

Tights – To qualify as Tights, it must have a denier count of more than 40, precisely between 40 and 100.

Transparency

Pantyhose – In comparison with Tights, Pantyhose is considered more transparent.

Tights – Tights are less transparent in comparison with Pantyhose.

Coverage

Pantyhose – Due to their thinner fabric and more transparency, Pantyhose provide less coverage than Tights.

Tights – Compared to Pantyhose, Tights provide more coverage due to their thicker fabric and less transparency.

Exposure

Pantyhose – Pantyhose is known for its exposure due to its transparency.

Tights – Tights are known for their less exposure due to less transparency.

Wearing

Pantyhose – To wear Pantyhose, one must wear them under skirts and dresses. However, it can be worn independently.

Tights – One can wear Tights under skirts and dresses as well as independently.

Considered as

Pantyhose – Since Pantyhose can not be worn without outer clothing, they are also considered undergarments and lingerie.

Tights – Since Tights can be worn in any way one desires to wear, they are considered a piece of normal clothing.

Formal/ Informal

Pantyhose – Pantyhose can be worn in formal as well as informal events.

Tights – Tights usually can not be worn at formal events as they provide more of an informal look.

CONCLUSION

Pantyhose and Tights are very classy pieces of clothing that help to enhance the look of dresses and skirts. Due to vivid similarities, both clothing items look like synonyms and are used interchangeably. Pantyhose is a piece of clothing similar to leggings but very sheer.

On the other hand, tights are also very similar to leggings but are a little more opaque than Pantyhose. Another significant difference between the two is that Pantyhose generally provides a formal look, while Tights do not.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q1. When did Pantyhose and Tights originate?

Pantyhose emerged before the emergence of Tights. Pantyhose is thought to have emerged in 1969. Tights, on the other hand, emerged way before Pantyhose did. They are estimated to have originated during the 18th century.

Q2. How many types of Pantyhose are there?

Pantyhose can be broadly classified into five main categories:
Counter Top Pantyhose
Sheer to Waist Pantyhose
Support Pantyhose and Stockings
Thigh High Pantyhose

Q3. What are the major differences between Pantyhose and Tights?

The major differences between Pantyhose and Tights are as follows:
1. Pantyhose is very sheer, while Tights are moderately sheer.
2. Pantyhose provides high exposure, whereas Tights provide moderate exposure.
3. Pantyhose is made from a thinner fabric with low durability.
4. Conversely, Tights are made from a thicker, highly durable fabric.
5. Pantyhose generally is worn under skirts and dresses. They can not be worn independently. While Tights also can be worn under skirts and dresses as well as independently.
6. Pantyhose has a low Denier Count. The Denier Count of Pantyhose ranges from 8 to 30, whereas Tights have a high Denier Count. The Denier Count of Tights ranges from 40 to 100.

Q4. What are the fabrics largely used to make Pantyhose and Tights?

A large variety of fabrics are made to make Pantyhose and Tights both. But most commonly, Hosiery and Cotton Lycra are used to make Pantyhose, while Nylon is used to make Tights.