10 Best Tights for Women 2025, Reviewed and Styled by Editors

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For anyone who regularly reaches for dresses and skirts, the best tights are essential for colder seasons. While the wardrobe staples are often thought of as shapewear or functional base layers for extra warmth, pantyhose come in so many colors, textures, and prints that they can also be bold fashion statements in their own right. Classic black stockings will always have a place in your closet, but this year’s tights trends run the gamut from bold reds to polka dots.

In the interest of keeping you warm and stylish, Glamour editors and contributors tested and shared their favorite tights to wear with any outfit. These pairs will see you through fall and winter without rips, tears, or pinchy waistbands. No matter if you prefer to style them with a pair of tall boots and a minidress or flats and a midiskirt, these cute (and high-performance) picks will make the most of your winter wardrobe.

The best tights for women, at a glanceBest Overall

Sheertex Classic Sheer Tights

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Best Sheer

Hue Opaque Sheer Tights

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Best Opaque

Frola Women’s 80 Denier Soft Semi Opaque Solid Color Footed Pantyhose Tights

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Best Fleece-Lined

X-Cheng Fleece-Lined Tights

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Best Dressy

Calzedonia Sheer Dotted Glitter Tights

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Best Overall: Sheertex Classic Sheer Tights

Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary

Sheertex Classic Sheer Tights

The Glamour team reviewed Sheertex tights a few years ago, and they’re still just as good today—and now have a newly expanded size range. The main thing our testers raved about was the material’s durability and ability to slightly compress and hug the legs. (Glamour contributor Rebecca Brown even went as far as scaling a palm tree while wearing them: “They got super dirty, but no rips.”)

Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary is also a massive fan of Sheertex, especially the matte black pair. “I always got ads for these rip-resistant tights, and I’ll be honest: I wasn’t sure if they were really going to be worth the hype. Three years after purchasing them, I’m pleasantly surprised,” she says. “These high-quality tights haven’t had one rip, run, or break in the few years I’ve worn them over and over again—an impressive feat for someone who consistently rips every pair of drugstore tights I ever buy.” Kilkeary also says that the control top and snug style of these tights can be likened to shapewear, as they hide the tummy area without discomfort: “I’d buy these over and over if I could, and I plan to get more colors as we move into the winter season.”

Sizes: XXS–4XL / Colors: 1 option / Materials: 44% nylon, 36% polyethylene, 20% spandex

Best Sheer: Hue Opaque Sheer Tights

Original image by Glamour contributor Wendy Sy

Hue Opaque Sheer Tights

These high-waisted tights are a favorite of fashion influencer Wendy Sy of Style Meets Story, who says they’re perfect for transitional weather. “For those days when it’s slightly cold but not freezing out, I love wearing these sheer tights because they’re not too thick and provide just the right amount of warmth (without making you sweat).” She also loves sheer tights because they’re a bit dressier than opaque styles. “The black shade is easy to match with and pulls an outfit together seamlessly, whether you pair them with matching sets, dresses, or skirts with cashmere sweaters,” she says.

Sizes: 1–5 / Colors: 7 options / Materials: 86% nylon, 14% spandex

Best Opaque: Frola 80-Denier Tights

Original image by Glamour contributor Wendy Sy

Frola Women’s 80 Denier Soft Semi Opaque Solid Color Footed Pantyhose Tights

If you like the look of opaque tights, Sy is a fan of these high-rise solid color tights that can pair well with all kinds of outfits: “Although I love solid blackout tights, sometimes they just don’t match with certain outfits. That’s when this high-opacity gray style comes in—it’s a neutral color that’s sleek and doesn’t have the heavy look of darker tights,” she says. This one has a medium thickness, which is perfect for in-between weather days when temperatures are warmer during the day and cooler at night. “I love pairing them with a short dress, leather jacket, and knee-high boots,” she says. Another plus? These are stretchy yet thick enough that they won’t rip, no matter what you put them through.

Sizes: XS–XXL / Colors: 37 options / Materials: 84% nylon, 14% spandex, 2% cotton

Best Fleece-Lined: X-Cheng Fleece-Lined Tights

Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary

X-Cheng Fleece-Lined Tights

The best fleece-lined tights look sheer, but they’re actually not; thanks to a nude-illusion effect, they can keep your legs shielded like leggings without throwing off the balance of your outfits. “I wore these in 10-degree weather in New York, and I wasn’t cold at all. The sheer illusion works magically! You could never tell it’s not my skin,” Glamour’s Kilkeary says. “I wear them with just about everything from miniskirts and long skirts to dresses and oversized sweaters. The length is great; they’re a little baggy in the butt area, but I am a fan of how snug they fit around the waist.” Plus, at less than $20 a pop, they’re at least worth a try for impending frigid weather.

Sizes: XS–3XL / Colors: 11 options / Materials: 35% polyester, 25% spandex, 40% cotton

Best Dressy: Calzedonia Sheer Dotted Glitter Tights

Original image by Glamour contributor Wendy Sy

Calzedonia Sheer Dotted Glitter Tights

“During the holiday season (or anytime I want to feel dressed up), this glittery pair of tights are my go-to,” says Sy. This is why she’s obsessed with this glitter polka-dot pair that adds a little sparkle and dimension to any outfit. “The subtle gold specks add a fancy flair for special occasions, and they instantly bring me joy to wear with metallic or velvet dresses. These are lightweight, comfortable, and match with gold jewelry too.” Because the material of these are on the thinner side, proceed with caution, as tiny holes can creep up around the areas that are decorated.

