8 Best Tights That Look Good and Actually Last
These sheer, opaque, and fleece-lined pairs held up in our tests.
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Over the years, tights have faded in and out of fashion, but the right pair can completely change how an outfit looks and feels. The key is finding ones that are comfortable, durable, and stylish.
To find the perfect pair of tights, I enlisted the help of our editors and tested 35 styles in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for comfort, fit, style, and durability. Our top pick from No Nonsense outperformed every other pair we tested, and it costs a fraction of the price of luxury styles.
"Today's tights are more functional and stylish than ever before, built-to-last, and available in a slew of colors, prints, and patterns to make a statement," says Amanda Constantine, home & apparel reviews analyst at the GH Textiles Lab.
Our top picks:
- Best overall & best value: No Nonsense Super Opaque Control Top Tights
- Best shaping: Spanx Mid-Thigh Tight End Tights
- Best non-control: Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights
- Best sheer: Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
Best Deal
Pros
- Inexpensive for a set of two
- Control-top waistband
- Resisted stretching and snagging
- Comfortable, according to our consumer testers
Cons
- Some online reviewers said the sizes ran small
Who it’s best for
Savvy shoppers and those balling on a budget
Why we love it
This pair is a total steal: It was one of the least expensive in our tests and earned one of the highest overall scores. In fact, these tights outperformed every other style we evaluated, including a luxury brand with a hefty $50 price tag. In addition, they aced our stretch and recovery tests—meaning the fabric won't stretch out after many hours of wear—and held up well in both our snagging resistance and colorfastness tests.
Our consumer testers raved that the tights were not only comfortable but also easy to get on without any signs of snagging, ripping, or sagging when they wore them. Just remember, this pair has super opaque, thick material and a control top. Some online reviewers on Amazon wrote that they needed to size up, so if you're between sizes and don't want the tights to feel too tight, consider going up a size.
You can also get a two-pack of these tights for as low as $4, depending on the color you choose. So, if you want to jump on the colorful tights trend, you may as well buy a set and get two tights for the price of one.
| Materials | 88% nylon, 12% spandex |
| Sizes | S–XXL |
| Colors | 8 |
Pros
- Shaping without feeling too constricting
- Waistband stays in place
- Comfortable and true to size
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Who it’s best for
People looking for a pair of durable black tights with a smoothing waistband
Why we love it
These are the tights I personally find myself reaching for come fall: They stay in place and make me feel instantly more put-together. They offer light shaping without feeling overly restrictive, and our consumer testers gave them perfect scores for comfort and no sagging. One tester said, "It held me in without being too constricting," while another praised the lifting effect.
They also held up well in our Lab testing, showing minimal shrinkage after multiple wash-and-dry cycles and resisting snags. One GH staffer has even owned a pair for more than nine years.
If you want more coverage and shaping, Spanx also makes a high-waisted version that extends just below the bra. We just wish it came in other colors beyond black.
| Materials | 83% nylon, 17% spandex |
| Sizes | A–E |
| Colors | Black |
Pros
- Comfortable waistband
- Velvety, luxe fabric, according to our consumer testers
- Resisted snags in our tests
Cons
- Waistband may not stay in place perfectly
Who it’s best for
Anyone who dislikes the firm feel of control-top tights or tight waistbands
Why we love it
These are the tights I'd recommend if you want something a little nicer. Commando's non-binding, seamless waistband doesn't dig into your stomach, and testers praised the soft, velvety fabric and flattering fit. One tester said, "I like everything about these," while another noted that the waistband stayed comfortable even after a meal.
They're definitely on the pricier side, but they held up well in our Lab tests, with above-average performance in everything from snag resistance to shrinkage. Our testers also reported no tears or snags, although some said the waistband rolled down slightly when sitting.
| Materials | 90% nylon, 10% elastane; waistband: 72% nylon, 28% elastane |
| Sizes | S–XL |
| Colors | Black |
Pros
- Strong and durable fabric
- Comfortable, according to our consumer testers
- Waistband isn't too constricting
Cons
- Snagged in tests
Who it’s best for
Those who love the look of sheer tights but want a pair that can hold up to regular wear
Why we love it
Sheertex makes some of the strongest sheer tights we've ever tested. Sheer tights are typically more delicate than opaque styles, but this pair held its own against much thicker tights in our evaluations. The fabric uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for extra durability, and our testers found it just as, if not more, comfortable than your standard nylon and spandex.
