The 13 Best Tights to Wear Under Every Outfit—or by Themselves

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Everyone knows the best tights are a staple under winter outfits. Semi-sheer and patterned pairs add visual interest to an outfit while keeping you covered; fleece-lined tights add an extra layer of warmth. But in the past few seasons, fashion has also awakened us to the best tights’ potential as a stand-alone styling moment. Fall/winter runways from Bottega Veneta to Miu Miu styled models in cozy knits, briefs, and semi-sheer tights—a risky look that celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have embraced.

Not everyone wants to go the supermodel route and wear their tights without pants or a skirt. But after combing through online reviews and testing new tights myself, I’ve found the best tights: excellent at providing the coverage, comfort, and durability we need in long-lasting tights, and good enough to wear on their own. Pairs from Sheertex, Spanx, and Skims deliver secure waistbands, smoothing compression, and anti-tear fabrications. Wolford has the market cornered on tights that manage to be a little sexy. Then there are thermal and cashmere tights by Uniqlo and MeMoi to bring all-over warmth at the height of winter.

Realistically, the best tights will mostly stay underneath sweater dresses and suit sets anchored in a great skirt. But if you want to wear them alone, you can. Ahead, shop the 13 best pairs of tights that are tested and approved to wear with a layered-up winter outfit—or with nothing but briefs and a cashmere sweater.

Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights

Matte black tights are the foundation of my winter wardrobe. I can effortlessly layer this opaque pair under dresses, skirts, and even roomy sweaters in the style of the aforementioned celebrities above. This is also the rare pair I don't mind wearing for hours on end, because the raw-cut waistband doesn't dig into my skin.

What reviewers are saying: "I bought a back up pair so that should tell you everything! First pair of leggings that are truly opaque. They feel wonderful and I don’t worry about them snagging and running during the day."

Sizes: S–XL

Color: Black

Reversible Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights

Spanx carries some of the best tights in every category. But the pair I recommend above all others are the reversible shaping tights. Each pair is designed with the same contouring technology as Spanx's shaping shorts. And, they flip between two matte shades for endless winter layering.

What reviewers are saying: "Could not be happier with this purchase! Options are endless with these two tones of color. Quality remains supreme. Worth it!"

Sizes: A-G

Colors: Black/charcoal

Classic transparent Rip-Resist Tights

Sheertex's tights have an endorsement few other hv brands share: They were named one of TIME magazine's Best Inventions, ever. What makes them worth the investment? Sheertex uses a proprietary knit that's fine yet durable for a silky, holds-you-in wear that seriously won't rip or overly stretch. There's also a 30-day guarantee: If your tights somehow get a unwearable run, you can send them back for new hosiery. Not that you'll need the service—I've ordered three pairs so far and never had a snag.

What reviewers are saying: "These tights are amazing! The fabric is so strong and you can just tell it’s not going to snag or tear easily, if at all. They provide warmth when it’s cold but don’t feel suffocating when it warms up."

Sizes: XS–3XL

Color: Black

Fleece Lined Tights

If you want to keep dresses and skirts in rotation all winter, you'll need a pair of the best fleece-lined tights in your arsenal. This take by Plush comes in a flexible knit perfect for day-to-day wear.

What reviewers are saying: "These are my new go-to tights in winter. They are seriously warm (warmer than pants or jeans), fit like tights and look like tights. Where have you been my entire life? So glad I found these here! I highly recommend."

Sizes: S–L

Colors: Black

Premium Opaque Tights

Searching for perfect-fitting tights in extended sizes? Eloquii's are specifically designed for curves with a flexible knit and come in two wintery shades.

What reviewers are saying: "These are seriously the best tights I have ever owned. They don't roll down. They also aren't so tight they leave ugly red marks on your skin. I can actually wear them all day long, whereas with other brands, after a couple hours I can't wait to get out of them. I have them in black and navy."

Sizes: 14–28

Colors: Black, chocolate truffle

Full Control Tights

These tights are everything I love about Skims shape wear—smoothing, but comfortable—in hosiery form. You'll find extra support through the waist and tights with the control-top waistband and reinforced thighs. The heels are also knitted for a snug fit around your foot.

What reviewers are saying: "Skims makes the best tights, they holdUp well and do not run, they are comfortable too. Only brand I will buy! Hope they don’t stop making them!"

Sizes: XXS–4XL

Colors: Sienna, clay, cocoa, onyx

Super Opaque Tights

Presenting one of the best purchases I've made on Amazon to date: a pair of top-rated tights that ring up for less than $20. Their waistband is pinch-proof without sagging through the leg. Hue's tights can run small, so reviewers recommend sizing up for the best fit.

What reviewers are saying: "I recently purchased these black tights and I'm more than happy with the results. These tights are, without a doubt, a staple addition to my wardrobe.I've worn them for work, nights out, casual weekends, and even special occasions. They effortlessly elevate any outfit, making them an absolute must-have for any fashion-conscious individual."

