Over the past few years, I’ve started to venture away from my drugstore-bought tights, which lasted about a handful of wears before a gaping hole made its way down the legs. When I tried Sheertex’s rip-resistant tights (was $35, now $20), the best overall pick in this list, just last year, I finally understood the importance of finding the perfect pair of tights. Whether you're looking for something sleek for a night out, cozy and warm for winter or breathable and flexible for everyday wear, there are a few key factors you should always consider when shopping for tights, like comfort, durability and style. With so many options on the market from PureWow reader-favorite brands like J.Crew and Target, I asked the editorial staff at PureWow to find must-have styles that not only elevate your outfit but also offer the right balance of stretch, support and longevity. From luxurious fabrics to innovative designs, here’s your ultimate guide to the best tights every woman should have in her wardrobe.
PSA: These Are the 10 Best Tights for Women, All Approved by PureWow Editors
Including a Kate Middleton-approved style
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
The Best Tights for Women at a Glance
Best Overall Tights for Women
Sheertex Stubbornly Strong Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
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Best Control-Top Tights
Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Tights
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Most Flexible Tights
Les Belles Sheer Classic Tights
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Trendiest Tights
JCrew Control-Top Opaque Tights
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Best Floral Tights
A New Day Viney Floral Tights
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How I Chose the Best Tights for Women
When it came down to choosing what made it into the list, I reached out to the savvy and stylish editorial team at PureWow and asked them about their favorite pair of tights they’ve ever worn, all which are reflected below. You’ll find that their picks are durable, comfortable and more. Plus, the editors have worn their tights while running to work, traveling around the world and attending events or parties, so you can imagine that they’ve all seen their fair share of wear and (literal) tear.
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Best Overall Tights for Women
1. Sheertex Stubbornly Strong Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
What I Like
- compressive, smoothing waistband
- doesn’t sag in the crotch or butt
- incredibly stretchy fabric
What I Don't Like
- can experience extra fabric around the midriff if you have a short torso
Sheertex
When it comes to long-lasting tights, none compare to Sheertex. “They really live up to their reputation for durability, and they come in so many styles and colors,” raves Abby Hepworth, fashion editor at PureWow. “I prefer the classic because the waistband doesn't pinch or feel constricting, but there are other styles with more smoothing [technology], too.” I tested a few Sheertex tights myself and found their compressive capabilities to be incredibly impressive, especially for moments when I want to wear a dress without shapewear. It’s an ideal style for anyone with a long torso, as the waistband tends to sit high up on the waist.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Material: nylon, polyethylene, spandex
- Denier: 30
Best Sheer Tights
2. Calzedonia Ultra-Comfort Sheer Tights
What I Like
- wide range of neutrals
- cotton gusset provides ventilation
- inclusive size range
What I Don't Like
- runs small
Calzedonia
Within my first month living in London, I was met with freezing temperatures that I, a Californian, was ill-prepared for, so finding a good pair of tights was at the top of my to-do list. After hearing so much buzz around the Calzedonia brand, I decided to try a style out for myself. I’m someone that loves a sheer look as opposed to an opaque style, so the 20 denier was right up my alley, and I really like how they’re made with flat seams, so nothing pokes out under thin fabrics. Weeks after buying them, they’re my go-to pair of tights for when I want to wear dresses, skorts or shorts—which is all the time. Best of all, the gusset is made with a breathable cotton, so your hoo-haa can *actually* receive the proper ventilation it needs.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Material: polyamide, elastane, cotton
- Denier: 20
Best Control-Top Tights
3. Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Tights
What I Like
- long-lasting
- raw-cut control waistband doesn’t dig or roll
- breathable and soft fabric doesn’t feel constricting
What I Don't Like
- sizing may vary—brand suggest sizing down if in-between sizes
