ICYMI, tights season is in full swing, whether you can’t wait to slide into a pair the second summer's over or barely tolerate 'em as a means of wearing skirts in January. Either way, your legs deserve the best tights this winter so you can stun in the cutest winter outfits sans frostbite. Not all tights are created equal–you’ll def wanna avoid subpar pairs that run or tear (so annoying!) or have saggy waistbands constantly in need of pulling up (the woooorst).

There are a couple factors when shopping for tights: Denier, a measure of fabric weight, determines how opaque a pair will be. Into a transparent or semi-sheer effect? You’ll want a maximum denier of 30 or 40. Want that super-opaque, nearly-leggings-level of coverage? Opt for an 80- or 100-denier pair, or a fleece-lined style. Material also matters, with sweater-like wool or cashmere blend options to consider for extra warmth. Also pay attention to compression level and waistband design, because, like leggings, tights range from hardcore shapewear levels of hold, to the thinnest, minimalist second-skin feel.

Our top picks for the best tights of 2022:

If you're looking for more cold weather outfit inspo, we've got the chicest slip skirts and coziest cashmere sweaters to add to your cart, plus stunning over-the-knee boots and chunky loafers. But first, check out the 16 best tights to transform your go-to summer midi into a killer cold weather-friendly ‘fit, or totally winterize that knockout fall wedding guest dress. Because blustery days and snowy forecasts shouldn’t get between you and your cutest boots-and-minis pairings!

No Nonsense

amazon.com

$6.50

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This under-$10 pair has nearly 23K reviews, a 4.5-star rating, and is Amazon’s number-one best-selling pair of tights. Need more reason to try ‘em out? The 90-denier thickness means they’re legitimately opaque (though there’s a bit of shininess, JFYI) and have a control top that hits around the natural waist. Besides classic black, these come in two-packs of black and grey, for even more bang for the buck.

Glowing Review: "I usually hate tights and nylons, but these are so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing them. They are very durable so you do y have to worry about snagging them. The control top is the perfect amount of control to hold everything high and tight without feeling constructed in the slightest, and they really do keep your legs at the perfect temperature. I never felt too hot or too cold, whether I was inside a heated room or outside in the cold air. They’re magic! I’m buying more!!!"

nubian

nubianskin.com

£12.00

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This BIPOC-owned brand offers nude lingerie, hosiery, and more in deeper nudes perfect for melanated skin, like this semi-matte sheer style. There’s also a more-matte version offered in curve sizing (up to 3XL) in the same super-sheer 15 denier thickness, as well as a somewhat more opaque 40 denier version with built-in shaping.

Glowing Review: "I have always had trouble finding nude color tights that literally look nude for my skin tone, especially for a woman of color. This is the first time that I have found the exact shade which is complementary. Thank you, Nubian Skin!"

sheertex.com

$59.00

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Maybe you've seen Sheertex's kinda unbelievable ads of sheer tights being pulled and poked with sharp things (pliers, pineapples, dog teeth!) that would absolutely destroy most pairs? Yeah, that’s these magical bbs, made of a patent-pending material that has super-strong polymers typically used in ballistics and climbing equipment. Designed to last 10x longer than traditional tights, these feature a midrise waist and wide, light compression waistband designed to stay up without pinching or rolling down. For more oomph, check out this cute polka dot style.

Glowing Review: "I've been eyeing these forever and finally made the investment. So f*cking worth it. I work in the service industry and these held up all dang day. From the moment I put them on, they got caught on my ring and my heart stopped. Not a snag in sight. If you're on the fence about these, just do it. I've wasted so much money on regular tights that I should've just got these from the get-go."

MOOCHI

amazon.com

$10.99

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Bored with black tights? Opt for a splash of color with these ones, which have over 5,500 rave reviews and 4.5-star rating on Amazon. There are a dozen hues on offer, including pretty pastel lilac, bright teal, and Barbiecore pink–and at their wallet-friendly, under-$15 price point you can (and probs should) grab a couple shades that’ll brighten up endlessly overcast and cold AF days.

Glowing Review: "It was a fun halloween night and these things are THICK and COMFY. I was worried they were going to be super cheap and thin and that they'd rip, but I wore them for like 18 hours and on multiple days and they are still perfect. SO stretchy but also pretty thick. It almost feels like you're wearing a nice pair of leggings. I accidentally fell asleep in them, woke up in the middle of the night realizing I was still wearing them, and actively chose to keep them on and keep sleeping in them because they were so comfy."

spanx.com

$34.00

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These bad boys def helped me avoid hypothermia on the most aggressive winter nights out during my Chicago college years. Paired with every ‘going out’ top and minidress in my closet (usually sans coat, because, youth?), I somehow didn't snag, tear, or otherwise destroy them, slippery ice patches and drunken tumbles and all. The double-sided 70 denier style is semi-opaque, with a matte finish on both its black and charcoal grey sides; plus, they've got shaping and compression from waistband to mid-thigh.

Anya Lust

$18.00

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These tights are ultra-sheer at only 8-denier thickness-wise, yet give a more-covered look than most sheer options thanks to the flirty, flocked-effect leopard pattern. These are compression-free, perf if you prefer your tights without any shaping (or, want to layer a go-to brief or short under or over these).