Sizes: XS–L / Colors: 1 option / Materials: Polyamide, elastane, cotton, polyester

Best Patterned: Sézane Black Polka Dot Tights

Original image by Glamour contributor Fran Acciardo

Sézane Black Polka Dot Tights

Style influencer Fran Acciardo highly recommends these polka-dot tights if you’re looking to add a patterned pair to your collection. “While they don’t claim to be rip-resistant, I found these tights to be pretty good quality compared to other tights I’ve tried of the same thickness,” she says. They’re a great addition to any holiday outfit to gain a little more texture and personality: “I think these would be adorable paired with some microshorts, kitten heels, and a black turtleneck; they truly add the perfect pop to any outfit.”

Sizes: S–XL / Colors: 5 options / Materials: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane

Best Nude: Sheertex Nude Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

Courtesy of brand

Sheertex Nude Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

Again, Sheertex’s tights hold up to their promise of rip-resistance. “I am notorious for ripping a pair of tights as soon as I put them on, but I’ve had my Sheertex tights for over two years and haven’t gotten a single snag,” says Glamour contributor Abby Morgan Lebet. Nude tights lean more timeless than trendy, and they serve a critical utilitarian function in any closet. “Especially in the winter, I love throwing on a pair of skin-color tights under a maxiskirt and a pair of tall boots to stay warm and comfortable,” Lebet says. This nude version comes in six hues to match a variety of skin tones, and ranges 2XS to 4XL to feel more like a second skin for a wider set of women. Plus, Lebet says they’ve sent the tights through the wash numerous times with no issues.

Sizes: XXS–4XL / Colors: 6 options / Materials: 44% nylon, 36% polyethylene, 20% spandex

Best Designer: Gucci GG Knit Tights

Original image by Glamour contributor Caitlin Patton

Gucci GG Knit Tights

Fashion blogger Caitlin Patton has owned these luxe tights for five years, and although they’re pricey, she says they’re well worth the investment: “The quality is incredible, and I can promise that I’ve never had issues with any snags or rips.” They have a snug fit but aren’t too tight, and she loves wearing them with other black pieces to have a monochromatic moment with some eye-catching appeal. These would also make a great luxury gift for the fashion-obsessed woman in your life that will last for years to come.

Sizes: S–L / Colors: 1 option / Materials: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane

Best Animal-Print: Wolford Pantera Tights

Courtesy of brand

Wolford Pantera Tights

This pair of black tights pulls double duty, from demure to sultry. Wolford’s leopard-print fishnet tights offer a sheer, speckled look that’s easy to pair with pieces in your closet, like a simple minidress and tall boots. “While I’m not typically a huge fishnet fan, these are subtle and tightly woven enough that they have a more smooth finish for an elegant touch of animal print,” says Lebet, who praises their durability. The jacquard weave lends itself better to hand-washing—but at least the pattern also helps to conceal any rogue snags.

Sizes: XS–L / Colors: 1 option / Materials: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane

Best Colorful: Swedish Stockings Geri Glossy Tights

Courtesy of brand

Swedish Stockings Geri Glossy Tights

A pair of red tights can give any outfit a nostalgic, playful feel, and this pick from Swedish Stockings is the perfect cherry-red hue. Lebet found an unexpected wardrobe staple in these tights, saying they make even the simplest of outfits feel more considered and nostalgic. “I wear a lot of dark colors and jewel tones, so I was shocked at how the vibrance of these tights managed to fit in so seamlessly with my closet,” Lebet says. The tights have a soft, shiny appearance for a not-quite-matte look that works well with, say, a pair of Mary Janes and a wool midiskirt. The 60-denier style leans slightly more opaque, offering a vibrant pop of color, and a control top offers some light compression and a smoothing effect. While Lebet notes they’re not the most invincible against the churn of a washing machine, hand-washing and air-drying help maintain their lifespan.

Sizes: S–XL / Colors: 2 options / Materials: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane

How we testedGlamour editors, contributors, and trusted reviewers tested these tights by measuring how well they held up after multiple wears and washes without ripping, running or snags. (Sheertex took the cake for these qualities.) Other factors for consideration included how easy they were to put on, and how well they elevated an outfit.

All your tights questions, answeredHow should tights fit?

According to stylist Audree Kate López, tights should fit your legs snugly, but not too tightly that they dig in or restrict movement, as this can make them more likely to tear. “If you are tall or curvy, I suggest sizing up for extra stretch. Personally, I’m only 5-feet-3, but sometimes I size up to accommodate my hips,” she says. It’s important to note that the groin area shouldn’t be saggy, and the tights shouldn’t feel like they’re falling down when walking: “They should fit like second skin or a pair of workout leggings. If they leave marks on your skin, they’re too small,” she explains.

How to prevent tights from ripping

In addition to ensuring that they’re the right fit, there are a few ways to actually make sure that your tights don’t rip. “First, put them on properly, by rolling them up your leg, and being gentle with them,” López says. You’ll also want to store them with similar items like undergarments or socks, or in a bag so they don’t snag in your drawer.

“I’d also recommend putting them in a laundry bag before washing them, or hand washing them and hanging them to dry, as dryers can also be too harsh on the material,” López adds. Remember to let any body moisturizer dry before putting them on, and you can also spray the tights with hairspray once you have them on to reinforce fibers and prevent runs. Pro tip: “If you see a run in your tights—apply clear nail polish to the run to prevent it from continuing to tear,” she says.

How to style tights

Going for a monochrome look (like black on black) is always a failsafe way to style tights, but if you’re thinking about trying your hand at styling a more colorful pair, test them out with some tall boots so the hosiery hue doesn’t overwhelm the outfit.

“If you want the tights to make a statement, you can add in accessories like a bag, jewelry, or shoes that match and complement the tights,” López says. Bright colors, in particular, can feel intimidating at first, so she recommends starting with darker shades like brown, navy, burgundy or maroon. “Work to layer them in with mini skirts and tall boots, or a long jacket so it’s a little pop of color that feels more chic,” López explains.