We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Style Lingerie & Hosiery The 12 Best Tights You Can Buy Online Elevate your looks with these chic and durable options. By Stacey Nguyen Stacey Nguyen Stacey Nguyen is a content writer and copywriter who has been working in digital media and marketing since 2014. You can find her lifestyle and commerce writing on sites such as POPSUGAR, The Spruce, Byrdie, InStyle, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 12, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Marcus Millan Great for adding warmth or a sleek texture to outfits, tights are an indispensable wardrobe staple. They come in a gamut of styles, whether you’re partial to sheer, opaque, black, or colorful options. However, hunting down the just-right pair can be a bit of an ordeal—ideally, the perfect pair needs to be stylish without compromising durability or comfort. To help you shop for your next go-to tights, we researched dozens of options on the market, considering factors such as size range, material, and color availability. For expert tips on choosing and maintaining tights, we consulted New York City and London-based personal stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae, who is the founder of ProjectBee Wardrobe Consulting. No matter your budget or style preference, we’ve created a shortlist of the very best tights out there to help you elevate your looks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights at Calzedonia.com Jump to Review Best Budget: No Nonsense Super-Opaque Tights at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Sheer: HUE Sheer Tights at Hue.com Jump to Review Best Opaque Tights: Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights at Zappos $42 Jump to Review Best Durable Tights: Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Black Tights: Hanes Premium Women's Perfect Blackout Tights at Target $12 Jump to Review Best Designer Tights: Wolford Velvet de Luxe 50 Tights at Nordstrom $55 Jump to Review Best Shaping: Spanx Tight-End Tights at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Drugstore: L’eggs Women’s Sheer Energy Control Top Sheer Tights at Amazon $11 Jump to Review Best Flesh Tone: Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition Tight at Amazon $17 Jump to Review Best Overall Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights PHOTO: Calzedonia View on Calzedonia.com What Stands Out These tights are super soft, offer good coverage, and can be tossed into the washer. What Could Be Improved There aren’t many choices for those who prefer vibrant options, as most of the available colors lean muted or neutral. Calzedonia features hosiery in a range of fun finishes and patterns, but we love these simple tights most for a classic closet staple. The 50 denier density offers coverage while allowing some skin to peek through for a stylish, semi-opaque look. The microfiber blend also feels super soft to the touch, and the stretchy waistband keeps the tights comfortable and snug on the body. Plus, these tights are machine washable, so you don’t need to go through the trouble of hand washing them. When it comes to color range, these tights are available in 16 different colors, including a versatile black. One minor drawback is that the vast color range mostly leans neutral or muted. If you love a splash of color, your options are limited to a few jewel tones, such as burgundy and mustard. Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 90% polyamide, 8% elastane, and 2% cotton | Color options: 16 | Denier: 50 | Care: Machine wash cold Best Budget No Nonsense Super-Opaque Tights PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $8 at Riteaid.com What Stands Out These durable tights come in a pack of two, offering you better value for your money. What Could Be Improved They can run a little small around the control top area, so they may feel more snug than you’d like. These No Nonsense tights are incredibly budget-friendly, with each style coming in a pack of two to give you bang for your buck. They’re available in various color combinations, including pairings with black, gray, brown, and blue. True to their “super opaque” name, they tout a density of 90 deniers for complete coverage and extra durability. Because their design is thicker, they also offer more warmth in cold weather. In terms of shapewear details, these tights feature a pull-on control top with a mid-rise waistband. It is worth noting, however, that these tights can run a little small, especially around the control top area. Depending on your proportions, they may feel more snug around the hips and tummy than you’d like. Size Range: S-2XL | Materials: 81% nylon and 19% spandex panty and 89% nylon and 11% spandex leg | Color options: 8 | Denier: 90 | Care: Hand wash only Best Sheer HUE Sheer Tights PHOTO: HUE View on Hue.com $14 at Macy's What Stands Out These extra sheer tights come with a comfortable elasticized waistband, supportive control top, and 18 points of compression for the perfect fit. What Could Be Improved The size range is limited, so those seeking larger sizes may have difficulties finding a pair. We can’t create a roundup of the best tights without including at least one pair from HUE, which has made its name as a leading brand in hosiery over the last four decades. With a 30 denier density, these tights are extra sheer for a translucent finish that’s easy to layer with different pieces in your wardrobe. Although they’re relatively inexpensive, they feature high-quality details, such as a supportive control top and 18 points of compression for a just-right fit. Plus, they have a comfortable elastic waistband that prevents them from rolling down. These sheer tights come in four basic colors, including a classic black. While their color range is