Sizes: 1–5

Colors: Black, espresso, heather gray, forest green, red, and more

Fishnets

From Megan Thee Stallion to Serena Williams, women at the top of their fields wear NudeBarre's tights when they need comfortable compression. But these fishnets aren't just for celebrities: Women of all backgrounds say these are the best tights to match their skintones and slide on under a range of dresses, skirts, and even other tights. They're also knit with threads that provide the classic fishnet look without digging into your skin.

What reviewers are saying: "The color blended perfectly with my complexion. It's just what I needed to make my legs look better in short shorts. I was hesitant to make the purchase but I'm so glad I finally did. And the price is great as well!"

Sizes: S–5XL

Colors: 13 skintone shades

Cashmere Blend Sweater Tights

Sometimes I wish I could make the feeling of wearing my best cashmere sweater a full body experience. These tights are the closest I've gotten to it. Made with a cashmere blend in five versatile shades, they're soft to the touch and very comfortable.

What reviewers are saying: "I love all MeMoi tights. These cashmere ones are the softest, yummiest tights I have ever I worn. And I wear tights all the time. Every day. Ask anyone. Please never stop making these."

Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL

Colors: Gray, brown, black, oatmeal, charcoal

HEATTECH Knitted Tights

Uniqlo's Heattech pieces are fashion insiders' favorite way to stay warm during the winter, down to the tights we wear under our dresses and skirts. Just like the turtlenecks and T-shirts, these Heattech tights keep a winter chill away without any risk of feeling overheated. And like other great tights, these pairs stay in place once you pull them up. In my view, the only strike against them is the limited size range.

What reviewers are saying: "These are my new favorite tights. I sized up because my preferred size was out of stock, but medium fits me fine and I actually like a more opaque look, so that worked out for me. They're comfortable and soft–no scratchy knitting here. Perfect for colder weather. I might wear these over regular tights when it gets below freezing and I still want to wear a skirt outside. I'm waiting for these to restock in black."

Sizes: S–L

Colors: Brown, black, navy

Soft Modal and Cashmere Blend Tights

Calzedonia's thermal tights, available in ten neutral shades for fall, will keep you toasty on moderately chilly days. The cashmere and modal blend is soft to the touch and opaque, but not so thick that you'll feel like you're wearing a full-body sweater.

Sizes: XS–XL

Individual 12 Denier Stay-Hip Pantyhose

These aren't your average black tights. They have a unique, two-part design that creates the smoothing, hip-cutout effect shown here; the construction also allows you to pull them up to your waist or wear them low on the hips. Note: They're also backless and crotchless.

What reviewers are saying: "Perfect gift!! They fit perfectly!! Very comfortable and soft. I wish there were more like these with designs on them!!"

Sizes: XS–L

Color: Black

Mini Dot transparent Rip-Resist Tights

Prepare to wear these tights for party after party throughout the winter. This pair has the same virtually indestructible properties as Sheertex's transparent black tights, but with the addition of fun polka dots throughout both legs.

What reviewers are saying: "My first pair of Sheertex made it through an open-bar wedding reception with no damage. Dots are very cute. Looking forward to seeing how they hold up long term."

Sizes: XS–3XL

Color: transparent black dot

Control Top Opaque Tights

Here's a pair of impulse-buy-worthy tights with a long-lasting, opaque knit and a smoothing control top. In other words? All the key details for a long-lasting pair of black tights. The price here is truly unbeatable, too.

What reviewers are saying: "One of the most fantastic wonderful basics I buy from J.Crew over and over and over. And that's not because they wear out quickly, I simply wear them way too often in the fall and winter in New England and feel like I can't ever have enough pairs."

Sizes: XS–L

Color: Black

Frequently asked questions about the best tights

What are good quality tights?

Quality tights usually check a few essential boxes. For starters, they won't easily tear or run. If holes or tears quickly appear in your tights, they're not worth keeping.

Next, there's the color and weight of the tights to consider. Denier, which measures fabric weight, gauges the opacity of a pair of tights. If you want a more opaque pair of tights, seek out a denier of 40 or above; if you want the transparent look, you'll target a denier of 30 or less.

Then there's the roll-down factor. In the best tights, the waistband will stay in place when you pull it up. And, the fabric will fit snugly without feeling overly constricting. Labels like "control-top" call out pairs that have the smoothing effect of shape wear, without the thick fabrications.

Always consult the shopper reviews before you hit "Add to Cart." Other shoppers are usually honest when it comes to separating the best quality tights from just okay tights.

Are tights still in style?

Tights have always been a wintertime essential, but they're having something of a renaissance in 2023. During fashion month, showgoers layered semi-sheer pairs under mini dresses and tweed co-ords; celebrities like Kendall Jenner have gone so far as to wear just hot pants and a sweater over a pair of black tights. Ultimately, the best tights are a matter of what works for your personal style, but you'll never look out of style in tights.

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