Though notably pricey, these wool-blend tights are the warmest ones we recommend. But even with these marks against the Olivia tights, testers reported that they were decently comfortable. Theres an upside to the rugged composition of the recycled Olivia tights: We found them to be incredibly durable. These tights also come in other variations, like a footless version and a sheer option, but be aware that this brand is on the pricier side and you'll need to be extra cautious:One tester told us it tore on the first wear. We didnt find any other tights like the Sheertex pairthe fabric was extra-strong and not especially soft or stretchy. The built-in sock on this control-top pair is perfect for anyone who wears tights with boots. Because the 15% elastane torso fabric doesnt budge at all, you have to painstakingly yank it over your thighs and hips. Hand wash separately in cold water. These 60-denier tights were more sheer than most. (Denier is the unit used to measure a fabrics weight and thickness; the higher the number, the thicker the tights.) If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. One size-small panelist who reported having wider thighs noted that the fabric was less opaque across her quads. In an earlier version of this guide, bamboo was considered an eco-friendly fabric alternative. Instead, some testers noted there was a slightly rustle-y, almost papery quality to the 92% polyamide, 8% elastane fabric. The panelists were instructed to wear each pair for a minimum of 20 minutes of walking, sitting, and standing. They seem like they could survive an atom bomb, one tester said of the Sheertex tights. How they feel: Coarse but not rough, Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium Tights didnt have a butter-smooth glide, as some tights we tried did. We tried on dozens of little black dresses to find five showstopping options that suit most occasions, budgets, and styles. Sheertex says it is working on implementing a recycling program of its own (we will update this guide when thats underway). A mesh garment bag will also prevent unnecessary tangling, ripping, or stretching. The picks below are top performers from our test and newer styles with rave reviews, but first, here's what you need to know when shopping for tights: Our favorite tights offer something for everyone. So if your tights rip during that time frame, the company will send you a replacement pair, free of charge. The Snag tights have a relatively low 50 denier. Interestingly, these tights have a split gusset, which we think is there for easier bathroom trips. Thats why its crucial to find a pair thats comfortable, good-looking, and made to last.The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put dozens of tights to the test, evaluating them in the Lab for stretch recovery, snag resistance, bursting strength at the seams, colorfastness, and washability. Comfortable, supportive tights that last: Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights, Budget tights in tons of sizes: Snag Opaque Tights, The most durable tights: Sheertex Luxury Semi Sheer Tights, Extra-warm wool, without the itch: Wolford Merino Tights, A recycled (and recyclable) pair: Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium Tights, Super-soft and cheap, in a range of sizes, Sturdy, well fitting, made from recycled material, most fabrics labeled bamboo are just standard rayon, We Love Colors Microfiber Nylon/Lycra Tights, Calzedonia 50 Denier Total Comfort Silky Touch, The 21 Shorts Wirecutter Staffers Will Be Wearing All Summer. Designed to fit your shape with our patent-pending, low-rise comfort waistband that sits at Our semi-opaque tights bring the perfect mix of sheerness and durability with a subtle sheen that is our founders go-to style. The Commando tights also did well in our durability tests. Also, these tights werent as soft as the Commando and Snag tights. 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. I like a held-in feeling along the lower stomach and upper-thigh areas, and many of our testers agreed. Their brand endorsements, condemnations, and quality demands shaped my search. Sheer, comfort waist pantyhose that won't dig in. 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. Oeko-Tex certified (free from harmful chemicals). 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. *At the time of publishing, the price was $79. I eliminated one pair for an uncomfortable crotch seam and nixed another that had a useless control top. One tester noted that the Snag tights caught on the rough calluses on her feet, and the fabric thinned a bit but didnt tear. These tights are made from recycled material, and you can also recycle them down the line. 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. Other variants: over 20 color and pattern options. 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. But since the Wolford Merinos are mostly cold-weather tights, we thought this sartorial conflict wouldnt arise that often. The 140-denier Wolford tights didnt just feel good on, they also looked good. These tights look just like regular tights, but theyre fleece-lined so they feel extra warm and cozy. In Lab tests it fully recovered its shape after being stretched out and held up well to all of our snagging and colorfastness tests. And they were ultimately our testers preferred wool-blend option, outscoring the Falke Merino pair we tried. Do not iron. 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. Black tights are perhaps your wardrobes best supporting player. The second is Lindsey Donnell, a ballerina at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who wears tights every day. We also noted whether they caused overheating and sweating, or if they felt breathable or flimsy. Theres nothing worse than noticing a run on a new pair of tights or fussing with a waistband that just wont stay put. 10% off with HIPSTIK10. And some testers found that the waistband dug uncomfortably into the torsonot enough to create a muffin top, but it was notable nonetheless. For starters, I considered only opaque tights that were between 50 and 150 denier, the unit used to measure a fabrics weight and thickness. These were the most expensive tights we tested, but we dare you to try and rip them. All made with the signature Hipstik comfort waistband. Tirzah said high-waisted tights were less likely to dig into her waist while she was sitting in a wheelchair. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can break down elastane. Warmth: Since one of the main reasons people wear tights is to stay warm, we compared the warmth of each pair. The stretchy fabric was comfortable but thin and didnt offer any support or compression. They snagged slightly easier than others in our Lab test, though most of our testers never experienced snags or tears when they actually wore them. But ultimately this pair tested better than the other under-$15 pairs we tried. We kept note of how much shimmying and pulling each pair required, and whether acrobatics were needed to remove them. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Made in Italy. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. 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. Appearance: In addition to feeling good, tights have to look good. Discover a new way to wear tights with the utmost comfort, durability, and style. Learn more about our Those in the market for control-top tights would find these ineffective. 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. The Falke Soft Merino Tights performed very well in testing. Sheers fall below 40 denier, and anything above 200 tips into leggings territory. All Rights Reserved. That lighter knit also means theyre extra-cool and breathablebetter suited to a chilly autumn or spring day than to a frigid winter day. Testers loved the fit of this pairthey were stretchy enough to move with the body but never saggy. Why theyre great: These tights felt really great on. Tights by any other name would be sheers, opaques, stockings, pantyhose, or even leggings. To evaluate those first 20 pairs of tights, I tried on each to get quick impressions of comfort, fit, durability, and appearance. I also informally polled my Wirecutter colleagues to get their thoughts on tights (it turns out that they had many). If you cant stand the firm feel of control-top tights, Commando offers a unique non-binding waistband that our testers said was super comfortable and didnt squeeze or pinch the way others do. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Soft, pliant tights are more prone to snagging. These tights had an ultra-high-rise waistband, and some testers found the extra fabric dug into their waists. So we paid special attention to where the tights hit on the torso. 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. Theres a very slight slipperiness to them, which was noticeable when we crossed our legs. 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). They also said the tights held up when they wore them, and the durability scores in the Lab were above average. The 50- to 150-denier range accounted for tights that were warm, dark, and less prone to tearing than those with a lower denier. The Comodo 15 from Sanpellegrino's 24 Hours collection of hosiery essentials have been created entirely with your comfort in mind. The woven fibers had a cushy density that felt notably different from that of non-wool tights. Some companies now claim to make their tights from recycled materials. 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. 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!). They strike a nice balance of looks, price, and comfort, and got solid rankings from our testers. The Commando tights fabric felt silky. If your answer to that has always been no, get ready to have your mind changed by these wonderfully-comfy daily pantyhose. But because they were so featherlight, they didnt inspire confidence. While most tights sit high and have a firmer feel around the waist, this style is looser andsits below the belly button for those that prefer a more relaxed fit. The Wolford Mat Opaque 80 Tights were super-smooth, with a comfortable gusset and great stretch. Please login and you will add product to your wishlist. 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. The unevenly woven tights also snagged easily, and they didnt seem like theyd last very long. The lace waistband uses silicone strips on theinside to help keep it in place. Yet for many, the environmental upside is worth the slight sacrificeespecially since the Olivia tights look good and will definitely last. Our panel also loved that they slid right on without a struggle. 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. Yet they had an elegant finish that was not overly fuzzy (as found on some tights we considered). Disappointingly, few brands offer sizes above XL. And the fabric had a slight shinenot on the level of polyester, but it was noticeable. (The Wolfords have reinforced toes.) One tester said As someone who previously layered socks over tights, I think it is a great and innovative feature, while another called out that the socks kept my feet extra warm.. Subscribe to receive updates, access to exclusive deals, and more. So if the price is holding you back, check the site often. It was rich, dark, and opaque, without the sheen we found on other tights. If you have a hard time finding comfy tights, try this pair from Nordstrom:They earned the highest comfort rating from our testers, who raved that the material felt incredibly soft and smooth. Designed to fit your shape with our patent-pending, low-rise Our new black opaque tights with ribbed detailing gives a pinstripe effect to create endless-looking legs. How they feel: For wool tights, these felt pretty darn good. But be aware that each color is sold on a different product page, so you may have to spend some time sorting. 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. Not only did the tights themselves perform well they were durable and washed well in the Lab but testers also loved the concept. As such, there was no way I could test them all for you. During my last-line-of-defense brick-and-zipper test, the Sheertex tights performed the best, with no visible damage at all. And when we scratched them with our fingernails, nary a mark was left. Our panelists took stock of how each pair looked on their bodies. 