In our tests, the seams and fabric outperformed every pair of tights we've ever tested for bursting strength. Consumer testers also gave them top scores for comfort and durability, and one highlighted how the waistband offered light compression without feeling too constricting.
Despite Sheertex's "indestructible" claims, we were still able to snag the tights in Lab tests, but unlike with other pairs, those snags didn’t create any runs in the fabric.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sheertex Tights
| Materials | Polyethylene |
| Sizes | XXS–4XL |
| Colors | 7 |
Pros
- Silky soft sheer fabric
- Comfortable waistband
- Didn't shrink much in our tests
Cons
- Sizing runs small
Who it’s best for
Anyone looking for an affordable, classic pair of sheer tights with a silky feel and comfortable waistband
Why we love it
Hanes' popular Silk Reflections tights deliver comfort at a lower cost. Testers especially liked their silkiness and how comfortable the waistband is. One tester highlighted how the "waistband stayed up and didn't dig in too much,” and another shared, “It was very comfy." They also held up well in our wash testing, with minimal shrinkage.
Because of the sheer nature, they're not as strong against snags or bursting as some of our other picks, so they're best if you’re looking for everyday tights with a silky feel. Note: Some of our testers had to size up for this pair, so I’d recommend doing so if you’re in between sizes.
| Materials | 85% nylon, 15% spandex |
| Sizes | AB–IJ |
| Colors | 14 |
Pros
- Great appearance
- Variety of opaque color options
- Durable
Cons
- Waistband didn't stay in place for some of our testers
Who it’s best for
People interested in adding color to their wardrobe or those who prefer a fully opaque pair of tights
Why we love it
Hue makes great opaque tights in more colors than you'd typically find. The 10-shade lineup includes classic black alongside wearable options like burgundy and olive. They're thick and opaque with a control top, yet our consumer testers unanimously found them easy to put on and take off. In the Lab, they washed well with little to no shrinkage or color change.
Testers also liked that they didn't snag, run, or stretch out during wear. A few complained about the waistband rolling, so if that’s normally an issue for you, consider sizing up for a little more give.
| Materials | 88% nylon, 12% spandex |
| Sizes | 1–5 |
| Colors | 10 |
Pros
- Fleece-lined for extra warmth
- Comfortable to wear
- Comes in five shades to create a realistic sheer appearance
Cons
- Toe seam can be uncomfortable
Who it’s best for
Shoppers looking for extra-warm tights for cold weather, especially if you prefer the look of sheer tights
Why we love it
These fleece-lined tights are exceptionally warm and soft without looking bulky. You can choose between a sheer look or traditional opaque tights, with five sheer shades to complement different skin tones.
Both styles were a hit with our editors last winter: Constantine said, “The fleece was so soft and warm, and didn't leave behind unwanted fuzzies when I pulled them down.” Though she found the toe seam a bit uncomfortable compared to the ultra-soft fleece.
Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour tried the opaque version and found it especially warm compared with other fleece-lined tights she'd worn. She called them "comfortable to wear all day and especially great in very cold weather."
RELATED: The Best Fleece-Lined Tights
| Materials | 50% polyester, 38% polyamide, 12% elastane |
| Sizes | XS/S–1X/2X |
| Colors | 6 |
Pros
- Soft, velvety pair
- Comfortable and non-constricting
- Maintained its shape in our stretch tests
Cons
- Not the most durable against snagging
Who it’s best for
Those looking for super soft-feeling tights that don’t stretch out
Why we love it
The soft, velvety fabric gives this pair the luxe feel Wolford is known for. Testers thought they were comfortable, easy to slide on, and non-constricting, especially because they don’t have a control top.
