The best tights

The best tights overall

For tights that will never rip, pill, or leave you hanging, the Spanx Tight-End Tights are the best way to go.

The Tight-End Tights are perfect for cooler days when you need a bit of extra warmth in and around your lower body. But they’re still surprisingly breathable, making them great for more temperate climates, too. Several members of the Insider Reviews team swear by Spanx because of their comfort and durability. 

The fabric is strong — you can run them through the wash seemingly endless times without worrying about rips or pills — and semi-sheer. This pair toes the line between sheer and opaque in the best way possible, making them a perfect hybrid pair of tights. 

Spanx are quite form-fitting, so you might want to size up if you’re not interested in a super-snug fit. But these tights are super affordable, so you can stock up on a bunch of pairs without breaking the bank. 

Pros: Won’t pill or rip, great opacity, reasonable price point

Cons: You may have to size up, thanks to their snug fit

The best opaque tights

If you judge your tights by their color, then DKNY’s Opaque Control Top Tights are the way to go.

What sets DKNY’s Super Opaque Control Top Tights apart from the competition is their opacity. They truly deliver some of the darkest, least see-through tights on the market without being overly warm or heavy. These tights are also super matte and decidedly not shiny, which is a feat for super opaque tights. Not into black? This pair is also available in navy and white. 

But color aside, the best thing about DKNY’s tights is their comfort level.  Upon multiple wears, you’ll find that they’re far more breathable and far less constricting than the competition. DKNY’s tights are able to stand up to several wears and several washes.

Even months after purchase, I was able to don the same pair without worrying about rips or tears or rends. Other members of the Insider Reviews team also give these DKNY tights snaps for being incredibly durable, even after plenty of wearing and washing. 

While they’re slightly pricier than your most basic pair of hose, they’re still extremely affordable, making these a great option to stock up on. 

Pros: Great opacity, extremely comfortable, affordable, available in three classic colors

Cons: Some customers have complained about the lack of a gusset

The best nude tights

Heist’s The Nude Tights boasts one of the most comprehensive nude shade ranges on the market, making their ultra-durable tights clear winners in this category. 

Heist is hugely popular here at Business Insider, thanks to its incredibly soft material, its comfortable fit, and its high-quality craftsmanship. But where Heist’s The Nude Tights really shines is in how customizable they are. 

You can also choose among several different shades of nude. These tights are available in an impressive seven shades, all of which both look and feel like they’re barely there. And while there are obviously more than seven shades of ‘nude’ in the world, the fact that customers can match their tights even more closely to their skin tone is a serious win. Heist’s The Nude Tights provides a seriously inclusive shade range, which is a rarity in hosiery. 

Heist has also rethought the overall design of a pair of tights. Not only is its waistband available in both high and low-rise options, but it’s also designed to avoid rolling, twisting, and otherwise digging into your skin. Thanks to its double-covered yarn construction, each pair is incredibly soft and durable, and also warm enough to withstand the weather. The 5,000 spirals per inch of yarn ensure these tights stay up, too, so you won’t be tugging at them all day long. 

The one drawback? There’s no gusset to speak of, which some may miss. But others may find that the lack of seam in the pelvis of these tight makes them more comfortable and longer-lasting.

Pros: Soft, durable construction, low or high waistband, several different shades of nude

Cons: Some may find the thicker waistband a little too constricting

The best tights for cold weather

With these you’ll never find yourself shivering come winter again. 

There’s a reason why you hear of so many folks stocking up on come winter. These opaque tights, like the rest of the brand’s HeatTech line, are designed with special technology to trap warmth in the winter, keeping your legs toasty warm. 

are made of a slightly thicker material than most, but they maintain a silhouette that’s anything but bulky. They’re certainly less sheer than other tights in the category but are quite unparalleled when it comes to offering protection from chilly temperatures.

In order to maintain a supple, luxe feel, Uniqlo incorporates argan oil into its hosiery. The brand explains that these tights feature bio-warming, insulating, and moisture-wicking properties, all of which I have found to be surprisingly true. Other members of the Insider Reviews team also love them because of how warm and soft they are. 

And you don’t even have to wear them on their own. When it’s really chilly out, are great layering pieces and slip seamlessly under jeans or other pants. With tights this warm and this wearable, it’s hard to take them off when the temperatures drop.

Pros: Great in cold weather, super affordable, available in two colors

Cons: Some customers have remarked on sizing issues

What we’re testing next

In order to keep this guide up-to-date, we’re constantly testing new picks. Here’s what we are testing next:

• : Not only does Sheertex call their hose “the world’s strongest tights,” but they also have one of the most inclusive size ranges on the market. We’re looking forward to seeing if they truly stand up to wear and tear. 
• Socktights 201 Core Essential Tights ($24.99): These tights have a built-in sock in the feet, making them great for chilly winter days when you don’t want layers in your boots. 
• Although they’re expensive, these luxury tights are often heralded as the most comfortable tights on the market. Plus they’re truly matte, which is perfect for folks who hate the typical sheen on opaque tights.