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. These tights had a silky, weightless feel, and they didnt offer any support. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. 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. Ultimately, we decided that though these were cooler than many others, they werent worth the higher price. Stay in touch to receive updates, special offers, and first looks at new Hipstik products. We just yanked them up without worry. But with 4% elastane, they were slightly less stretchy than others. On top of that, they washed well in our Lab tests so theyll be easy to care for in the long run. They had a slight sheen, which was more pronounced in convex areas that move or stretch, like the calves, knees, and thighs. Stretch: A good pair of tights should stretch and move with the bodywithout losing shape, sagging, or bagging out. Testers reported no snags or rips from cat or dog claws or scratchy rugs. Learn more about our, 12 Best Tights for Women, According to Clothing Experts, Executive Director, Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. We wanted tights that could stand up to fingernail scratches, walking on carpet, and rough calluses. 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. *At the time of publishing, the price was $12. However, though these 15 denier pantyhose may be very sheer, they feature reinforced panty and toe sections to enhance their durability. Because her legs tend to get chilled in her chair, Lopez relies heavily on tights. The Sheertex tights fit well and moved with the body, though we did notice a slight slipperiness when we crossed our legs. 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. For the second time, our favorite board is the Brabantia Ironing Board B. Its the best weve tried for the pricejust the right size, with a sturdy build. Afterward they washed and dried them according to individual care instructions. I was left with 10 pairs of tights to be further assessed, including our five-person panel. We paid attention to how easily each pair snagged or ripped. Designed to fit your shape with our Meet one of our most-requested new styles - these tights are great under clothing, with dresses, or for dancing and performing. 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. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill, Winnie Yang, and Jennifer Hunter. Theres no gusset, so if you wear these tights with or without underwear, the seam may be distracting and invasive. Tights are a staple for every fall and winter wardrobe, but lets face it sometimes they can drive you crazy. As a recreational ballerina, Ive danced through dozens of pairs of tights in my life. 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). These tights were the lightest of all our picks. We then had consumer testers wear them in real life to give feedback on comfort, waistband-rolling, snagging, running, stretching out and more. As the name implies, the material is incredibly soft like velvet and testers thought they were comfortable, easy to slide on and non-constricting, especiallybecause it doesnt have a control top. Those thick seams were also noticeable in the toes of the tights, which might bother some people. We paid attention to how each pair performed before and after wearing and washing. Learn more. They were stretchy and comfy, with no constriction. 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. If you prefer extra support, theyre also available with a control top. The We Love Colors Microfiber Nylon/Lycra Tights were so uncomfortable that I eliminated them before panel testing. Despite the stretchy, soft legs, the restrictive control top was annoying to testers: These tights make me angry, said one. We independently review everything we recommend. The ultra-high-rise means theres a wide expanse of fabric with no added reinforcement. The tights didnt snag on one testers cracked, callused heels. She has been calledboth flatteringly and nota lot.. The only downside is a few complained about the waistband rolling, but if thats normally an issue for you then it helps to size up. 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. But we discovered that most fabrics labeled bamboo are just standard rayon, a chemically processed form of wood-derived cellulose. This pair was nicely opaque, without the sheen of some synthetic pairs we tried. Because of their higher-than-average price, we were particularly concerned about durability, and the Wolford tights delivered. They survived my zipper test with nary a tear, and when I scraped them across brick, there was only slight fabric degradation. Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. Then they wore the tights for an additional 20 minutes, paying special attention to any changes after they were washed and dried. 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. However, in testing they immediately snagged on rough skin, which made us worry about their longevityespecially for the price. This pair stood out for being snag-resistant in both our Lab and consumer tests. The Falke Cotton Touch Tights were very soft and breathable. Testers found this pair to be decently comfortable, with a well-fitting waistband that didnt roll. Their lightweight feel and translucent appearance makes them especially well-suited to summer. The extra-wide waistband had a raw edge, so it stayed up, felt softly supportive, and didnt show under clothes. As such, tights are a rather wasteful product. The waistband was nice and wide, and it felt supportive, without any rolling or pinching. Still, the waist dug in just a little bit. It was also one of the only pairs that fully recovered its shape after we stretched it out in the Lab. *At the time of publishing, the price was $27. However, the fabric did visibly weaken, roughen, and pill. I can vouch that they didnt budge against brick, and they sustained only a micro-snag when I ran them up a zipper. If youre looking for bold, bright tights, this style comes in 30 different colors. And we dont think the quality surpassed that of our picks enough to justify the higher price. Testers unanimously said it felt comfortable, Testers said there were no snags or tears, Tester reported a tear during the first wear. And they are priced well. And, as you likely know, synthetic plastics do not readily biodegrade. 