fair, their size availability is a bit more limited, spanning from 1 to 3 in HUE’s sizing system. This is equivalent to a range between sizes XS to L, or between 4’11” to 6’0” in height and 100 to 200 pounds in weight. Size Range: XS-L | Materials: 81% nylon and 19% spandex | Color options: 4 | Denier: 30 | Care: Hand wash only Best Opaque Tights Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights PHOTO: Amazon $42 at Zappos View on Wearcommando.com View on Bergdorfgoodman.com What Stands Out In addition to extra matte coverage, these tights also feature a comfortable raw-cut waist that won’t dig. What to Consider These tights lack a robust range of color options, since they only come in black. Commando, one of Osemwenkhae’s top brands for tights, features a range of beautiful opaque tights. For full coverage, the Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights is our go-to pick. Their finish is extra matte, which makes them perfect as a bold and sleek layering piece. Besides looking stylish, they feel buttery soft, thanks to their luxurious microfiber blend. We also love that the patented raw-cut waistband that doesn’t dig into the hips. Do keep in mind that Commando has a limited color selection overall. Beyond this product, there are only neutral, black, and white options throughout all of its hosiery collection. This particular pair only comes in black, so it may not be for you if you want more color choices. Size Range: S-XL | Materials: 90% nylon and 10% elastane (with a 72% nylon and 28% elastane waistband) | Color options: 1 | Denier: 70 | Care: Hand wash only Best Durable Tights Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights PHOTO: Sheertex $35 at Amazon View on Sheertex.com $39 at QVC What Stands Out These tights are made with fiber technology that’s more durable than traditional options. What Could Be Improved: The tights are notably more expensive than many other options on the market. While the Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights can cost a pretty penny, they’re worth the investment if you want a high-quality pair of tights that won’t snag or run. Sheertex uses miniaturized versions of fibers found in sailing and climbing equipment, designing its tights to be 10 times more durable than traditional tights. Strong and soft, these Sheertex tights are specifically made up of 48 percent nylon, 35 percent polyethylene, and 17 percent spandex. Fabrication aside, they also have a reinforced toe design, so your toes won’t cut through the material. Sheertex is so confident in its technology that it even has a 90-day guarantee—if your tights are damaged within 90 days, you can have them replaced for free. Besides being durable, these tights feature a comfortable mid-rise waist with a light compression waistband. Plus, they’re machine washable, which makes them easy to clean. In terms of color options, the Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights come in black, but you can also browse Sheertex’s website for other colors in the Classic line. Size Range: XS-3XL | Materials: 48% nylon, 35% polyethylene, and 17% spandex | Color options: 1 | Denier: Not listed | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors in wash bag Best Black Tights Hanes Premium Women's Perfect Blackout Tights PHOTO: Target $12 at Target What Stands Out These affordable, true black tights offer lots of stretch and flexibility for a comfortable fit. What Could Be Improved They are extra thick, so they have limited breathability. Classic black tights are a closet essential, and our go-to pair is the Hanes Premium Women’s Perfect Blackout Tights. True to their name, they’re extra opaque for a pitch-black look, featuring 100 deniers to give you complete coverage. For a flattering fit, the control top design also sculpts the thigh and hip areas. While they include shaping benefits, the tights are designed to be stretchy and flexible around the waist, offering comfort and ease of movement. The cherry on top is that these tights are affordable, so you can pick up a few pairs for your closet rotation. Just keep in mind that these tights are considerably thick due to their high denier. As such, they’re better suited for the colder parts of the year and may not feel very breathable in hot weather. Size Range: S-XL | Materials: 72% nylon and 28% spandex | Color options: 1 | Denier: 100 | Care: Hand wash only Best Designer Tights Wolford Velvet de Luxe 50 Tights PHOTO: Wolford $55 at Nordstrom $55 at Zappos View on Wolford.com What Stands Out These tights feature a luxurious matte finish and feel comfortable to wear. What Could Be Improved The size range is limited, so those who want a bigger size might not find a suitable option. Wolford has been a mainstay brand in designer legwear, lingerie, and bodywear, and The Velvet de Luxe 50 Tights definitely live up to the hype around Wolford’s iconic name. Available in three shades, they flaunt a luxurious matte finish and tout a stylish semi-sheer look. Besides looking high-end, they’re also comfortable and stretchy. Best of all, they’re conveniently machine washable, so you don’t have to hand wash them. One thing that is notable is that the size range, which goes from XS to XL, runs a bit small. Per Wolford’s sizing guide, the XS to XL range includes bodies between 4’11” and 6’3” in height and 99 to 198 pounds in weight—for many other hosiery brands, the XL size typically encompasses weights over 200 pounds. Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 89% nylon and 11% elastane | Color options: 3 | Denier: 50 | Care: Machine wash cold Best Shaping Spanx Tight-End Tights PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $28 at Nordstrom View on Spanx What Stands Out These tights shape the stomach, thighs, and rear for a sculpted look. What Could Be Improved The color range is limited to only dark colors, so you can’t pick up vibrant or skin-tone styles. If you want your tights to offer a sculpted look beneath a dress or skirt, you can’t go wrong with these tights from SPANX, which give support with firm compression. The cheeky product name promises a “tight end,” but its built-in mid-thigh shaper also sculpts the stomach and thighs along with the rear. For a seamless look, these tights also feature an open cotton gusset to eliminate a visible panty line. Although the Tight-End tights contour your body, they’re made of soft, premium yarns and feature a non-digging waistband for a comfortable fit. One minor drawback with the Tight-End Tights is that they only come in three dark colors. Between different retailers, the most commonly available option is a matte black, although there are also charcoal and navy iterations of this style. Size Range: A-E (4’10”-6’0” in height and 95-265 pounds in weight) | Materials: 83% nylon and 17% elastane, plus a cotton gusset | Color options: 3 | Denier: 60 | Care: Hand wash warm Best Drugstore L’eggs Women’s Sheer Energy Control Top Sheer Tights PHOTO: Target $10 at Amazon $8 at Target $8 at Walgreens What Stands Out These widely available tights feature a control top for shaping benefits and a 360-compression design for supporting the legs. What Could Be Improved There are only black and off-black options available, so these are not ideal if you want bright tights. Widely available through drugstore retailers, the affordable Sheer Energy tights from L’eggs come in a stylish semi-opaque finish with 30 deniers. Their low density allows skin to show through and offers breathability on warm days. When it comes to their shaping benefits, they feature a control top that smooths the abdomen area for a sculpted style. The 360-compression design also tones and supports your legs—the idea is that they help “micro-massage” tired legs. The available size range is typical for tights, spanning from small to extra large, or A-Q+ in L’eggs’ sizing system. One downside is that the color range for these tights is limited to dark styles, only including jet black, black, and gray. Size Range: S-XL | Materials: 79% nylon and 21% spandex | Color options: 3 | Denier: 30 | Care: Hand wash only Best Flesh Tone Capezio Ultra Soft Self Knit Waistband Transition Tight PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon View on Capezio.com $17 at Macy's What Stands Out Soft and durable, these tights come in an impressive range of colors and sizes. What Could Be Improved Some people may prefer seamless foot coverage to the transitional foot feature. While not as popular as their black counterparts, flesh-toned tights can come in handy if you want a skin-colored option that obscures texture or discoloration on your legs. Capezio’s Ultra Soft Self-Knit Waistband Transition Tight comes in 18 different tones, allowing you to find a close match whether your skin leans pale or dark. We also love the inclusive size range, which sizes small to 4X for adults, plus children’s sizes. These tights are made from Tactel, a proprietary nylon fabric that’s extra soft and durable because it features more threads per inch. We want to note that there’s a stitched hole at the sole so that the tights can easily transition from footed to footless. Though many people, including non-dancers, enjoy this versatile feature, some may prefer seamless foot coverage. Size Range: S-4X, plus children’s sizes | Materials: 86% Tactel nylon and 14% spandex | Color options: 18 | Denier: Not listed | Care: Hand wash only Best Warm Snag Merino Wool Tights PHOTO: Snag View on Snagtights.us What Stands Out They are made with wool for ultimate warmth, and are also available in an impressive range of sizes. What Could Be Improved The tights are a bit pricey, and the delivery fee will increase your total cost if you don’t qualify for free shipping. If you want to feel toasty during chilly weather, slip on a pair of Snag’s Merino Wool Tights. Along with polyamide, elastane, and cotton, these tights are made up of 52% wool to give your legs extra warmth. They also come in a fantastic size range, which goes from sizes 2 to 34 (or A to G in Snag’s sizing system). This particular product comes in muted and neutral colors in addition to basic black. Be sure to look up each color offering on Snag’s wool tights category page, since the brand features individual pages for each color offering. These wool tights are more expensive than your typical pair of tights, and the delivery fee can be an additional cost if you don’t qualify for free shipping. However, we think they’re worth the investment if you need to layer up for cold weather. Size Range: A-G (equivalent to sizes 2-34) | Materials: 52% wool, 44% polyamide, 3% elastane, and 1% cotton | Color options: 9 | Denier: Not listed | Care: Hand wash or put in a bag in the laundry machine Best Colorful We Love Colors Nylon Spandex Tights PHOTO: We Love Colors View on Welovecolors.com What Stands Out They come in 60 different colors and up to a size 6X for a wide range of options. What Could Be Improved These tights do not come with a gusset, so they may restrict motion range or ride up. If you want a wide range of colors with splashy neons, pastels, jewel tones, and everything in between, begin your search at We Love Color. This Miami-based apparel brand offers its nylon spandex tights in a vast array of colors. Whether you’re a dancer, cosplayer, or just someone who adores bright tights, this style from We Love Color includes 60 colors, from neon pink to baby blue. No worries if you prefer more low-key neutrals like black, white, or brown—those are included in this selection, too. The size range here is also excellent, since We Love Color offers up to 6X for adult sizes, plus