I’ve found these are the best quality tights for women

When it comes to winter, a few pair of tights in the lingerie drawer are a must. However it’s so frustrating when those tights bag, sag, or run after just one wearing. A few years ago I stopped the cycle of bad tights and decided to invest in higher-quality legwear. I found that I was able to wear these tights not only again and again all winter, but year after year. I'm all about quality versus quantity and these are what I have found to be the best tights.

I originally wrote this list of the best quality tights in 2010 and I must say, brands have changed, quality has changed, and tights in regard to design, options, and fit have changed. Some of my original recommendations are no longer available, and there are some new tights on the scene far better than what was offered over a decade ago.

What are the fashionable tight trends for 2025/2026?

First let's talk tight trends for 2025/2026.

• While we have made do with a pair of super opaque black tights for most any occasion, this look is no longer so versatile. Now, a sheer brown or black tight will be your most versatile. Unless your look is all black (and even if it is all black), try a sheer espresso brown for a more modern and elegant effect.
• Fleece and wool tights still make sense for the coldest of days, but consider trying heathered charcoal, brown, and black options for some texture. The fleece tights that give the impression of being sheer black or brown are also a great choice.
• Textured tights (lace, fishnet, dotted) are fashionable, but tread lightly. These are best for those who feel confident playing with fashion or when worn with tall boots and only a slip of leg is showing.
• Brightly colored and printed tights are only for those who have been rocking this look for years and it's part of their aesthetic. While red tights had a moment, I wouldn't venture into colored tights in 2025/2026 unless you are feeling very confident.

The Best Quality Tights for Women

And without further ado, my recommendations for the best quality tights for women for sheer tights, shaping tights, fleece tights, opaque tights, insulated tights, and wool tights.

Best Sheer Tights: Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

Sheertex prides itself on creating rip-resistant tights and I have found them to not only be really durable, but fit really well and come in one of the best size ranges (XXS-4XL). Offering tights in a range of fabrics, colors, patterns, and levels of opacity, I find the Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights with the comfy 4″ waistband to be my personal favorite. Offering a range of skin colors as well as black, the Espresso color is a modern neutral for most any skintone.

Best Opaque Tights: Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights

If you are looking for an opaque tight, the stylish option is one that looks smooth and is matte, not shiny. And the very best out there is the Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66. Very stretchy, these keep their shape wear after wear, while offering a smooth, matte, and consistently opaque finish, even when you bend your knees. Hand wash and line dry, and you can have years of stylish wear. Ten colors in sizes XS-XL; while you can also find these tights at Zappos and various higher-end department stores, the best color selection is from the Wolford site. I do not recommend buying these on Amazon; I have in the past and questioned its authenticity as they didn't hold up like they have from Zappos and Bare Necessities.

Best Shaping Tights: SPANX High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Tight-End Tights

I have been buying the SPANX High-Waisted Tight-End Tights for longer than I've had my kid, and she's a junior in high school. Not only that, I still have a pair I bought when she was in 3rd grade. I also have a pair I bought last year, and find them to still be as durable. But on top of that, the high-waisted shaping design prevents indentation at the waist or visible panty line while comfortably smoothing the midsection. The open cotton gusset means you don't have to remove them to use the facilities and also have breathable comfort.

Don't believe me? These are rated the top tights for flight attendants for durability, keeping their shape, and offering compression with comfort. If in doubt, size down. Available in sizes A-E which is 95-265 lbs.

Best Fleece Tights: Berkshire Women's Cozy Hose Tights

In general, fleece tights aren't as stretchy as traditional tights so size range is even more important. The Berkshire Women's Cozy Hose Tights are a 70 denier warm fleece available in four colors and sizes Petite – 4XL. Not only that, I have found these tights to hold their shape better than most fleece tights and durable enough, if treated well, to last multiple winters. These tights are available on the Berkshire site, but Berkshire also has an authorized Amazon storefront selling them there at the same price.

Best Insulated Tights: UNIQLO HEATTECH

I really didn't want to include UNIQLO because it frustrates me that the retailer refuses to extend its size range, and items go out of stock so incredibly quickly. But the UNIQLO HEATTECH tights are a great choice for those who value warmth and fit into the limited size range. While a standard 60 denier makes them look like traditional tights, they're made with a fabric that absorbs and retains heat for warmth without bulk. The high waistband also prevents segmenting your midsection. Available in sizes S-XL, but as someone who is a size 14, I find they run small (too small for me).

Best Plus Size Tights: Snag Tights

I had a hard time deciding what category to place Snag Tights as they are comfortable, durable, well designed, and come in a range of different opacities/deniers as well as designs and fabrics. The Snag Super Opaque Tights are a real winner, for instance, and Snag has some of the BEST novelty tights.

But what makes Snag truly stand out is its commitment to size inclusivity. Offering every single style and color in sizes A/B-G (equivalent to 0/2-24/32), it's one of the places to find high quality plus size tights for most any personal style aesthetic or need.

Best Fishnet Tights: Nude Barre Fishnets

Fishnets can be sexy, they can give a retro vibe, and they can add just the right detail and texture to complete an outfit. But fishnets can be incredibly uncomfortable, stretch out, and be frustrating when you want a skintone color and you're not beige. Enter Nude Barre, an intimates company that creates intimates including tights in a dozen different skintones (as well as basic black). This includes the Nude Barre Fishnets, which not only come in 13 colors, also come in sizes S/M-4X/5X and are known for being incredibly stretchy and comfortable.