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Black tights are perhaps your wardrobe’s best supporting player. Though they may never take center stage—tights aren’t usually worn solo, since they’re not fully opaque—they readily contribute style, modesty, and warmth. The best black tights should be comfortable to wear yet also be able to handle aggressive assaults from zippers, Velcro, and fingernails (as well as kitty nails). We interviewed two experts (including a professional ballerina who wears tights daily), polled dozens of hosiery lovers, and tested 20 pairs to find our five favorites.
Our picks include a soft, supportive pair that lasts; a stretchy, extra-affordable pick; a truly unbreakable pair; a warm wool pair that doesn’t itch; and a recycled (and recyclable) pair.
As a recreational ballerina, I’ve danced through dozens of pairs of tights in my life. And as a native Ohioan who spent three years living in New York City, I’ve relied on them for warmth, too. I also interviewed two expert tights-wearers. One is Netherlands-based Tirzah Lopez (better known by her blog, Felina Tiger), a content creator who writes about her life as a wheelchair user. Because her legs tend to get chilled in her chair, Lopez relies heavily on tights. The second is Lindsey Donnell, a ballerina at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who wears tights every day. I also informally polled my Wirecutter colleagues to get their thoughts on tights (it turns out that they had many). Their brand endorsements, condemnations, and quality demands shaped my search.
These tights were easy to pull on and extra-comfy, but they weren’t notably warm. They do have a wide, edge-free waistband and a silky finish, so they’ll be inconspicuous under clingy or sheer fabrics.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $38.
How they feel: Among our testers, Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights ranked highest in the comfort category, thanks to their super-soft fabric and a unique, ultra-wide waistband. The waistband (which is wider than those of all our other picks) supportively hugged the lower abdomen without constriction. One tester called this pair the “anti-Spanx,” and they noted the absence of the tell-tale red marks and lines that many overly taut tights leave behind.
Why they’re great: Testers reported that the Commando tights easily stretched and moved with the body, without sagging or shifting. The seams (which run inside the toes and along the gusset to the front and back of the waistband) were thin and not noticeable under clothing. Likewise, the wide fabric waistband was gloriously inconspicuous, and it didn’t fold when we were sitting. Finally, the Commando tights looked nice, with an even knit throughout and decent opacity.
Most testers thought the tights—made of 90% nylon and 10% elastane—would be good on a cool day but maybe not for a 10-block trek in a blizzard. If you regularly rely on tights to keep you warm in inclement weather, or if you tap them as a layering piece, we suggest you try the Wolford Merino Tights.
The Commando tights also did well in our durability tests. The fabric roughened and pilled somewhat against brick and survived a yank through a zipper—without sustaining any fatal tears, runs, or holes. However, if you’re hard on your tights, we suggest the Swedish Stockings Olivia or the Sheertex tights, both of which survived those tests with nary a tug or a fuzz.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Two testers—one size 2, one size 12—reported that the gusset felt tight and was prone to slipping down. If you are between sizes, we recommend that you size up to avoid this issue. The toe seams also ran a little long, but testers didn’t find the extra fabric bothersome.
We found Snag’s affordable tights to be soft and stretchy, and they’re available in a wide range of sizes. But they didn’t offer much support.
How they feel: With the stretchiest, softest fabric (a 92% polyamide, 8% elastane blend), Snag Opaque Tights were ranked by our panelists as being the most comfortable pair. This is especially notable since they’re also the most affordable, by a wide margin. But because they were so featherlight, they didn’t inspire confidence. And they felt a little flimsy as we worked them over callused feet and tugged them over hips. Snag tights don’t purport to offer a control top, but the utter lack of reinforcement in the lower torso was a little disorienting to some of our testers.
Why they’re great: These tights felt really great on. They were stretchy and comfy, with no constriction. The fabric was super-smooth, causing zero itchiness against the skin. On most testers, the waistband rose up and over the belly button; a few testers reported being able to pull the tights up to their ribs. As Tirzah told us, when it comes to tights, a higher rise is preferable for most people, because a band that sits below the belly button can cause an uncomfortable muffin-top effect.
