Translation guide
In Japanese, 'leggings' can refer to several types of tight-fitting legwear. The most common term is レギンス, but other words like スパッツ or タイツ may be used depending on the material, thickness, and context. This guide helps you choose the right word.
Tight-fitting stretchy pants worn as casual or fashion wear, often made of cotton or synthetic blends.
The most common and direct loanword for 'leggings' in the fashion sense. Used for both thick and thin varieties.
I wore leggings today.
Often used interchangeably with レギンス, but can imply slightly thicker, sportier, or more opaque leggings. Originally from 'spats', but meaning has shifted.
Tight, stretchy pants worn for sports, exercise, or as base layers, often made of performance fabrics.
Refers to tights or athletic leggings, often thicker and more opaque than ストッキング. Used for sports, dance, or as thermal wear.
Thin, often skin-colored or patterned tights worn with skirts or dresses.
Tights that do not cover the foot, often used in dance or yoga.
Literally 'footless tights'. Used in dance, yoga, or as a fashion item.
In ballet class, we wear footless tights.
These terms overlap but have nuances. レギンス is the safest for fashion leggings. スパッツ often implies a sportier or thicker material. タイツ can mean tights (athletic or thermal) but also pantyhose in some contexts, though ストッキング is clearer for sheer pantyhose. When in doubt, use レギンス for casual wear and タイツ for athletic or thermal wear.
She wore black leggings with a long sweater.
These leggings stretch well.
スパッツの上にショートパンツを重ねるのが流行っている。
Layering shorts over leggings is trendy.
I bought running tights.
I sleep wearing tights because it's cold.
Specifically compression tights for sports recovery or performance.
Compression tights help with fatigue.
Typically refers to sheer nylon tights or pantyhose. Not used for thick opaque leggings.
My stockings got a run.
Leggings (レギンス) are often for fashion, while tights (タイツ) are often for sports or cold weather.
There is no native Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'leggings'. Using a literal translation like 脚衣 (leg garment) would be unnatural. Stick to the loanwords above.
ヨガ用のレギンスを新しく買わないと。
I need new leggings for yoga.