Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. Overall, these are the type of well-made, comfortable pantyhose you'll love to wear every day of the week. Sheer, comfort waist pantyhose that won't dig in. The Snag tights have a relatively low 50 denier. 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. When you think of shapewear, chances are you picture Spanx so its no surprise our panel loved the slimming capabilities of this style (without even knowing what brand they were wearing!). While we havent tested them in our Lab, theyre best-sellers on Amazon with hundreds of five-star reviews and the company says itll give you a full refund if you arent happy with your purchase. 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. Black Opaque Tights With Luxe Comfort Waistband, Nude Opaque Tights With Luxe Comfort Waistband, Black Opaque Ribbed Tights With Luxe Comfort Waistband, Black Semi-Opaque Tights With Luxe Comfort Waistband, Black Opaque Footless Tights With Luxe Comfort Waistband, Opaque tights with low rise comfort waist. While you dont have to spend a lot to get top-quality tights, Wolfords pricey pair did not disappoint. 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. Subscribe to receive updates, access to exclusive deals, and more. They also all agreed that the tights looked great on and they didnt snag, run or stretch out. 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). Yet they had an elegant finish that was not overly fuzzy (as found on some tights we considered). The second is Lindsey Donnell, a ballerina at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who wears tights every day. Happily, though, they were as warm as the other non-wool contenders. The extra-wide waistband had a raw edge, so it stayed up, felt softly supportive, and didnt show under clothes. 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. I also looked for tights that come in a wide range of sizes. I also interviewed two expert tights-wearers. She has been calledboth flatteringly and nota lot.. In strength, the Olivias were beaten only by the Sheertex tights, our most durable. We also noted whether they caused overheating and sweating, or if they felt breathable or flimsy. So we paid special attention to where the tights hit on the torso. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. With over 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University, Lexie Sachs researches, tests and reports on all fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. One size-small panelist who reported having wider thighs noted that the fabric was less opaque across her quads. 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. Why theyre great: The Wolfords were the warmest, thickest tights we tested. The easiest way to reduce the number of tights you throw away is to maintain the ones you own. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can break down elastane. Below are the best tights you can buy: This pair is a total steal: Not only was it one of the least expensive in our test, it also earned one of the highest overall scores. Please login and you will add product to your wishlist. And when we scratched them with our fingernails, nary a mark was left. One size-2 tester said that when they were stretched over her thighs, the Olivia tights looked almost semi-sheer. Do not iron. And they considered whether or not each pair was something they would actually wear. The Snag tights held up well to my brick-and-zipper testswith no actual rips. Because of their higher-than-average price, we were particularly concerned about durability, and the Wolford tights delivered. Also, these tights werent as soft as the Commando and Snag tights. And we dont think the quality surpassed that of our picks enough to justify the higher price. Theres a very slight slipperiness to them, which was noticeable when we crossed our legs. However, though these 15 denier pantyhose may be very sheer, they feature reinforced panty and toe sections to enhance their durability. As such, there was no way I could test them all for you. This pair was nicely opaque, without the sheen of some synthetic pairs we tried. In the Lab, they washed well though they didnt recover from stretch or resists snags as well as some others brands. But unlike the Snag tights, these tights dont feel flimsy or gauzy, so theres no need to be overly careful. The Wolfords were fully opaque (one tester said they were almost leggings-like), with no shine. And they were ultimately our testers preferred wool-blend option, outscoring the Falke Merino pair we tried. It was rich, dark, and opaque, without the sheen we found on other tights. The Comodo 15 from Sanpellegrino's 24 Hours collection of hosiery essentials have been created entirely with your comfort in mind. The Commando tights fabric felt silky. And the fabric had a slight shinenot on the level of polyester, but it was noticeable. They had a slight sheen, which was more pronounced in convex areas that move or stretch, like the calves, knees, and thighs. Theres nothing worse than noticing a run on a new pair of tights or fussing with a waistband that just wont stay put. We tried on dozens of little black dresses to find five showstopping options that suit most occasions, budgets, and styles. The best part: our tests proved that you dont have to spend a fortune to get high quality tights: In fact, some of the under-$10 tights outperformed ones that cost over $40! They survived my zipper test with nary a tear, and when I scraped them across brick, there was only slight fabric degradation. And always hang your tights to dry. Tights by any other name would be sheers, opaques, stockings, pantyhose, or even leggings. These 50-denier tights are perfectly opaque, though some of our testers complained about the subtle sheen of the fabric. 