The Snag tights have a relatively low 50 denier. (Denier is the unit used to measure a fabric’s weight and thickness; the higher the number, the thicker the tights.) These tights were the lightest of all our picks. They had a slight sheen, which was more pronounced in convex areas that move or stretch, like the calves, knees, and thighs. That lighter knit also means they’re extra-cool and breathable—better suited to a chilly autumn or spring day than to a frigid winter day.
These tights had a silky, weightless feel, and they didn’t offer any support. For some people—those with chronic stomach conditions or those experiencing menstrual pain—that may be preferable. I like a held-in feeling along the lower stomach and upper-thigh areas, and many of our testers agreed. The ultra-high-rise means there’s a wide expanse of fabric with no added reinforcement. And some testers found that the waistband dug uncomfortably into the torso—not enough to create a muffin top, but it was notable nonetheless. That being said, Snag tights come in seven lettered sizing categories, roughly translating to sizes 2 to 32, so sizing up is likely an option. We especially appreciated the wide size range because many tights we found didn’t offer plus sizes. Even though this is a guide to black tights, it’s worth noting that this style also comes in dozens of colors. But be aware that each color is sold on a different product page, so you may have to spend some time sorting.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Soft, pliant tights are more prone to snagging. But ultimately this pair tested better than the other under-$15 pairs we tried. One tester noted that the Snag tights caught on the rough calluses on her feet, and the fabric thinned a bit but didn’t tear. The same thing happened when she used her nails to pull up the tights, accidentally scratching them a bit along the hips. The Snag tights held up well to my brick-and-zipper tests—with no actual rips. However, the fabric did visibly weaken, roughen, and pill. Still, though, the tights are very nicely priced. So for the occasional tights-wearer, or even someone on a budget, these are likely worth the gamble.
Other variants: over 20 color and pattern options
These were the most expensive tights we tested, but we dare you to try and rip them. The extra-sturdy fabric didn’t feel all that soft; it was more utilitarian. However, this brand offers sizes up to 3XL, a rarity.
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How they feel: Sheertex Luxury Semi Sheer Tights are made from a proprietary “Sheertex knit.” We thought these tights were not particularly stretchy or soft, yet they were also not stiff or rough; instead they felt sturdy and utilitarian. The wide-cut seamless waistband was broad enough to sit cleanly across the waist, without creating a muffin top or pinching, and it was thick enough to feel supportive.
Why they’re great: Sheertex’s marketing materials boast that these tights are made from patented, “ballistic grade fibers.” We approached this claim with a healthy skepticism, but this pair impressed us. The tights didn’t snag on one tester’s cracked, callused heels. And when we scratched them with our fingernails, nary a mark was left. During my last-line-of-defense brick-and-zipper test, the Sheertex tights performed the best, with no visible damage at all. “They seem like they could survive an atom bomb,” one tester said. And if there’s any issue, Sheertex maintains a 90-day guarantee—the better part of, say, a Northeast winter. So if your tights rip during that time frame, the company will send you a replacement pair, free of charge. What’s more, the Sheertex tights are good-looking. These 50-denier tights are perfectly opaque, though some of our testers complained about the subtle sheen of the fabric. There’s a very slight slipperiness to them, which was noticeable when we crossed our legs.
Pulling on the Sheertex tights took more muscle than was needed with other pairs. But unlike the Snag tights, these tights don’t feel flimsy or gauzy, so there’s no need to be overly careful. We just yanked them up without worry. The Sheertex tights were the warmest non-wool option we tested, but they weren’t quite as comfortable as the Snag or Commando tights, simply because the fabric wasn’t as soft. The waistband was nice and wide, and these tights offered gentle compression against the stomach but didn’t feel uncomfortably tight. If you prefer extra support, they’re also available with a control top.
“They seem like they could survive an atom bomb,” one tester said of the Sheertex tights.
Flaws but not deal breakers: The compromise of the Sheertex tights’ durability is that these were a little less soft and just a bit stiffer than the competition. This was noticeable only when we were pulling them on, though, so we thought it was a worthy compromise. These tights are also very pricey. But while we were writing this guide, we noticed the brand had several sales. So if the price is holding you back, check the site often.
Though notably pricey, these wool-blend tights are the warmest ones we recommend. We found them to be durable, with a surprisingly pleasant feel.