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. 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. But they didnt offer much support. This is especially notable since theyre also the most affordable, by a wide margin. It also did a great job lifting my rear end.. 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. This pair is super thick and has a control top, but testers unanimously said they were super easy to get on and take off. These tights were slightly more sheer than others we tried, and they had a bit of sheen. 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. 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. The recycled fabric didnt feel as elegant as that of some other pairs we tried. Do not bleach. They also recovered their shape nicely when we stretched it out in the Lab. 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 in general, hand- or machine-washing in cold water will keep the fabrics fibers from breaking down. They also all agreed that the tights looked great on and they didnt snag, run or stretch out. And I tried to catch the tights in a zipper by running each pair through the zipper 10 times. I also looked for tights that come in a wide range of sizes. One tester briefly complained about itchiness, but said, Im only conscious of the itchiness if I stop to think about it. These tights also fit most of our wearers comfortablythe knitted waistband fell smoothly at the belly button, without any bagging or excess material. 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. As the name implies, the material is super opaque and includes a control top. That being said, Snag tights come in seven lettered sizing categories, roughly translating to sizes 2 to 32, so sizing up is likely an option. And if sustainability is a concern, the trade-off may be worth it. We assessed the fabric, fit, performance, and style of an array of workout leggings to find six excellent pairs for whatever moves you. So we put more parameters in place. Why theyre great: Testers reported that the Commando tights easily stretched and moved with the body, without sagging or shifting. And as a native Ohioan who spent three years living in New York City, Ive relied on them for warmth, too. One testers cat clawed the fabric, but the tights didnt tear. 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. Are pantyhose comfortable? Even though this is a guide to black tights, its worth noting that this style also comes in dozens of colors. Whether you want to slim down, firm up or smooth and improve your skin, Legluxe has the perfect products for you. 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. These tights are also very pricey. 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 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! Most used tights cant be commercially recycled, nor are they usually accepted by second-hand clothing stores. Our panel said these tights felt comfortable throughout the day and liked that they were opaque yet still had a nice sheen. They seem like they could survive an atom bomb, one tester said. Whether were lounging at home or biking around town, these shorts are all well be wearing this summer. Though they may never take center stagetights arent usually worn solo, since theyre not fully opaquethey readily contribute style, modesty, and warmth. But it was comfy enough. So for the occasional tights-wearer, or even someone on a budget, these are likely worth the gamble. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Two testersone size 2, one size 12reported that the gusset felt tight and was prone to slipping down. review process. 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. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. Thick and cozy, the Wolford Merino Tights (49% nylon, 49% virgin wool, 2% elastane) werent as soft or smooth as our non-wool options. Subscribe now for unlimited access. This set comes with four different patterns andis Amazons Choice for tights in general not just fishnets! 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. We couldn't snag them (and we tried). 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. Finally, the Commando tights looked nice, with an even knit throughout and decent opacity. In strength, the Olivias were beaten only by the Sheertex tights, our most durable. Pulling on the Sheertex tights took more muscle than was needed with other pairs. The wide-cut seamless waistband was broad enough to sit cleanly across the waist, without creating a muffin top or pinching, and it was thick enough to feel supportive. The Hanes X-Temp Blackout Control Top Tights were soft and stretchy. Most tights come with care instructions (Swedish Stockings instructions are particularly helpful). We especially appreciated the wide size range because many tights we found didnt offer plus sizes. We found Snags affordable tights to be soft and stretchy, and theyre available in a wide range of sizes. 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. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Wool is warm. But its also an animal-based allergen, ruling out those with sensitive skin, as well as those who have ethical objections to wool. The waistband (which is wider than those of all our other picks) supportively hugged the lower abdomen without constriction. Though theyre wool, they didnt sag or droop in the crotch. But we found them to be very durable. I also interviewed two expert tights-wearers. But while we were writing this guide, we noticed the brand had several sales. The fabric was super-smooth, causing zero itchiness against the skin.