Inklingo

How to Say "tights" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tights” is “medias” — use 'medias' for general hosiery that covers the legs from the waist or hips down to the feet, similar to stockings or pantyhose..

English → Spanish

medias

/mé-dias//ˈmeðjas/

nounA1general
Use 'medias' for general hosiery that covers the legs from the waist or hips down to the feet, similar to stockings or pantyhose.
A pair of brightly colored, patterned socks neatly folded on a surface.

Examples

Se me rompió una media camino al trabajo.

I tore one of my stockings on the way to work.

Perdí una de mis medias favoritas en la lavadora.

I lost one of my favorite socks in the washing machine.

Ella siempre usa medias de lana en invierno.

She always wears wool stockings (or tights) in winter.

Gender and Number

Remember that 'medias' is always feminine and plural, even when referring to a single pair. The singular form is 'media'.

malla

/MA-yah//ˈma.ʝa/

nounA2general
Choose 'malla' for tight-fitting, stretchy garments worn for sports, dance, or as fashion leggings.
A pair of bright purple athletic leggings laid out flat on a clean surface.

Examples

Las bailarinas llevan mallas para practicar.

The dancers wear leggings to practice.

Me compré unas mallas nuevas para ir al gimnasio.

I bought some new leggings to go to the gym.

Las bailarinas llevan mallas negras.

The dancers wear black tights.

Esta malla es muy cómoda para correr.

This leotard (or unitard) is very comfortable for running.

The Plural Habit

Just like 'pants' in English, people often say 'las mallas' (plural) even when referring to just one pair of leggings.

Using 'Unas'

To say 'a pair of leggings,' use 'unas mallas'.

Gender Error

Mistake: “Saying 'los mallas'.”

Correction: Even though they are pants, the word is feminine: 'las mallas'.

Mallas vs. Medias

Learners often confuse 'mallas' and 'medias'. Remember that 'medias' are typically thinner hosiery like pantyhose or stockings, while 'mallas' are thicker, stretchier garments like leggings or athletic tights.

Related Translations

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