The 10 Best Black Tights of 2024, Tested by Real People
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We tried to scratch and stretch them to their limit, but Spanx Tight-End Tights held up
People / Jhett Thompson
Ah, the quest for the perfect black tight.
Whether you’re looking for shapewear-inspired tights or a pair of fleece-lined ones that’ll leave you feeling cozy and toasty for those cold months, there’s a black tight for every occasion, and you can't have too many pairs. “Think of them like socks,” says NYC-based personal stylist Adrian Causing. “You’ll want a whole slew of them in your arsenal.”
We tested 28 pairs of black tights from celeb-loved brands to Amazon’s best-kept secrets, evaluating each one for its rip-resistance, comfort, how it held up in the wash, and more. After the testing period was complete, we ultimately landed on these 10 picks, whose quality we stand by.
Best Overall: Spanx Tight-End Tights
Star Qualities
Two shaping zones for lots of support
Comfortable elastic waistband doesn’t dig
Resistant to runs
Red Flags
Fabric tends to pill
Spanx is a PEOPLE favorite (not to mention Oprah's, too) and did not disappoint in our black tights test. They're our best overall pick, ticking boxes for comfort, durability, and style. These tights offer not just a control top but also a mid-thigh shaper for even more support. We found the waistband really soft and stretchy and noted the legs and waist retained shape after extensive stretching, as premium shapewear should.
In our testing, we found these tights to be very soft and silky, with a smooth weave. These tights aren’t fully opaque but do offer quite a bit of coverage with a subtle sheerness that makes them a stylish option. Although we noted pilling and small holes when the tights were rubbed with rough Velcro and punctured with sharp tools, these tights are constructed so that they don't really run since the holes and damage stay contained.
What We Think Now
These smoothing tights really do work like shapewear; we don’t need to pick at them or roll them back up, and they don’t change as you wash and re-wear. The opaque quality of these tights remained consistent and gave us the smooth legs of our dreams, making our clothing lay nicely on top and controlling our curves while, most importantly, remaining comfortable for all-day wear.
Sizes: A-E | Materials: Nylon, elastane, cotton gusset | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash warm, line dry
Best Budget: Hanes Blackout Control Top Tights
Star Qualities
Durable and resistant to punctures
Control-top waistline smooths and shapes
Tights are soft and nicely opaque
Red Flags
Waistline can become uncomfortable
These tights scored high marks for both value and durability. During our tests, we had to try really hard to puncture a hole. We had to use a lot of force with the rough Velcro to cause any pilling, and the soft Velcro didn’t cause any damage at all.
The tights are soft and very opaque, with very little light passing through them. We found the control-top waistline did a great job of flattening and smoothing our midsection; however, it wasn’t as comfortable for all-day wear.
These would be a great choice for wearing for a few hours at an event to take advantage of the control top. We also noted that it would be nice if they had a wider range of sizes available, as not all stores carried the larger sizes.
Sizes: S-XL | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash, line dry or dry flat
Best Rip-Resistant : Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
Star Qualities
90-day guarantee from rips
Scratch-resistant and ideal for pet owners
Large size range
Red Flags
Though rip-resistant, can snag and pill
We’ve found a tear-resistant tight that can stand up to your furry friend’s claws. The Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resistant Tights withstood finger claws and sharp jewelry, leaving no visible holes or tears. However, be wary of any Velcro closures on your furbaby’s favorite jacket, because a few snags did occur.
These tights offer utility and comfort, with an impressive stretch capacity and a thick 6.5-inch comfort control top band for support. While these are on the pricier side, they would be worth the investment for those with pets and kids.
A more inclusive size range that goes up to 3X and the company’s focus on sustainability are pluses as well. The 90-day guarantee and the fact they’re machine washable and can be machine-dried (which is nearly unheard of for hosiery) help ease the sticker shock on these tights.
What We Think Now
Not only did these tights stand up to the trials and tribulations of our everyday lives, but they were ultra-comfortable, too. The high, elastic-free waistband kept us feeling controlled and looking smooth while comfortably shaping our waists, all without rolling down or hurting our stomachs.
Sizes: XS-XXL | Materials: Nylon, polyethylene, spandex | Finish: Semi-opaque | Rise: High | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Most Durable: No Nonsense Super-Opaque Control-Top Tights
Star Qualities
Available in economical multi-packs
Snag- and rip-resistant
Super stretchy yet retain shape
Red Flags
Tough to identify front vs. back
Want tights that’ll hold up to the wear and tear of everyday use? No Nonsense’s tights proved the most durable throughout our testing process. When stretched by hand, the tights bounced right back to their original shape even when pulled to their limit with clamps. Soft Velcro did no damage to the tights, and rough Velcro required several passes before snagging and pulling on the tights. On top of that, these tights withstood several passes of finger claws inside the tights before eventually giving way to a snag; however, running jewelry and finger claws on top of the tights yielded no visible damage.
One mark against these tights is the lack of a tag to indicate the back of the tights (which would be helpful when putting them on). With minimal sheerness, these tights offer great coverage and add warmth. These are a great pick for those wearing tights for a uniform or anyone who needs them to last through a rigorous workday.