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. They also recovered their shape nicely when we stretched it out in the Lab. Those in the market for control-top tights would find these ineffective. These tights had an ultra-high-rise waistband, and some testers found the extra fabric dug into their waists. We wanted tights that could stand up to fingernail scratches, walking on carpet, and rough calluses. But even with these marks against the Olivia tights, testers reported that they were decently comfortable. These tights were slightly more sheer than others we tried, and they had a bit of sheen. Testers loved the fit of this pairthey were stretchy enough to move with the body but never saggy. The waistband was nice and wide, and these tights offered gentle compression against the stomach but didnt feel uncomfortably tight. And they are priced well. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, These Are the Most Comfortable Shoes You Can Buy, 19 Popular Stores Where Teens Actually Shop, This Amazon Brand Has Amazing Kids' Summer Wear, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Even though this is a guide to black tights, its worth noting that this style also comes in dozens of colors. But ultimately this pair tested better than the other under-$15 pairs we tried. Tights are a staple for every fall and winter wardrobe, but lets face it sometimes they can drive you crazy. But we found them to be very durable. And I tried to catch the tights in a zipper by running each pair through the zipper 10 times. We didnt find any other tights like the Sheertex pairthe fabric was extra-strong and not especially soft or stretchy. Pulling on the Sheertex tights took more muscle than was needed with other pairs. And some testers found that the waistband dug uncomfortably into the torsonot enough to create a muffin top, but it was notable nonetheless. 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. Whether you want to slim down, firm up or smooth and improve your skin, Legluxe has the perfect products for you. The Commando tights also did well in our durability tests. The lace waistband uses silicone strips on theinside to help keep it in place. This set comes with four different patterns andis Amazons Choice for tights in general not just fishnets! So for the occasional tights-wearer, or even someone on a budget, these are likely worth the gamble. 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. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. All made with the signature Hipstik comfort waistband. TikTok's "Product Overload" Trend Is Dangerous, The Best Spanish-Language Shows on Netflix, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. So if the price is holding you back, check the site often. Our panel also loved that they slid right on without a struggle. We also tested (and loved) the super opaque version at 90 denier that proved to be durable with strong seams in our tests, and the brand makes sheer options if you want something more see-through. Its 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. A mesh garment bag will also prevent unnecessary tangling, ripping, or stretching. This pair is super thick and has a control top, but testers unanimously said they were super easy to get on and take off. Though theyre wool, they didnt sag or droop in the crotch. 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. The waistband was nice and wide, and it felt supportive, without any rolling or pinching. Still, the waist dug in just a little bit. Disappointingly, few brands offer sizes above XL. Some might find the unique recycled fabric less elegant and certainly less silky than the fabric of other tights on this list. Most tights are made from nylon/polyamide or Lycra/spandex/elastane (or a blend). 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 recycled fabric didnt feel as elegant as that of some other pairs we tried. This soft and stretchy pair moved well, but we did notice the fabric had a slight sheen when stretched over areas like the knees and thighs. But since the Wolford Merinos are mostly cold-weather tights, we thought this sartorial conflict wouldnt arise that often. However, this brand offers sizes up to 3XL, a rarity. Then they wore the tights for an additional 20 minutes, paying special attention to any changes after they were washed and dried. 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. Theres an upside to the rugged composition of the recycled Olivia tights: We found them to be incredibly durable. Our picks include a soft, supportive pair that lasts; a stretchy, extra-affordable pick; a truly unbreakable pair; a warm wool pair that doesnt itch; and a recycled (and recyclable) pair. How they feel: Coarse but not rough, Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium Tights didnt have a butter-smooth glide, as some tights we tried did. In an earlier version of this guide, bamboo was considered an eco-friendly fabric alternative. 10% off with HIPSTIK10. And they felt a little flimsy as we worked them over callused feet and tugged them over hips. 