I never understood what the difference was, being a guy, so why do they all have different names? Stockings is also known as pantyhose — it’s various garments made up to cover your feet and lower legs. Most stockings are made from nylons which are made from synthetic, elastic material that is light and translucent. Tights are thicker, fuller version of stockings that are opaque and used mostly in colder weather. Stocking are NOT also known as pantyhose – they are single-legged hose not “panty” hose. Nylons is simply another word for stockings.

Tights in the US can come footed, footless or convertible (a hole enabling the dancer to go “barefooted”). Pantyhose traditionally comes with feet, some have “sandal toes” allowing for the comfortable wearing of sandals with them. Recently footless pantyhose has come onto the market, I am guessing for those not wanting to showoff their pantyhose feet. Leggings are normally thicker that tights – more like the thickness of unitards or running tights. Yes, they got running tights (again thickness of unitards) – those are used by runners and other athletes needing to keep the legs warm.