Commando
This style from Commando is made for wearers who are looking for a perfectly matte pair. Their raw-cut control waistband was created to keep you looking smooth, without the annoyance of digs and rolls. “I LOVE these Commando tights,” gushes PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario. “I've had them for six years and they still look brand-new. I haven't had a single tear and I'm prone to doing that with every pair of tights I've owned, so you know it's the real deal. My favorite feature is the control waistband that never slips or feel tight. It shapes my curves and keeps me SNATCHED.” Other reviewers love that these boast a fit that doesn’t feel constricting or itchy in the slightest.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: S to XL
- Material: nylon, elastane
- Denier: n/a
Most Flexible Tights
4. Les Belles Sheer Classic Tights
What I Like
- seamless, gusset-free design
- no-roll waistband available in a classic or high fit
- soft material boasts 360-degree stretch
What I Don't Like
- durability may vary by style
Les Belles
Seamless, run-resistant and buttery-soft…what more could you ask for in a classic pair of tights? This Les Belles sheer pair is made with an adaptive waistband in Italy that’s designed to hug your curves and smooth at the same time. It’s a favorite of PureWow’s SEO Editor Marissa Wu, who says, “I like the material of the nude classic tights—it's super flexible and decently soft [with a] good amount of sheer.” Though she goes on to tell me that she doesn’t find other styles, particularly the polka dot pair, to be as durable, noting that they ripped after a handful of wears. “The waistband is very comfortable and high, so your underwear doesn't slide around,” she adds of the nude style.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to 3XL
- Material: recycled polyamide, elastane
- Denier: 20
Trendiest Tights
5. J.Crew Control-Top Opaque Tights
What I Like
- machine washable
- stretchy and malleable quality
- control-top paneling
What I Don't Like
- not the most durable designs
J.Crew
Another must-have on Hepworth’s list? J.Crew’s tights. While they’re not the most durable of the bunch, she tells me, “They last a decently long time and are SO comfortable.” That’s because they’re made from a blend of nylon and spandex, which give it a stretchy quality that’ll mold to the body. Best of all? In addition to the control-top paneling, which will make your figure look oh-so smooth, they’re machine washable, so the care on these couldn’t be any easier.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to L
- Material: nylon, spandex
- Denier: n/a
Best Floral Tights
6. A New Day Viney Floral Tights
What I Like
- formal floral pattern
- compliment magnet
- comfortable feel
What I Don't Like
- some buyers mention that they run small
- rips easily
A New Day
Who says that tights have to cost an arm and a leg? Certainly not Target, which is home to a wide range of tights for women, including this formal pair by Target-exclusive brand A New Day. “Honestly, my go-to [tights] are always A New Day from Target,” Natalie LaBarbera, assistant commerce editor at PureWow, tells me. “I love that there are so many fun designs to choose from, and of course basics, too. Plus, they're usually around $10 or less, so my budget doesn't take too big of a hit when I inevitably rip them at some point.” Pair them with a little black dress and see how these floral tights come to life.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: S/M to 1X/2X
- Material: nylon, spandex
- Denier: 10-20
Most Durable Tights
7. Threads Opaque Contour Tights
What I Like
- waistband doesn’t roll and crotch doesn’t sag
- contoured waistband and bum-lifting technology
- long-lasting and durable designs
What I Don't Like
- limited color variety
Threads
“I love my tights from Threads, which are the only black tights I've ever found that don't pill, attract lint or get a little heel indent,” says PureWow’s Editor-in-Chief, Jillian Quint. In fact, they’re designed to avoid clinging to your outfits, thanks to a construction of double-covered microfiber yarn, which gives them that smooth finish that’s less prone to static and stick. (Ahem, this means you can save the hairspray for your actual head of hair.) “I've worn them many times, and they look as new as the day I got them,” she adds.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: A to F
- Material: polyamide, elastane
- Denier: 60
Best Tights for a Pop of Color
8. Calzedonia Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights
What I Like
- vast color options
- machine washable
- comfortable soft-touch microfiber material
What I Don't Like
- one buyer mentions they can slide at the waist
Calzedonia
