When it’s time to break out your tights, you know that cooler weather has officially started to settle in. And while we’re sad to say goodbye to summer, slipping into cozy sweater dresses and comfy boots does sound pretty nice.
Whether you’re shopping for one particular pair of tights or if you’re looking to totally revamp your collection, there are a few things to consider before going shopping.
From expert tips to recommended product picks, we’re outlining everything you need to know about the best tights for women.
What to look for while shopping for tights | Best material for tights | Best tights for women, according to experts | Editor-approved tights | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for while shopping for tights
Tights are wardrobe staples that can be worn with dresses, skirts and shorts alike. Want to get your money’s worth while shopping? The fashion experts we spoke to had a few tips.
Find your perfect size
While many brands offer one-size-fits-most sizing, some do have sizing that hones in on women’s unique shapes.
“Sizing is crucial when shopping for tights. It’s better to go up a size versus down as styles that are too tight will dig into the skin and possibly create folds, not to mention uncomfortably dig into the skin,” fashion stylist Audrey Brianne tells us.
Seek out special features
Many tights are basic workhorses, but some offer unique features to help you look your best.
“Consider what level of compression you want. Some will offer corsetry-like support, while others are more relaxed. Keep both on rotation,” fashion stylist and TV host Cindy Conroy says.
Make sure you can breathe
Contrary to their name, tights shouldn’t be so tight that they hinder your ability to breathe.
“Always look at the durability and comfortability of the tights, making sure they’re breathable and have enough give,” style coach and personal shopper Beverly Osemwenkhae says.
Per Conroy, the best tights have “incredible stretch and recovery.” “You can wear them hour after hour and the material doesn’t stretch out,” she said.
Consider whether you want opaque or sheer tights
Depending on the look you’re going for, you’ll want to decide whether you want sheer or opaque tights.
“Opaque tights provide more coverage and warmth, while sheer tights add a touch of elegance to your outfit,” Mitchell says.
You can also consider adding a pop of personality to your look with patterns and colors.
The best material for tights
Tights can be made with a plethora of materials, so it’s important to ask yourself which one will best suit your needs.
Celebrity stylist Erica Mitchell was kind enough to break down some popular materials for us:
- Microfiber: “Microfiber tights are popular for their soft, smooth texture and excellent stretch. They hug your curves comfortably, making them ideal for all-day wear,” she says.
- Nylon and spandex blends: “These are another great option, providing elasticity and resilience. They offer a sleek fit and are resistant to snags, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase,” the pro says.
- Cotton: “For a more casual and breathable feel, cotton tights are great for cooler weather. While they might not stretch as much, they offer comfort and warmth,” Mitchell says.
- Wool or cashmere: “Perfect for winter, these materials keep you cozy without compromising on style,” she says.
Best tights for women, according to experts
Classic fishnets: A New Day Women’s Basic Fishnet Tights
What we like
- Budget tights
- Suitable for various occasions
Something to note
- May stretch and tangle easily
Colors: Five | Sizes: Small-2X | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Machine wash | Material: Nylon and spandex
When you’re building a tights collection, don’t forget to add a pair fishnets to instantly spice up any outfit.
“Tried and true, these fishnet stockings will hold up with frequent wear and are an absolute steal at just $10,” Brianne says.
Multiple color options: MeMoi Plus Size Control Top Pantyhose
Something to note
- No shipping refund on returns
Colors: Seven | Sizes: Queen petite-7X | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Machine wash | Material: Nylon and spandex
Brianne is fond of this brand that caters to an array of body shapes and sizes. “Start with the opaque variants and work your way up to specialty cuts and materials,” she says.
A sheer look: MANZI Women’s Plus Size Tights
Colors: 10 | Sizes: XL-4XL | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Polyamide, elastane
“We all deserve to feel seen, beautiful and worthy. These plus size tights shout it from the rooftop,” Conroy says.
These sheer plus size tights offer ample stretch and have a control top that offers a bit of compression.
Supportive structure: Nordstrom Everyday Control Top Pantyhose
Colors: Five | Sizes: A-D, Plus | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Nylon, spandex
If you’re looking for light control, Conroy says these tights are a solid option. They feature a built-in run guard and a smoothing control top that accentuates your waist, hips and butt.
Tons of color options: Los Angeles Apparel 40 Denier Classic Opaque Tights
Something to note
- Only available in one size
Colors: 15 | Sizes: One size | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Machine wash | Material: Nylon and elastane
“Los Angeles Apparel’s classic opaque tights come in handy for those wanting to experiment with color. With over 10+ exciting shades, there’s plenty to pick from,” Brianne says.
This high-waisted pair is made with a stretchy material and has a semi-matte, smooth finish.
Have a heart: Pretty Polly Heart Sheer Tights
Colors: One | Sizes: One size | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Polyamide and elastane
“If you want a pair of tights that spells fun, this is it. They are playful and say: ‘I don’t take myself too seriously,'” Conroy says. These tights, which are detailed with tiny hears, are currently 40% off.
