Shopping·9 min read

Our Favorite Tights for Every Situation

tights-header
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Free People
November 8, 2022

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As a kid, you probably hated wearing tights. As an adult, you’ve come to realize the importance of owning several good pairs. Their multifunctional use cannot be denied. They’ve been there for our bare legs when it’s a little chilly outside and when it’s so straight-up bitter we need an extra layer under jeans. Sometimes they’re even the star accessory in a holiday or New Years outfit.

If your hosiery drawer is looking a little sparse, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up our favorites, some with added smoothing support, so you can restock for the season ahead. Pull ’em on.

shimmer-tights
Free People

A pair of shimmer tights perfect for holiday parties…

Okay, we’re obsessed. A statement tight if we’ve ever seen one, these have both a lattice design and sparkles throughout. Just imagine these paired with a velvet party dress or a leather skirt. *Chef’s kiss* Each pair is hand-dyed, so no two are alike, and they come in black and seafoam green. ($38, Free People)

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classic-pair
Nordstrom

A classic pair with a shapewear top…

These are opaque (read: not see through), with a high-waisted control top that supports and smooths without rolling or bunching. They’ll give you a little lift in the back as well, so they’re great for pairing with a more form-fitting dress. Customers say they’re comfortable too. We’re in. ($40, Nordstrom)

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thigh-high-stocking
Fleur du Mal

The trendy thigh-high stocking…

Fashion girls have been ditching full-leg tights for thigh-high stockings, and frankly, why didn’t we think of this earlier? Especially since these have silicone grips at the top to keep them from sliding down. They work peeking out of a sweaterdress or shirt dress. Psst…this brand makes a bra we love so much we don’t want to take it off. Don’t miss out. ($34, Fleur du Mal)

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polka-dot-tight
Amazon

A sheer pair with a playful polka-dot print…

Ideal for going to the office, these sheer tights have a cute pattern that’s not too overstated to wear every day. They’re made of soft nylon that’s stretchy yet durable, and feature a slim waistband and reinforced toe that won’t rip. They come in black and blue. ($23.41+, Amazon)

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fleece-lined-tights
Nordstrom

Fleece-lined tights for really chilly days…

Being an adult is realizing you need a pair of fleece-lined tights. They’re cozy, keep your legs warm, and are overall just a brilliant invention. We’ve tested these in below-freezing conditions and confess that we also wear them as pants around the house. Blair Waldorf is shaking. ($10, Nordstrom)

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sheertex
Sheertex

The tights that are guaranteed to not rip…

Everyone is talking about these tights. If you’re fed up with runs and rips, try these that are made with strong, rip-resistant polymers. They have a more opaque waistband and are sheer from mid-thigh to toe, so you get the best of both worlds. Customers go so far as to call them “seemingly indestructible.” Sign us up. ($25, Sheertex)

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faux-leather-tights
Nordstrom

A pair in faux leather that’ll give you legs for days…

It’s worth mentioning that technically these are leggings, but we wear ours under dresses and with skirts, as well as on their own. They’re glossy, sleek, and have a contoured waistband comfortable enough to wear all day. They come in black, navy, and a rusty red. ($128, Nordstrom)

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target-tights
Target

An incredibly affordable pair of fleece-lined tights…

We couldn’t believe the price when we saw these. They’re opaque, fleece-lined, and have a built-in brief top. We love that they’re tagless, so no scratching and trying to delicately cut it out. They come in black, white, and heathered gray. ($12, Target)

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opaque-tights
Amazon

A super opaque pair for complete coverage…

If you prefer a pair that doesn’t show any skin at all, you’re in good company with the more than 16,000 others who gave these a five-star review. They have a control-top waistband that stays in place and stretchy fabric that adjusts to the temperature to keep you cool. ($7.99, Amazon)

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sparkly-tights
Revolve

A sparkly pair you won’t want to take off…

True story: We wore these on New Year’s Eve last year and loved them so much, we were sad to peel them off at the end of the night. These black-and-gold beauties are a bit pricey, we admit, but they’re comfortable enough for all-night dancing. Plus, they’re just so pretty. ($55, Revolve)

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cashmere-tights
Calzedonia

A cozy cashmere pair…

These have a fun, raised pattern that looks like a cable-knit sweater so you can really lean into the winter season. They have a cotton gusset and come in black, nude, and white. Once you go cashmere, you’ll never go back. ($10, Calzedonia)

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stirrup-tights
Revolve

A fleece-lined stirrup pair…

If you’re full-toe averse, stirrup tights are for you. They attach under the arch of your foot, but leave your toes and heel exposed. They’re great if your feet tend to get hot, since the rest of these tights will keep you toasty. Customers say they’re even great for skiing. ($37, Revolve)

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floral-tights
Target

A floral pair we couldn’t resist…

These are sheer, high-waisted, and have a pretty flower-and-vines pattern. We can’t really imagine an outfit we wouldn’t want to pair these with, from dresses to skirts to shorts. Not exactly groundbreaking, but hey, a classic for a reason. ($10, Target)

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fishnet-tights
Neiman Marcus

A two-pack of fishnet tights…

From the brand that makes your favorite cotton underwear, this pack features one pair with a cutout lace design and one that’s a more classic fishnet. The waistband is high-rise and promises not to dig into your sides. These are truly timeless. ($48, Neiman Marcus)

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skin-tone-tights
HSN

A pair that comes in various skin tones…

If you’re looking for full coverage that matches your skin tone, these have seven colors to choose from. They’ll elongate your legs, while providing comfort and support. What more could you ask for? ($19.75, HSN)

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