Senior Editor Dana Dickey’s obsession lies with Calzedonia’s 50 denier opaque tights—one of the brand’s best sellers that come in 20 color options, from a dark brown to a red lacquer. “They are waist-to-toe without reinforcements, so it's a nice smooth long line, and they come in such saturated colors, which I'm feeling to warm up drab winter outfits. I wore a red pair to a holiday party and got compliments!”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS/S to XL
- Material: polyamide, elastane, cotton
- Denier: 50
Best Sweater Knit Tights
9. A New Day Cable Sweater Tights
What I Like
- knit fabric makes for a slight warming effect
- pattern continues up to the waist
- affordable
What I Don't Like
- not built for peak winter
A New Day
If you want to really round out your collection of tights, LaBarbera also highly recommends A New Day’s cable-knit sweater style. It’s soft, stretchy and made with a cozy blend of materials using rayon, nylon and spandex, which gives it that chic opaque sheerness. It’s an especially stylish way to add texture and color to a basic outfit, plus it features built-in briefs for a comfortable, sculpted fit and extra coverage.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: S/M to 1X/2X
- Material: rayon, nylon, spandex
- Denier: 41-69
Best Tights for the Royally Obsessed
10. John Lewis Barely-There Non-Slip Tights
What I Like
- non-slip grips on the sole prevent shoe slips
- elastic fabric makes it easy to move in
- royal-approved
What I Don't Like
- fees for shipping international
John Lewis
What’s the Princess of Wales’ secret to a wearing high heels in winter without a hitch? Well, a little birdie told me that Kate Middleton prefers these non-slip tights from John Lewis because they purportedly have sticky pads bult into the sole’s fabric, giving them that non-slip grip and minimizing any fashion mishaps. Best of all, they come in a pack of two, so you can have a fresh pair on rotation between hand-washes.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: S to XL
- Material: nylon, lycra elastane, cotton
- Denier: 7
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Tights for Women
When shopping for the best tights for women, there are a few important factors you should always consider before checking out:
- Pay attention to the amount of stretch: I can’t stress this enough, but before you commit to a pair of tights, look at reviews and the description to gauge how stretchy they are. Often, styles with elastane and spandex will have plenty of stretch to them, which is extremely important for movement. I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to walk, run and dance just as easily as I can without my tights, and this is key for finding comfortable pieces that you don’t mind wearing for hours on end, too.
- Know what denier you want and need: The one word you need to know when purchasing a pair of tights: Denier. It’s the unit of measurement used to describe the weight of the fabric or material used to make the tights. Tights with a high denier will be more durable, thick and often opaque, while those with a low denier count will have a sheer or transparent finish and be delicately thin.
- Consider functional details: If you don’t just want any pair of tights, then this point is for you. Many brands offer spiffed up tights with all the bells and whistles for specific functions in mind, from control-top waistbands for smoothing and flattering your figure to shaping details along the bum to sculpt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Brand of Tights?
From J.Crew to Commando, there are heaps of popular brands offering their take on the best tights. Retailers and brands like Target and Calzedonia boast a variety of impressive styles at affordable prices. While other brands, such as Commando and Sheertex, are best known for offering tights with more technical designs, some of which boast an impressive control top or indestructible durability. So, at the end of the day, the best brand of tights really boils down to sheer (pun intended) preference.
Are Leggings or Tights Better?
Round one of leggings vs. tights. Jokes aside, leggings and tights are very different in both make and style, so they naturally serve different purposes. While it’s more common to lounge in a pair of leggings around the house than an opaque pair of tights, they can both be very useful. Leggings are often used as standalone pants for running errands or going to the gym; tights, on the other hand, are often worn under other garments, such as dresses, skirts or shorts, especially during the cooler months as an extra layer of warmth. Plus, tights can act as an embellishment for styling, with many options boasting fun colorways and patterns, as well as different levels of denier. If I had to choose, both leggings and tights are an essential in any capsule wardrobe.