Designed for dancers: Capezio Ultra Soft™ Transition Tight®
What we like
- Also available in child sizes
Something to note
- Only neutral colors available
Colors: Seven | Sizes: Small-XXL | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Nylon and spandex
“These tights were originally designed for dancers by dancers, so they know what they are doing,” Conroy says.
Fun fact: The tights can be worn as footed or footless thanks to a stitched hole on the sole of the foot.
Wardrobe staple: Hue Super Opaque Tights (Non CT)
What we like
- Long-time customer approval
Colors: Two | Sizes: 1-3 | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Nylon and spandex (black), nylon, polypropylene and spandex (heather)
Available in basic black and gorgeous gray, this pair of opaque tights is a wardrobe staple that every fashionista needs in her closet.
“I love Hue and always wore them growing up! Their opaque style provides the most warmth on the coldest days,” Osemwenkhae says.
Available in tie-dye: We Love Colors Microfiber Tights
Something to note
- Non-refundable shipping costs
Colors: 60 | Sizes: Small-8X | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Machine wash | Material: Nylon and spandex
“These tights offer unbeatable comfort and a sleek fit that moves with you. They’re perfect for pairing with dresses or skirts for a polished look,” Mitchell says. Plus, they’re available in tons of colors (even tie-dye options)!
Splurge-worthy design: Falke Hedonism Jacquard Tights
Something to note
- Pricey for no shaping tech
Colors: One | Sizes: S-L | Shaping technology? No | Laundry instructions: Machine wash | Material: Polyamide, recycled polyamide and elastane
Solids are so yesterday. If you’re looking to switch up your tights game, consider this sheer pair that has a classic jacquard design.
“This is by far one of my favorite brands because of the durability and wear you can get out of them,” Osemwenkhae says.
Shaping and sheer: Spanx Mid-Thigh Sheers
What we like
- Shoppers enjoy shaping tech
Colors: Three | Sizes: A-G | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Cotton gusset
Need an extra bit of support? This pair of Spanx tights is up to the task.
“They’re great for tummy support and smoothing out problem areas and sculpting,” Osemwenkhae says
Editor-approved tights
Editor-favorite sheer: natori Silky Sheer Tights
What we like
- Pair easily with various shoes
Colors: Three | Sizes: S-XL | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Hand wash | Material: Nylon, spandex
Shop TODAY writer Jannely Espinal likes these tights “because they have a light sheerness level and can be paired easily with heels, booties and sandals.” Espinal continues, “The panty area is thicker which helps to hold the tights into place. I usually wear these on warmer days since it [the fabric] is pretty lightweight.”
Durable option: Sheertex Women’s Stubbornly Strong Super Sheer Tights
What we like
- Inclusive sizing
- 90-day guarantee
- Easy to care for
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-2XL | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Machine wash | Material: Nylon, spandex and polyethylene
Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY, says she’s “never mastered the art of rocking tights without tearing them almost immediately.”
Bender continues, “No matter how neat my pedicure is or how far away I stay from sharp objects, I always seem to end up with a major run or nick down my leg after two or three wears. I’ve worn my Sheertex in various settings over the last year and a half — dinners, dates, coffee runs and jury duty, for starters — and my tights have miraculously remained damage-free through it all. Along with withstanding tons of movement, they’re also ridiculously comfortable (which is something I never thought I’d say as somebody with thick thighs and an apron belly).”
“Self healing” fabric: Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
What we like
- Inclusive sizing
- “Self healing” material
Colors: Seven | Sizes: XXS-4XL | Shaping technology? Yes | Laundry instructions: Machine wash with cold water | Material: Nylon, spandex and polyethylene
Lauren Biggerstaff, a partnerships editorial assistant at Shop TODAY, owns a pair of these durable Sheertex tights. Not only are they constructed with the brand’s “self healing” material that makes it easy to disguise fabric runs, but they’re also resistant to rips. Not to mention, there are two waistband sizes to choose from.
How we chose the tights
To find the best tights for women, we consulted four style experts to get their tips for finding the perfect pairs. We also asked them to share some of their go-to brands, so you can trust that these product picks are tried and true. Shop TODAY editors also weighed in on their favorite tights.
Meet the experts
- Audrey Brianne is a Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist who has worked with companies including Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, Carole Hochman and People’s Revolution. Brianne has a fashion design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and her clients include actors and musicians.
- Cindy Conroy is a fashion stylist and TV host based in New York and Toronto. Her work and commentary has appeared in InStyle, People, E! News, Teen Vogue, Elle US, Forbes, TIME, The Cut, Cosmopolitan and many other outlets. She has worked with celebrity clients, including Christina Milian.
- Erica Mitchell is a fashion stylist who was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the founder of Tru Goddess Empowerment, an organization that empowers teen girls and women, and Goddess in Your City, an organization that honors women who are making a global impact.
- Beverly Osemwenkhae is a personal stylist based in New York City and London whose work has been featured in InStyle, Bustle, Yahoo, HuffPost and other publications.
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