They say a leopard never changes its spots. But, does that help you pick out leopard print from a big cat identity parade?
It’s easy to see why people get confused between cheetah and leopard print. Many of us use the terms interchangeably and don’t bother to look that closely to determine the difference between these animal prints. So, why is it important to know the difference? Well, when you can clearly identify between cheetah and leopard print on the rail, you’ll be able to up your style game.
In this guide, we explore the difference between leopard and cheetah print
and answer:
- What’s the difference between cheetah print and leopard print?
- How can I tell cheetah and leopard prints apart?
- Are cheetah and leopard prints the same thing?
What’s the Difference Between Cheetah and Leopard Prints?
Let’s close the debate and clearly explain the difference between these prints, outlining how to choose your next killer outfit.
Want to rock a feminine, feline look, but not sure whether cheetah or leopard is more your style? Let’s play a game of spot the difference.
If you see single, solid black spots on a tan background—it’s cheetah. If they’re ring-shaped rosettes with lighter centers, it’s leopard. Master this, and you’ll spot (or rock) the difference every time.
Both styles are spotted, but there’s more than to the eye when unlocking the difference between these big cat prints.
Let’s start with cheetah print. Famed for being the world’s fastest land animal, these wildcat’s coats are characterized by evenly spaced black dots on a gold background. Each spot is individual and solid, giving cheetah print on dresses a clean, minimal look. Some spots are smaller than others, but it typically has a uniform look.
It’s sometimes seen as more sophisticated and subdued than leopard print, which is vital if you’re shooting for a classier look at a more formal event. Shop our cheetah print collection to see what we’re talking about.
Leopard print, on the other hand, is seen as the bolder, edgier print. Leopard print has a bit more dramatic flair—this big cat’s golden-yellow coat is composed of dark spots and rosettes, with centers that feature lighter shades. The spots of leopards are often larger than cheetahs, and are more densely distributed. Leopard print in short is more complex than cheetah print, giving it an exotic flair.
In terms of color palette, cheetah print tends to the cooler side, while leopard print has a warmer base tone.
Ok, despite these differences, leopard and cheetah print still get mixed up, by both fashionistas and fashion stores. You’ll sometimes see leopard and cheetah prints mislabeled as even the seasoned pros make errors from time to time with these tricky wildcat prints—well they are designed for blending into their environment and providing camouflage in the bush after all.
Additionally, in the fashion world the terms can be used interchangeably, and these prints are sometimes stylized in ways that blur the differences. Some prints are exaggerated in shape or color, and black and white, or neon prints make it hard to spot the differences.
When and How to Wear Cheetah vs. Leopard Print
Cheetah print is more subtle and minimal than its close cousin. This gives it a more casual vibe, and so it’s best suited to more casual events. You can easily underplay cheetah print, so it’s suitable for those who want to dip a toe into the fun world of animal prints without feeling exposed.
This print is best paired with white, as well as earthy tones, so add accessories in these shades to offset the bold print.
Leopard print is more suited to bold statement wear, and evening wear, worn at formal events to add a touch of glamour to your outfit. It’s ideal for nights out when you want to turn heads with glam looks.
It works well when combined with neutral shades such as black, and tan. Try a slip dress for a cocktail party, and accent it with gold jewelry.
You can pair leopard and cheetah prints, just use one as your main print, and the other as an accent.
Animal prints on the rise
Since 2016, the U.S. mass market saw a 371% increase in new products featuring animal prints.
Favorite Cheetah & Leopard Print Dresses
We love the Sherri Hill Strapless Tight Print HoCo Dress. Pairing a strapless dress with cheetah print unleashes your wild side, baring some skin alongside the daring and bold big cat print. With a snatched silhouette, this dress really hugs your figure and the sweetheart neckline frames your décolletage beautifully. Rawr!
We’re big fans of the Ava Presley Leopard Homecoming Dress. The delicate spaghetti straps are alluring. This dress features a fitted silhouette to showcase your curves perfectly. The beaded fringe adds some playful movement and enhances the feeling of a real statement dress for hoco or prom.
Wrapping up
Remember, if you see solid black uniform dots on a tan background you’re looking at cheetah print, spot irregular rosettes (ring-shaped circles) on a golden-yellow background, its leopard.
Now you can confidently recognize each spotted style like a pro conservationist in the Savannah. We’ve also armed you with some key styling tips which will help you dress up each print.
You’re now ready to unleash your wild side, with cheetah print dresses and leopard print dresses that make you feel seriously fierce!
FAQs
Is there a difference between leopard print and cheetah print?
Yes, there are clear differences between leopard print and cheetah print, although they can feel subtle.
Leopard print is characterized by irregular rosettes with lighter centers on a golden-yellow background, a bit like an open donut. Cheetah print can be recognized by its uniform distribution of solid black dots on a tawny/beige background.
Why do people call leopard print cheetahs?
People sometimes mistake leopard print for cheetah, and vice versa because the two prints are visually similar at a glance. The distinction between them can be subtle, especially when not closely observed. The key differences include the irregular rosettes of leopard print (the broken spots with a lighter center) vs the evenly spaced black spots of cheetah print.