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. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The 140-denier Wolford tights didnt just feel good on, they also looked good. We paid attention to how easily each pair snagged or ripped. We just yanked them up without worry. Even within our narrowed definition, the options in terms of price, flexibility, translucency, and fabrication were seemingly endlessthe search term tights drew up more than 10,000 results on Amazon. 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. The woven fibers had a cushy density that felt notably different from that of non-wool tights. They were stretchy and comfy, with no constriction. They strike a nice balance of looks, price, and comfort, and got solid rankings from our testers. Snag tights dont 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. These tights are also very pricey. This pair stood out for being snag-resistant in both our Lab and consumer tests. Yet for many, the environmental upside is worth the slight sacrificeespecially since the Olivia tights look good and will definitely last. So if your tights rip during that time frame, the company will send you a replacement pair, free of charge. Discover a new way to wear tights with this bestselling style that brings the easy comfort of leggings or yoga pants to tights. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Some companies now claim to make their tights from recycled materials. And as a native Ohioan who spent three years living in New York City, Ive relied on them for warmth, too. These tights look just like regular tights, but theyre fleece-lined so they feel extra warm and cozy. I was left with 10 pairs of tights to be further assessed, including our five-person panel. Testers reported no snags or rips from cat or dog claws or scratchy rugs. Black tights are perhaps your wardrobes best supporting player. As the name implies, the material is super opaque and includes a control top. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The Falke Pure Matt 50 Denn Tights were comfortable and soft, and we especially appreciated the thin, undetectable seams. These tights were easy to pull on and extra-comfy, but they werent notably warm. The Hanes X-Temp Blackout Control Top Tights were soft and stretchy. 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. Because her legs tend to get chilled in her chair, Lopez relies heavily on tights. This sentiment was shared by our tester who had recently undergone a cesarian section. I eliminated one pair for an uncomfortable crotch seam and nixed another that had a useless control top. Sheertex says it is working on implementing a recycling program of its own (we will update this guide when thats underway). I can vouch that they didnt budge against brick, and they sustained only a micro-snag when I ran them up a zipper. (The Wolfords have reinforced toes.) thanks to the hundreds of five-star reviews from users who say theyre soft, comfortable, and actually hold up to lots of wear. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Soft, pliant tights are more prone to snagging. Those synthetic plastics are what lend the garments their necessary stretch. 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 Wolford Mat Opaque 80 Tights were super-smooth, with a comfortable gusset and great stretch. The delicate balance between being constrictive enough to comfortably support ones stomach and flexible enough to pull off without sweating was especially relevant for control-top models. Instead, some testers noted there was a slightly rustle-y, almost papery quality to the 92% polyamide, 8% elastane fabric. I started my search looking at brands and models that my interviewees and colleagues recommended. These tights were the lightest of all our picks. We found them to be durable, with a surprisingly pleasant feel. Most tights come with care instructions (Swedish Stockings instructions are particularly helpful). Of course, looking good is subjective, but overall our panelists didnt like it when tights were shiny, when the knit was noticeably uneven, or when seams created a muffin-top appearance. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Two testersone size 2, one size 12reported that the gusset felt tight and was prone to slipping down. Wearability: Not all tights are easy to put on. However, in testing they immediately snagged on rough skin, which made us worry about their longevityespecially for the price. However, if youre 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. However, the fabric did visibly weaken, roughen, and pill. We found Snags affordable tights to be soft and stretchy, and theyre available in a wide range of sizes. As a recreational ballerina, Ive danced through dozens of pairs of tights in my life. But in general, hand- or machine-washing in cold water will keep the fabrics fibers from breaking down. 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. 