What We Think Now
We went about our normal routines while never experiencing a single rip or snag. Plus, they remained soft and smooth-feeling on our legs when we wore them throughout the day. Our only qualms were the opacity of the tights around our thighs and that they stretched out a bit throughout the month.
Sizes: S-XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash only
Best Sheer: Commando Sexy Sheer Tights
Star Qualities
Can double as lingerie
Smooth finish
Supportive and comfortable high-rise waistband
Red Flags
Thin fabric more prone to holes and snags
If you’re looking for a sheer option that can double as lingerie, your search ends here. These tights give just the right peek-a-boo of skin under skirts, shorts, and dresses. The delicate sheerness of these tights is immediately noticeable. What really makes them stand out is the high-rise lace waistband that makes them feel more like lingerie than a regular pair of tights. Beyond looking beautiful, the lace waistband also offers comfort and support.
While these tights are certainly a fashionable pick, they lack durability. When tested with Velcro and sharp jewelry, snags and holes were immediate and very noticeable. At their steeper price point, these would be better for occasions and events than everyday wear.
Sizes: S-XL | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Finish: Sheer | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash, drip dry
Best Opaque: J.Crew Control-Top Opaque Tights
Star Qualities
Warm and durable with excellent coverage
Comfortably stretchy without losing opacity
Control-top design offers support and shape
Red Flags
Susceptible to snags and small holes
If opaque tights are your jam, the J.Crew Control-Top Opaque tights are just what you need for layering and full coverage. When testing for opacity, these received top marks with no light shining through when stretched out. They’re an ideal winter tight to keep your skirts and dresses in rotation through the colder months. Plus, the control top and impressive stretch make them not only functional but comfortable.
With this thicker tight, you also get more durability than with more sheer options. When tested with soft and rough Velcro, only the rough Velcro succeeded in snagging these durable tights. The tights incurred a few holes when scratched with sharp jewelry and a Nimble blade, but we found the snags to be very self-contained.
What We Think Now
We loved how these tights fit and comfortably hugged our waists, making us feel controlled without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a pair of opaque tights, these are certainly the ones, because we couldn’t see even the faintest hint of skin through the midnight mesh. Because they’re a little thicker than sheerer tights, these took a bit more time to wriggle ourselves into — but in the end, this helped them hold their shape and not stretch or tear after multiple washes and wears.
Sizes: XS-L | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Machine wash
Best Stretch: Wolford Satin Touch 20 Denier Comfort Sheer Pantyhose
Star Qualities
Super-stretchy
Thin, high-quality fabric gives a sheer and shiny look
More inclusive size range
Red Flags
Tend to tear and pill easily
The days of yanking and pulling at your tights before putting them on are over because Wolford has delivered a stretchy tight. These luxe sheer tights offer a high-gloss finish with a comfortable waistband. And they go the distance when it comes to stretchability. After stretching these out to what felt like yards, we found that the silhouette was not significantly impacted. Being a sheer tight, the durability is lacking with this pair, and when tested with Velcro and sharp jewelry, snags and small rips were noted.
What We Think Now
These tights feel like they’ve sunk into our skin with how lightweight they are, allowing us to wear them for full work days and never notice a bit of discomfort. We were pleased with how well they held up after several washes and wear. They’re surprisingly sturdy for sheer tights, yet unsurprisingly luxurious for Wolford.
Sizes: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Finish: Sheer | Rise: Mid | Care: Machine wash cold, line dry
Best Shaping: Spanx Tummy Shaping Tights
Star Qualities
Extremely supportive and comfortable
Very durable fabric
Ideal with shorter dresses
Red Flags
Require hand-washing
Surprising no one, Spanx has delivered the best shaping tights. These tights have a thick waistband for support to keep you feeling snatched. Featuring a cotton gusset and no mid-thigh shaper, these tights will have you photo-ready for your next big event.
We found that these black tights offer just enough stretch to make them comfortable to put on but have the right amount of resistance to be supportive and shaping. We also noticed the durability of these tights, noting only minor pulls and snags when scratched with sharp objects.
What We Think Now
In true Spanx fashion, these shaping tights fit like a glove and made our waistlines look better than ever. They remained comfortable to wear all day, though we did feel them roll down a bit here and there. We do advise you to pay attention to the care instructions and wash them carefully, as they are a bit fragile in the wash despite their structured waistline.
Sizes: A-E | Materials: Nylon, spandex/elastane, cotton | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry
Related: The 10 Best Plus Size Shapewear of 2024, According to Style Experts
Best Fleece-Lined: Vero Monte Opaque Fleece Lined Tights
Star Qualities
Warm without added bulk
Material is stretchy and ideal for layering
Incredibly comfortable
Red Flags
Limited size range
These tights offer the stretch of traditional tights but the opacity and comfort of a legging. They're great for layering in the winter months — like under your favorite pair of ski pants. These tights add warmth, not bulk, to any look.