VERO MONTE

amazon.com

$19.97

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On truly bone-chilling cold nights, you’ll wanna reach for the most leggings-like tights possible–that’s where fleece-lined styles really come in handy. These thick, 180-denier tights feel cozy thanks to that fleecy lining and are extra-stretchy 90% polyester, 10% Spandex blend–plus, they’re an Amazon hit, with over 6,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. Grab a single pair or a discounted two-pack if you need to stock up on leg-warming options.

Glowing Review: "I got these tights over a year ago and they are a godsend. They literally can get me through 30° weather because they are sooooo warm & toasty. I cannot overstate how wonderfully warm they are for cold weather. Pair with uggs and you can wear a dress/skirt in the snow. Sometimes I sleep in them because they’re so comfy and they neutralize my icy cold knees & feet. A year later and these tights are still kicking for fall and winter #2."

Falke

nordstrom.com

$47.00

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If you love a patterned leg moment but want to mix it up from lacy or fishnet styles, look no further–these beauties have the coolest geometric pattern that falls right between frillier lace motifs and the sexy netting effect of fishnets.

Wolford

amazon.com

$90.00

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If your ideal wintertime layering move is more about wool sweaters than sweatshirts, you’re gonna want to slip on these luxe tights. They’re knit with a high (nearly half) proportion of wool that’s soft, not scratchy, and can be machine-washed (on delicate and in a lingerie bag for extra TLC).

Glowing Review: “Wow! These are amazing! They are very comfortable, kept me warm, and were not itchy. Yes. They are spendy, but it seems you get what you pay for. I will cherish these and only hope I will be able to find a replacement whenever the time comes. I’m tempted to get a second pair to have just in case!”

MeMoi

amazon.com

$17.95

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Another ultra-cozy option in addition to fleece-lined styles? Tights that resemble the look and feel of your fave sweaters, like this popular pair. Constructed from a polyester, cotton, and spandex blend, the ribbed texture looks sleek compared to most chunkier knit tights while still keeping your legs warm. Though color options are limited, the navy colorway is particularly chic.

Glowing Review: "These rib knit tights are the "coolest" winter warm tights I've had in 50 years! That's how long it's been since I've owned a pair of really warm, winter KNIT tights. If they ever make this tight from acrylic yarn rather than polyester, they'd be even SOFTER and MORE comfortable, plus, they'd have a much softer hand, and I would own at least one pair of EVERY color!"

Capezio

amazon.com

$32.00

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These are widely considered the gold standard of fishnets–just ask Beyonce, who apparently swears by them while touring–from a powerhouse dance apparel brand, so they know a thing or two about making strong, stretchy, and most importantly, durable tights.

Glowing Review: “The most heavy duty fishnets I’ve ever seen in my life !! and I’ve been through a lot lol These are definitely made for professional use/dance/drag. I use them for drag, and I tend to be pretty hard on my stuff, and tights and fishnets usually last 1 or 2 shows if I’m lucky! They always rip or tear wile dancing or snag on a chair/stage/ANYTHING. But these are made of a very tough almost like a plastic, it’s like a real fishing net tbh.”

Emilio Pucci

farfetch.com

$162.00

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Love a scene-stealing patterned legging? Then you’ll be v into these artful, sheer bbs splashed with Pucci’s iconic swirls in shades of blue.

spanx

spanx.com

$38.00

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Prefer wearing your tights hiked up so high, you can easily tuck 'em into your bra? Yeah, same. This Spanx pair is legitimately long waisted enough to banish annoying bulges between bra and tights, with the brand’s signature shaping support on your peach, thighs, and stomach.

Glowing Review: "I bought four pairs of these tight for work about four years ago. I’m a flight attendant so I’m always on the go and it’s easy to get runs and snags. Not with these tights! They finally started to wear out after all this time so I just replaced them with four more pairs. They also fit well and are extremely comfortable."

ssense.com

$71.00

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Match your ear party–or get your piercing fix without the pain–with these fun patterned ones. BTW, they’re on sale! If ink (permanent or temporary) is more your speed, check out cool girl Brit designer Ashley Williams’ flame print pair, also marked down RN—a wearable form of the 🔥 emoji, basically.

FALKE

amazon.com

$56.00

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Into the look of a jewel-toned tight, but not the streaky effect that sheerer pairs tend to have around the knees and thighs? You're gonna love this truly opaque 100-denier pick: they're thick yet not bulky, come in rich shades like navy and burgundy, and will legit stay opaque from waist to toe.

Glowing Review: "Most beautiful and comfortable stockings ever - I threw out others once I got these as they just can't compare. Very generous in fit: no crotch-falling-down feeling, and so smooth and perfect for winter as they are warm and thick. Very good quality!"

Commando

saksfifthavenue.com

$38.00

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Get your fix of texture and shine with this subtle metallic pair of fishnets from Commando. Plus, unlike some scratchier-feeling fishnets out there, these will be actually comfy after hours of wear, thanks to the brand's soft, stretchy signature raw-edge waistband that feel like your butteriest pair of yoga pants.