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. This was noticeable only when we were pulling them on, though, so we thought it was a worthy compromise. The built-in sock on this control-top pair is perfect for anyone who wears tights with boots. Tirzah said high-waisted tights were less likely to dig into her waist while she was sitting in a wheelchair. Fishnet stockings dont give you the coverage of regular opaque tights (and they wont always have a denier rating, either), but they do give you fun patterns with lots of texture. These 60-denier tights were more sheer than most. But a few complained about the lack of stretch in the crotch. A few brands offer recycling, including our pick from Swedish Stockings. But wool tights are normally reserved for extra-cold days, with thick layers on top. If youre looking for bold, bright tights, this style comes in 30 different colors. We independently review everything we recommend. During my last-line-of-defense brick-and-zipper test, the Sheertex tights performed the best, with no visible damage at all. The ultra-high-rise means theres a wide expanse of fabric with no added reinforcement. Ultimately, we decided that though these were cooler than many others, they werent worth the higher price. The prominent vertical seams did show through clingier clothing. Not surprisingly, they earned high marks for comfort from our testers who all loved the warmth they offered on cold winter days. The stretchy fabric was comfortable but thin and didnt offer any support or compression. In particular, theyre designed to be comfortable waist pantyhose and feature an extra-high waistband that's super soft and shaped to fit without squeezing in or rolling down. That lighter knit also means theyre extra-cool and breathablebetter suited to a chilly autumn or spring day than to a frigid winter day. But it was comfy enough. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Afterward they washed and dried them according to individual care instructions. Discover a new way to wear tights with the utmost comfort, durability, and style. Our panel found the tights warm and non-itchy, with a smooth waistband and comfortable, molded feet. Testers found this pair to be decently comfortable, with a well-fitting waistband that didnt roll. Most used tights cant be commercially recycled, nor are they usually accepted by second-hand clothing stores. As far as recycling tights on your own: Youll 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. All Rights Reserved. If you prefer extra support, theyre also available with a control top. We prioritized these companies, but we were limited by the fact that most of them are based in Europe. We assessed the fabric, fit, performance, and style of an array of workout leggings to find six excellent pairs for whatever moves you. On top of that, they washed well in our Lab tests so theyll be easy to care for in the long run. Materials: Panty: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex; Leg: 81% Nylon, 19% Spandex, 2022 Nononsense.com | Kayser-Roth Corporation | California Supply Chains Act | Terms and Conditions | Privacy/Legal | Accessibility, Decrease Quantity of Comfort Waist Tights, Increase Quantity of Comfort Waist Tights, Adding to cart The item has been added. Though they may never take center stagetights arent usually worn solo, since theyre not fully opaquethey readily contribute style, modesty, and warmth. 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. Learn more about our The material is also opaque without being toothick and the tights featurea high-waist control top so you get the slimming benefits around the torso. Why theyre great: Sheertexs 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. Drip dry. Our consumer testers were just as impressed: They said these tights were comfortable and easy to get on and they didnt snag, rip or stretch out when they wore them. Learn more. We dont expect these budget tights to be very long-lasting. One tester said It held me in without being too constricting. Stay in touch to receive updates, special offers, and first looks at new Hipstik products. These are easy to pull on, with particularly comfy feet and no bunchy fabric or fussy seams. Finally, the Commando tights looked nice, with an even knit throughout and decent opacity. Not only did the tights themselves perform well they were durable and washed well in the Lab but testers also loved the concept. It also did a great job lifting my rear end.. Most testers thought the tightsmade of 90% nylon and 10% elastanewould be good on a cool day but maybe not for a 10-block trek in a blizzard. The Sheertex tights were the warmest non-wool option we tested, but they werent quite as comfortable as the Snag or Commando tights, simply because the fabric wasnt as soft. Were proud to offer the finest selection of legwear, shapewear andunderwearproducts that are guaranteed to improve how you look and feel from the waist down. 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. Thick and cozy, the Wolford Merino Tights (49% nylon, 49% virgin wool, 2% elastane) werent as soft or smooth as our non-wool options. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Wool is warm. Our panelists all agreed that the Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Silky Touch didnt fit well. But they didnt offer much support. 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 also informally polled my Wirecutter colleagues to get their thoughts on tights (it turns out that they had many). These sheer women's plus size tights are a classic wardrobe staple, featuring a comfortable waistband and total stretch for all-day wear. The unevenly woven tights also snagged easily, and they didnt seem like theyd last very long. And while they dont offer the slimming benefits of control tops, testers thought they were flattering and looked great under clothes.