How they feel: For wool tights, these felt pretty darn good. Thick and cozy, the Wolford Merino Tights (49% nylon, 49% virgin wool, 2% elastane) weren’t as soft or smooth as our non-wool options. One tester briefly complained about itchiness, but said, “I’m only conscious of the itchiness if I stop to think about it.” These tights also fit most of our wearers comfortably—the knitted waistband fell smoothly at the belly button, without any bagging or excess material.
Why they’re great: The Wolfords were the warmest, thickest tights we tested. And they were ultimately our testers’ preferred wool-blend option, outscoring the Falke Merino pair we tried. “Toasty but not sweaty,” one tester wrote. Because of their higher-than-average price, we were particularly concerned about durability, and the Wolford tights delivered. One tester’s cat clawed the fabric, but the tights didn’t tear. Another’s rough calluses caught the fabric, but the tights didn’t snag. (The Wolfords have reinforced toes.) They survived my zipper test with nary a tear, and when I scraped them across brick, there was only slight fabric degradation.
The 140-denier Wolford tights didn’t just feel good on, they also looked good. The woven fibers had a cushy density that felt notably different from that of non-wool tights. The Wolfords were fully opaque (one tester said they were almost leggings-like), with no shine. Yet they had an elegant finish that was not overly fuzzy (as found on some tights we considered). One size-small panelist who reported having “wider thighs” noted that the fabric was less opaque across her quads. Though these tights are mostly wool, they are machine-washable (which is convenient, since no one loves hand-washing their tights).
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Wool is warm. But it’s also an animal-based allergen, ruling out those with sensitive skin, as well as those who have ethical objections to wool. For toasty tights-wearers who fall into those categories, the Commando tights may be a better bet.
The seams running down the center of the waistband to the crotch, on the front and the back, were thick, so they could show through clingy garments or those made from gauzy materials, like satin or silk. But since the Wolford Merinos are mostly cold-weather tights, we thought this sartorial conflict wouldn’t arise that often. Those thick seams were also noticeable in the toes of the tights, which might bother some people.
Other variants: nine color options
These tights are made from recycled material, and you can also recycle them down the line. They strike a nice balance of looks, price, and comfort, and got solid rankings from our testers.
How they feel: Coarse but not rough, Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium Tights didn’t have a butter-smooth glide, as some tights we tried did. Instead, some testers noted there was a slightly rustle-y, almost papery quality to the 92% polyamide, 8% elastane fabric. These are easy to pull on, with particularly comfy feet and no bunchy fabric or fussy seams.
Why they’re great: The Olivias are decently good tights that are made even more compelling by their unique, purposeful composition. In all of our research, we found that the Olivia tights are the only recycled pair available in the US that can be recycled again down the line.
These 60-denier tights were more sheer than most. One size-2 tester said that when they were stretched over her thighs, the Olivia tights looked almost semi-sheer. Also, these tights weren’t as soft as the Commando and Snag tights. And the fabric had a slight shine—not on the level of polyester, but it was noticeable. Happily, though, they were as warm as the other non-wool contenders.
There’s an upside to the rugged composition of the recycled Olivia tights: We found them to be incredibly durable. Testers reported no snags or rips from cat or dog claws or scratchy rugs. I can vouch that they didn’t budge against brick, and they sustained only a micro-snag when I ran them up a zipper. In strength, the Olivias were beaten only by the Sheertex tights, our most durable.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Two testers complained that the cotton gusset wasn’t stretchy enough, with one tester adding that it felt situated too far forward. But even with these marks against the Olivia tights, testers reported that they were decently comfortable. Some might find the unique recycled fabric less elegant and certainly less silky than the fabric of other tights on this list. Yet for many, the environmental upside is worth the slight sacrifice—especially since the Olivia tights look good and will definitely last.
Other variants: six color options
Tights by any other name would be … sheers, opaques, stockings, pantyhose, or even leggings. For this guide, though, we defined tights as stretchy, pull-on foot-and-leg coverings that are worn under dresses, skirts, or pants, but never alone. Even within our narrowed definition, the options in terms of price, flexibility, translucency, and fabrication were seemingly endless—the search term “tights” drew up more than 10,000 results on Amazon. As such, there was no way I could test them all for you. So we put more parameters in place.
