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No matter what type of outfit I’m putting together, I never feel complete without the best tights. While most commonly thought of us a utilitarian base layer to help us keep warm, or as shapewear, pantyhose can also make a fashion statement, and while classic black tights will always have a place in my top drawer, this year, red tights, glitter, and patterned tights are amongst the most trendy fall and winter styles that I'm adding to my collection.
From opaque options that I pair with oversized button-ups and chunky boots and sheer tights that look great under fall dresses, these are the picks I've worn for months that haven't snagged or ripped. Plus, I tapped fellow Glamour editors, stylists, and our reviewers to share the (actually comfortable) stockings they live in.
The best tights, at a glance
All your tights questions, answered
According to fashion stylist Audree Kate López, tights should fit your legs snug but not too tight that they dig in or restrict movement (this will cause tears). “If you are tall or curvy, I suggest sizing up for extra stretch. Personally, I’m only 5’3 but sometimes I size up to accommodate my hips,” she says.
It’s important to note that the crotch area shouldn’t be saggy, and the tights shouldn’t feel like they’re falling down when walking, according to López. “They should fit like second skin or a workout leggings. If they leave marks on your skin, they’re too small,” she says.
How to prevent tights from ripping
In addition to ensuring that they fit properly, 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 be gentle with them,” says López. You’ll also want to store them with similar items, 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,” she adds. Remember to let your 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.
We like matching the tights directly to the dress for a monochrome look (think black on black) but colorful tights are also trendy and pair nicely with 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. Colorful tights, in particular, can feel intimidating at first, so she recommends starting with darker colored hues like browns, 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.”
We tested 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). We also looked for their accessibility level, so how easy they were to put on, and what kind of elements they added to the outfit.
Original image by Glamour contributor Wendy Sy
If you like the look of super opaque tights, fashion influencer Wendy Sy of Style Meets Story 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. Sy says that this one has a medium thickness, which is perfect for in-between weather days when temps are warmer during the day and cooler at night. “I love pairing them with a short dress, leather jacket and tall knee-high boots,” she says. Another plus? These are stretchy, which makes them easy to slide on, yet thick enough where they won’t rip, no matter what you put them through.
Sizes: SM-XXL / Colors: 30 options / Materials: Nylon, spandex
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
The Glamour team reviewed Sheertex tights a few years ago, and they're still just as good today. The main thing our reviewers raved about was the material's durability and their ability to slightly compress and hug the legs, giving you an accentuated shape. Sheertex high-waisted tights are made with what the brand calls the “toughest pantyhose technology on the market,” and they have this viral pineapple test to prove it. 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 in the black matte hue. “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 she’s worn them over and over again, (an impressive feat for someone who consistently rips every pair of drugstore tights she ever buys). Kilkeary also says that the control top, 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 plan to get more colors as we move into the winter season.”
Sizes: XS–3XL / Colors: 1 option / Materials: Nylon, polyethylene, spandex
Original image by Glamour contributor Wendy Sy
These high-waisted tights are a favorite of Sy, 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 more elegant and refined 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: 8 options / Materials: Nylon, spandex
Original image by Glamour contributor Wendy Sy
“During the holiday season (or anytime I want to feel dressed up), this glitter 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, we’d recommend proceeding with caution, as tiny holes cut creep up around the areas that are decorated.
Sizes: XS-XL / Colors: 2 options / Materials: Polyamide, elastane, polyester
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Original image by Glamour contributor Fran Acciardo
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 micro shorts, kitten heels and a black turtleneck, they truly add the perfect pop to any outfit,” she says.
Sizes: S-XL / Colors: 5 options / Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Original image by Glamour contributor Emily Polner
Colored tights, anyone? Style blogger Emily Polner sings high praises of this bright red pair. “When I bought these red tights from Sheertex a couple of seasons ago, I was looking for tights that would last. Many washes and OOTDs later, I’m happy to say that these tights still feel brand new.” They’re durable enough to last a NYC winter, and all of her fashion girlie escapades. “I love swapping them in for outfits that would usually call for black tights,” she says. Polner loves to pair these with a plain black dress, with a leopard print skirt or a zebra coat for extra contrast and fun. “A touch of red makes an otherwise standard outfit more visually interesting,” she says. The red hue are the same classic control top tights as the regular Sheertex, which allows you to accentuate your leg and hip shape no matter what you pair them with.
Sizes: XS–3XL / Colors: 1 option / Materials: Nylon, polyethylene, spandex
Original image by Glamour contributor Caitlin Patton
Fashion blogger Caitlin Patton has owned these luxe tights for five years, and although 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,” she says. 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 a little bit of an eye-catching appeal. While we don’t always recommend spending more than $100 on tights, we do think these make a great luxury Christmas gift for the fashionista in your life who will get a lot of use out of them for years to come.
Sizes: S-L / Colors: 1 option / Materials: Polyamide, elastane
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