These tights were a favorite among our testers and stood out in our tests for their resilient fabric. They were one of the only pairs to fully return to their original shape after stretching, meaning they should maintain their fit better over time. On the other hand, they earned lower scores for bursting strength and snag resistance.
| Materials | 89% nylon, 11% elastane |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
| Colors | 3 |
Other tights we tested
- Uniqlo’s Heattech Tights,: These are best for more rectangular-shaped bodies. Our testers liked how older iterations kept them warm but found that they sagged more than other styles.
- Calzedonia Invisible 20 Denier Sheer Tights: Beloved by celebrities, these tights have a thick waistband for comfort and a sheer matte finish. One tester liked the smooth feel but found they ran small. She also noticed a snag on the first wear after the tights got stuck on her broken fingernail.
- Falke Pure Matt 50 Denier Tights: Testers liked the smooth texture and comfortable weight of this pair, but it stretched out more and snagged easily during testing.
- L'eggs Opaque Tights: A popular drugstore option, L'eggs tights are great if you need to replace a ripped pair quickly. Testers liked the opacity but said they felt less high quality. In Lab tests, this pair earned a below-average score for stretch recovery.
How we test tights
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists and engineers have tested 35 tights with the help of hundreds of consumer testers. In the Lab, we use specialized machinery to evaluate performance and durability factors. In all, we evaluated more than 16,000 data points to make these choices. Here are a few of the things we tested and considered during our evaluations:
✔️ Dimensional stability: To gauge washability and shrinkage each pair is washed according to its care label and measured for shrinkage (or growth) after the first wash and then again after multiple washes.
✔️ Stretch and recovery: We cut swatches from each pair of tights, marking them with a set measurement, and stretching each swatch before clamping it in place for a few hours. We then unclamp the fabric, allowing it to rest first for a minute before recording any changes and then re-measuring after an hour. This is done to mimic real-life wear, simulating whether your tights will stretch out from long-term wear.
✔️ Snagging resistance: In order to simulate more extreme conditions, we use a weighted tool with a rough snag-inducing surface and drag it from the bottom to the top of each side of the leg of a mannequin wearing a pair of tights. Any resulting snags are then scored according to standardized testing scales derived from industry standards.
✔️ Bursting strength: Using our pneumatic bursting strength tester, we evaluate the front, back, crotch, and toe seams to gauge how much pressure it takes to burst a hole in the fabric. If you've ever burst a hole along the crotch while stretching too much or on the toe seam when rushing to get your tights on, we test whether each pair is durable enough to avoid those situations.
✔️ Consumer testing: Testers wear and rate tights on factors like how easy it is to put them on or take them off, the fit, the sizing, overall comfort, appearance, whether they look flattering, if the waistband stays in place throughout wear, and if they encountered any pilling, snagging, tears, runs, sagging, or stretching. They also share how they styled the tights, how the pair stacks up to other tights they've worn, whether or not they would continue to wear them, and any general likes or dislikes.
What to keep in mind when shopping for the best tights
✔️ Denier tells you the fabric weight and lets you know how thick the tights will be. In general, the higher the denier, the more opaque the tights, meaning they're thicker and less sheer. Any denier 40 and higher is considered opaque and not see-through, while anything less than 30 denier is more of a transparent, sheer stocking. You can find 80-denier (and even up to 100-denier) tights that are super thick and opaque.
✔️ Control top tights are essentially tights that have built-in shapewear. They help smooth out areas like the tummy, hips, and thighs. It’s really a matter of personal preference; our testers were mixed between liking the feeling of being held in vs. thinking it was too constricting.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu oversaw all recent in-Lab and consumer tests for tights. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a B.S. in fiber science from Cornell University. Her go-to pairs of tights are Spanx’s Tight End Tights and Hue’s Super Opaque Tights.
Executive Director of Strategy and Operations Lexie Sachs previously wrote this story. She has a B.S. degree in fiber science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Sachs joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested apparel of all kinds—including swimsuits, workout leggings, pajamas, and more—using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of consumer testers.
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