We assessed the fabric, fit, performance, and style of an array of workout leggings to find six excellent pairs for whatever moves you.
For starters, I considered only opaque tights that were between 50 and 150 denier, the unit used to measure a fabric’s weight and thickness. Tights usually range from 5 to 200 denier. Sheers fall below 40 denier, and anything above 200 tips into leggings territory. The 50- to 150-denier range accounted for tights that were warm, dark, and less prone to tearing than those with a lower denier.
I started my search looking at brands and models that my interviewees and colleagues recommended. From there, I also investigated the top sellers on Amazon and at department stores, read tights roundups from other publications, and took note of repeat selections with stellar online reviews. Finally, I called in 20 pairs of tights to assess myself, including tights with a control top, two cotton and wool blends, a few under-$15 pairs, plus some higher-end $50-and-up pairs. I also looked for tights that come in a wide range of sizes. Disappointingly, few brands offer sizes above XL. I ruled out any pairs that maxed out at size L, and I prioritized those that went up to at least 2XL.
To evaluate those first 20 pairs of tights, I tried on each to get quick impressions of comfort, fit, durability, and appearance. I eliminated one pair for an uncomfortable crotch seam and nixed another that had a useless control top. I was left with 10 pairs of tights to be further assessed, including our five-person panel. Our group was comprised of women of different heights and sizes: 5-foot-2 and typically a size 0 or 2; 5-foot-5 and typically a size 2; 5-foot-3 and typically a size 12; 6 feet and typically a size 12; 5-foot-1 and typically a size 2 or 4; and 5-foot-9 and typically a size 2 or 4. We recognize that this panel lacked plus-size, male, and nonbinary people, but we hope to test on a greater variety of bodies in future updates.
The panelists were instructed to wear each pair for a minimum of 20 minutes of walking, sitting, and standing. Afterward they washed and dried them according to individual care instructions. Then they wore the tights for an additional 20 minutes, paying special attention to any changes after they were washed and dried. Our testers rated each pair in the following categories:
Comfort: We looked for tights that felt smooth and snug, without constriction or digging seams, especially in the legs and gusset (the fabric insert between the legs). I asked panelists to note if any component of the tights (toe seams, waistband) rubbed uncomfortably against the skin, whether the fabric was itchy or soft, and whether any part felt overly constrictive. Tirzah said high-waisted tights were less likely to dig into her waist while she was sitting in a wheelchair. This sentiment was shared by our tester who had recently undergone a cesarian section. So we paid special attention to where the tights hit on the torso.
Wearability: Not all tights are easy to put on. We kept note of how much shimmying and pulling each pair required, and whether acrobatics were needed to remove them. The delicate balance between being constrictive enough to comfortably support one’s stomach and flexible enough to pull off without sweating was especially relevant for control-top models.
Durability: Ripped tights may have their occasional moment in fashion, but most of us want our tights to remain in one solid piece for as long as possible. We paid attention to how easily each pair snagged or ripped. We wanted tights that could stand up to fingernail scratches, walking on carpet, and rough calluses.
Stretch: A good pair of tights should stretch and move with the body—without losing shape, sagging, or bagging out. We paid attention to how each pair performed before and after wearing and washing.
Warmth: Since one of the main reasons people wear tights is to stay warm, we compared the warmth of each pair. We also noted whether they caused overheating and sweating, or if they felt breathable or flimsy.
Appearance: In addition to feeling good, tights have to look good. Of course, looking good is subjective, but overall our panelists didn’t like it when tights were shiny, when the knit was noticeably uneven, or when seams created a muffin-top appearance. Our panelists took stock of how each pair looked on their bodies. And they considered whether or not each pair was something they would actually wear.
After narrowing down a list of five top-ranked tights, I conducted a final durability test. I continuously scraped each pair for one minute against a rough brick surface. And I tried to catch the tights in a zipper by running each pair through the zipper 10 times.