We found these tights remarkably stretchy (especially in the waist), but the tights succumbed to our Velcro challenge with immediate and obvious snags and pulls. However, they impressively withstood our sharp jewelry and Nimble tests. At a reasonable price, these tights are a great choice for those seeking stealthy comfort while at work.
What We Think Now
We loved how these super-soft tights came to the rescue in the colder months, keeping our legs toasty without the typical bulkiness of a fleece-lined layer. They fit like a glove, contouring to our waists and legs. More than keeping us warm, these tights truly felt like pajamas. If you live in a place where the climate can get cool, you simply need these in your winter wardrobe.
Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Materials: Fleece, spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: Mid | Care: Machine wash, line dry
Related: The 10 Best Ski Jackets of 2024, Tested on the Slopes
Best Tall: A New Day 120D Blackout Tights
Star Qualities
Stretchy lengthwise
Withstood durability tests with only mild pilling
Returned to original shape after stretching
Red Flags
Less stretch in the waistband
For our long-legged folks, we’ve got your new go-to black tight. We observed extensive stretching in the legs of these tights. Even better, the tights returned to their original length and shape after stretching. Basically, they’re built to last. These tights withstood rubbing with Velcro, resulting in only minor pilling but no visible holes. These also stood up to sharp jewelry and nails, resisting tears or runs. At a super affordable price, these are a great value.
Sizes: S/M-XL/XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash, line dry or dry flat
What to Know About Black Tights
Denier
Before purchasing your new favorite pair of black tights, Causing says to think about the sheerness (or denier). ”The spectrum goes from 5 to 100 — the larger the number, the thicker and less sheer the tights get.” Sheer tights can offer a sultry finishing touch to a look, while thicker, more opaque black tights offer more coverage for those who seek it. Also, fuller coverage tights are great for warmth in the colder months. “A little more minimalist? Stick to an easy 50 denier, which should be everyone’s staple,” says Causing.
Durability
While one might not associate durability with black tights, advancements in technology and fabrics now allow for tights to handle more wear and tear than ever before. It’s important to consider what level of durability you require in a pair of tights and when or where you’ll be wearing them most. Having a pet is also a big consideration. If you’re a pet owner, we found that Sheertex Classic Rip-Resist tights stand up to claws. If you wear black tights regularly or are concerned about clothing waste, Causing encourages you to look for brands touting durability.
Comfort and Fit
You want tights that not only make you look great and are durable but also comfortable with the right amount of stretch. The Wolford Satin Touch Tights get high marks for all of the above. Finding the right fit is key, with personal preference playing a role. Some people prefer the high-rise tights for their smoothing and secure fit, while others may find them constricting and prefer a mid-rise tight. Many of the tights we featured have size guides on the website to help you find the best fit, or you can go into the store to try them on. Our overall top choice, Spanx Tight-End Tights, is a good choice for their size-inclusive range. You should also keep in mind the weight of the tight. A thick tight will feel good in the winter, but you may want to switch to a sheer tight in the summer.
Price
Tights run the gamut when it comes to pricing. The tights we tested range from $5 to $75, with a median price of $13. In our testing, we found that sometimes you get what you pay for, with more durable and comfortable tights coming in at a higher price range (usually around $25). However, we found some great budget picks that are easier on the wallet and less of a blow in case they do catch a snag or a run, like the No Nonsense Black Tights and the Hanes Control-Top Blackout Tights.
People / Tamara Staples
Behind the Scenes
We tested 28 pairs of black tights, ranging from luxury brands to Amazon finds. After all tests were complete, we rated each pair of tights based on a one-to-five scale (five being the best) against the following testing attributes: stretch, opaqueness, durability, and value. Ultimately, the tights with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.
Texture and Feel: We evaluated the texture and feel of the tights by trying them on and noting initial observations on softness and stretch.
Stretch: Using clamps, we stretched the tights to see just how far they could go. We stretched each pair lengthwise from waist to toe and also stretched the width of the waistband. Two separate testers held opposite ends of the tights with clamps and pulled as far as they could. Once they let go, they noted whether the tights were able to make it back to their original shape.
Opacity: Next, we moved on to evaluate the opacity of each pair of tights by stretching the tight and holding it up in front of a spotlight, noting how much light was visible through the leg of the tight.
Durability: Our durability tests were extensive and thorough, with each tester rubbing both soft and hard Velcro across the tights while observing any snags, pulls, or tears. We then moved on to sharp jewelry like rings and claws to see how the tights would fare. The final durability test was dragging a Nimble (a small, wearable finger blade) across the tights and assessing the damage.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
L.A. Hubilla is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. She also tests beauty and apparel products for several brands, including PEOPLE, InStyle, and Byrdie. PEOPLE commerce writer Alyssa Brascia updated this piece with the most up-to-date information, from pricing to long-term testing insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab. She covers beauty, home, fashion, and lifestyle topics and has also written for national and regional publications, including InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living.
Meet Our Expert
Adrian Causing is a personal stylist, celebrity stylist, fashion retail professional, and print and digital stylist based in New York City.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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