The 4 Best Black Tights for 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Nov 05, 2024

By Dorie Chevlen

Dorie Chevlen is a writer covering home design. Her subjects have included scented candles, makeup mirrors, and—her favorite—popcorn makers.

The Sheertex Semi Opaque Rip-Resist Tights, a former pick in this guide, have been discontinued. We plan to test their upcoming replacement, the Sheertex Buttery Tights, and will report back with our findings.

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 favorites.

We looked for tights that felt smooth, snug, warm and breathable, with no constriction or digging seams.

Good tights are flexible yet supportive, and can stretch without losing their shape. They’re also easy to pull on and off.

Our picks are durable enough to withstand rough calluses, sharp nails, and carpeted floors without ripping or snagging.

We considered how each pair looked on our bodies, and assessed opacity, sheen and the evenness of their knits.

Our picks include a soft, supportive pair that lasts; a stretchy, extra-affordable pick; a warm wool pair that doesn’t itch; and a recycled (and recyclable) pair.

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These tights are easy to pull on and extra-comfy, but they aren’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.

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, 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 (crotch) felt tight and was prone to slipping down. If you are between sizes, we recommend that you size up to avoid this issue. Another tester (size 6, wearing a size M), complained that the waistband rolled down. The toe seams also ran a little long, but testers didn’t find the extra fabric bothersome.

Sizes: S to XL

These well-priced tights are soft and stretchy, and they’re available in a wide range of sizes. But they don’t offer much support.

How they feel: With the stretchiest, softest fabric (a 91% polyamide, 8% elastane and 1% cotton blend), Snag Semi-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—like 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 34, 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 eight colors.

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, the tights are very nicely priced. So for the occasional tights-wearer, or anyone on a budget, these are likely worth the gamble.

Sizes: roughly 2 to 34

Other variants: eight color options

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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.

Sizes: XS to XL

Other variants: four 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 they got solid ratings 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 tights were a favorite among tall, slim testers (who typically struggle to find tights that are both long enough in the leg, and snug enough around the waist).

The 60-denier Olivia 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.

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.

Sizes: XS to XXL

Other variants: 11 color options

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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.

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.

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Not really.

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—including our pick from Swedish Stockings—claim to make their tights from recycled materials. We prioritized these companies, but 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. Our Swedish Stockings pick is one of the exceptions. Just mail in old nylon 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

No pair of tights received a more heated panel review than the Spanx High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Tight-End Tights. 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 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.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson, Hannah Morrill, and Jennifer Hunter.

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Dorie Chevlen

I cover home decor, but I'm rarely stuck inside. I also write frequently about outdoor gear, personal technology, and health products for Wirecutter.

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