Most tights are made from nylon/polyamide or Lycra/spandex/elastane (or a blend). Those synthetic plastics are what lend the garments their necessary stretch. Even cotton and wool tights include nylon and/or Lycra—otherwise they’d sag, stretch, and slip. And, as you likely know, synthetic plastics do not readily biodegrade.
As such, tights are a rather wasteful product. In an earlier version of this guide, bamboo was considered an eco-friendly fabric alternative. But we discovered that most fabrics labeled bamboo are just standard rayon, a chemically processed form of wood-derived cellulose. Some companies now claim to make their tights from recycled materials. We prioritized these companies, but we were limited by the fact that most of them are based in Europe.
It’s our belief that the most sustainable way to buy and use tights is to purchase a pair that holds up to wear and lasts a long time.
The easiest way to reduce the number of tights you throw away is to maintain the ones you own. Most tights come with care instructions (Swedish Stockings’ instructions are particularly helpful). But in general, hand- or machine-washing in cold water will keep the fabric’s fibers from breaking down. A mesh garment bag will also prevent unnecessary tangling, ripping, or stretching. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can break down elastane. And always hang your tights to dry.
Most used tights can’t be commercially recycled, nor are they usually accepted by second-hand clothing stores. A few brands offer recycling, including our pick from Swedish Stockings. Just mail in old pairs from any brand (you have to cover the shipping costs), and Swedish Stockings will process them into industrial fiberglass tanks and give you a discount code in return. Sheertex says it is working on implementing a recycling program of its own (we will update this guide when that’s underway).
As far as recycling tights on your own: You’ll have to do some research specific to your location, searching “textile recycling in [insert my city].” There are also many DIY projects that call for repurposing old tights, such as making them into scrunchies or filling them with lavender to use as drawer sachets.
No pair of tights received a more heated panel review than the Spanx Tight-End Tights High Waisted. Despite the stretchy, soft legs, the restrictive control top was annoying to testers: “These tights make me angry,” said one. Yes, they provide an unparalleled smooth look under clothes and will hold you in firmly, but they’re a gladiator-level challenge to pull on. Because the 15% elastane torso fabric doesn’t budge at all, you have to painstakingly yank it over your thighs and hips. Interestingly, these tights have a split gusset, which we think is there for easier bathroom trips.
The Hanes X-Temp Blackout Control Top Tights were soft and stretchy. And they are priced well. But many of our testers complained that the seam in the toe was noticeably large and uncomfortable—a particular challenge if you’re wearing heels or pumps that have a narrow toe box—and shifted while they were walking. The unevenly woven tights also snagged easily, and they didn’t seem like they’d last very long.
The Falke Soft Merino Tights performed very well in testing. Our panel found the tights warm and non-itchy, with a smooth waistband and comfortable, molded feet. But the knit had slightly less spring than that of others we tested, and some of our testers complained that the tights sagged at their knees.
The We Love Colors Microfiber Nylon/Lycra Tights were so uncomfortable that I eliminated them before panel testing. There’s no gusset, so if you wear these tights with or without underwear, the seam may be distracting and invasive.
The Hue Super Opaque Tights with Control Top were soft and stretchy, but the control top was too stretchy and not constrictive enough for any shaping effect. Those in the market for control-top tights would find these ineffective.
The Wolford Mat Opaque 80 Tights were super-smooth, with a comfortable gusset and great stretch. Still, the waist dug in just a little bit. And we don’t think the quality surpassed that of our picks enough to justify the higher price.
The Fogal Velour Opaque tights were decently comfortable, but the 1-inch waistband created a slight muffin-top effect, and the thick seams were noticeable under clothes.
The Falke Cotton Touch Tights were very soft and breathable. But with 4% elastane, they were slightly less stretchy than others. Ultimately, we decided that though these were cooler than many others, they weren’t worth the higher price.
The Falke Pure Matt 50 Denn Tights were comfortable and soft, and we especially appreciated the thin, undetectable seams. However, in testing they immediately snagged on rough skin, which made us worry about their longevity—especially for the price.
Our panelists all agreed that the Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Silky Touch didn’t fit well. On some, the low torso rise caused an unfortunate rolling effect, while others complained that the gusset sagged.
This article was edited by Hannah Morrill, Winnie Yang, and Jennifer Hunter.
Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”
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