children’s sizes. However, bear in mind that this pick does not have a gusset, which is typically built into tights to offer them better flexibility. Without a gusset, these tights might ride up or limit motion range. Size Range: A-EE/6X (4’10”-6’2” in height and 91-380 pounds in weight), plus children’s sizes | Materials: 85% nylon and 15% spandex | Color options: 60 | Denier: 60 | Care: Hand wash only Final Verdict Thanks to their comfortable stretch, soft material, and excellent coverage, the Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights are our top pick. You can also conveniently clean them in the washer, which is an added bonus. If you’re looking for an extra durable pair, we also love the Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights, which feature tough fibers for a promising lifespan. Although they’re pricier than most basic tights, they’re worth the investment if you want a closet staple that will last. How to Shop for Tights Like a Pro Thickness (Denier) As you shop for tights, one measurement that you will often come across is denier. When it comes to the fabric of your tights, “the denier [...] is the density and weight,” Osemwenkhae explains. “The lower the denier, the more transparent [it is].” The denier for hosiery typically ranges between 5 to 100. Tights between 5 to 40 denier tend to be sheerer, while those that fall between 40 and 100 are thicker, warmer, and more opaque. Some extra opaque tights can even have a denier of 200 or higher. Control Top According to Osemwenkhae, you can think of control tops like shapewear for your tights. Typically situated between the stomach and upper thighs, a control top helps support and smooth the abdomen, hip, and thigh areas for a sculpted fit beneath shorts, skirts, and dresses. While tights with control tops can help shape the body, some people find them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, since they can feel constricting around the abdomen. Durability Durable tights will endure everyday wear and tear without ripping or snagging. To get a pair that’s comfortable and durable, Osemwenkhae says that “you want to always look at the weight and fabrication.” Consider the denier—the higher the denier, the thicker and more durable your tights will be. If you prefer a sheer finish, find out what your tights are made of, and, if you can, how they’re made. Sheertex, for example, uses extra strong polymer fibers to create rip-resistant tights. Capezio also uses Tactel, a proprietary nylon material with more threads per inch for extra durability. The durability of your tights will also depend on how well you care for them. Store your tights away from things that they could catch on, and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for washing them. Size Range Tights can sometimes roll down or feel too constricting, so you want to choose a pair that fits your body well. Most hosiery brands feature tights in sizes small to extra large, although there are brands that will offer even smaller and larger choices for more inclusive sizing. While these general sizes are helpful, it’s crucial to reference each product’s sizing chart to get the just-right fit. Sizing charts will feature weight and height ranges to give you a more specific picture of a brand’s different sizing options. “It’s best to get a size that fits and is comfortable. You will always know when something feels too tight or is cutting into you,” Osemwenkhae notes. She advises against sizing up when buying tights “because over time, they do stretch out and lose their shape.” Questions You Might Ask Which tights are most durable? Opaque tights are usually more durable than sheer ones, since their thick material resists rips and runs. If you enjoy sheer tights, however, be mindful of fabrication to choose a long-lasting pair. Although we picked the Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights for our “most durable” superlative, these tights use tough, high-quality polymers that don’t rip or snag easily. How often should you wash tights? Since tights sit close to your body, sweat, oil, odor, and bacteria can collect quickly in them. A good rule of thumb is to clean them after every wear. Before you clean your tights, always reference the care instructions on your packaging. Generally, you can hand wash your tights or wash them on a gentle machine cycle. If you toss your tights into the washer, keep them in a bag for delicates to prevent them from catching onto anything. Although some brands say that you can tumble dry their tights on low, Osemwenkhae strongly recommends laying out your tights to air dry after you wash them, as they can snag or shrink in the dryer. What is the difference between tights and pantyhose? Both tights and pantyhose are hosiery that go from the toes to the waist. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some differences in their thickness and how you would style them. “Tights are stretchy and thicker in weight. [They] can be worn with a top, duster, or dress,” Osemwenkhae says. “Pantyhose are just as stretchy and durable, but [they’re] sheer and styled as a layering piece under a dress or skirt.” Because the differences are pretty subtle, you may sometimes see sheer tights listed as pantyhose. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Stacey Nguyen, a Real Simple contributor who has several years of experience writing about lifestyle content. To find the best tights available, she researched dozens of styles, looking at factors such as size range, material, and color availability. For expert tips on choosing tights, she spoke with New York City and London-based personal stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae, who is the founder of ProjectBee Wardrobe Consulting. The Most Comfortable Bras We've Ever Tested