In short, the difference between leggings and yoga pants is that yoga pants are meant for athletics while leggings are not specifically designed for this purpose and may be too thin to wear during fitness activities. Additionally, yoga pants are not always tights. They come as sweatpants, wide-leg yoga pants, and capris while leggings are always skin-tight.

Leggings were originally designed as a way to fight the cold weather. They were something that was to be worn under your pants as an added layer to help you stay warm during cold winters similar to long johns. Hence why leggings are all skin-tight. They also were not stylish like they are now because nobody really saw them. The most common materials used for leggings are lycra, polyester, cotton with spandex, and nylon.

Yoga pants are better for fitness and if you’re plus-sized and want something that won’t stretch out or become see-through. What makes yoga pants great is that they’re double material in many areas and sweat-wicking which helps you regulate temperature.