As winter encroaches on the East Coast and temperatures dip below 55°, the urge to showcase my bare legs in skirts, shorts, and dresses diminishes significantly. The chilling air not only leaves my skin looking pale and dry, but it also prompts me to seek comfort and style, leading me to the elegant embrace of tights. More specifically, my heart belongs to sheer tights.
As a discerning fashion editor, I find the traditional opaque tights to be somewhat passé, and I know many like-minded individuals share my sentiment. Recently, I’ve observed a delightful resurgence of the sheer-tights trend among fashion enthusiasts in style capitals such as Paris and London. This trend has inspired me to approach my sheer-tights shopping with a newfound seriousness. Instead of mindlessly grabbing any pair labeled “sheer” from the store shelf, I took the time to research and consult my fashionable friends to discover which tights they rely on for warmth and style during the colder months.
A term that emerged in my research is “denier,” an essential label indicating the thickness and transparency of tights. Understanding this term has proven enlightening. I learned that tights with a denier of 40 or higher are categorized as opaque and offer no hint of transparency, while those with a denier under 30 feature a sheer appearance. I am drawn to the natural, skin-like look of 8 denier tights, but I’ve found that styles ranging from 15 to 30 denier strike the perfect balance—they offer durability and a chic aesthetic.
In addition to grasping the technical aspects, I explored the various styles favored by my style muses. While classic black and skin-tone tights remain perennial staples, an exciting trend has emerged—sheer burgundy tights and playful patterned tights, such as cute polka dots and sophisticated lace designs. This evolution illustrates that the sheer-tights trend is thriving and encourages a spirit of experimentation and fun during the typically dreary winter months.
With all of that in mind, I invite you to keep scrolling to discover a curated selection of the best sheer tights, each one thoughtfully reviewed and approved by my stylish friends. Additionally, you’ll find outfit inspiration from the editors of WWW, showcasing the chicest ways to style tights this winter.
“This is kind of a multipronged answer, but I have strong feelings about this topic! For sheer tights, I always go with Calzedonia tights because they’re affordable and always go on sale (especially the multi-packs) and because they’ve never pulled on me. If they did, though, it wouldn’t be a huge deal because of the price. I’m sorry, but I refuse to spend $50+ on tights that will likely eventually rip if I wear them enough, which I do in the winter. I especially love the pair of 20 denier tights—they do it all. For warmer, thicker tights, you can’t go wrong with Sheertex. I’ve had my pairs for years, and they’ve never pulled. I don’t know how they do it, but Sheertex is different.”
Calzedonia
20 Denier Ultra Comfort Sheer Tights
Sheertex
Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
“I typically wear (and love) Sheertex tights, but I just bought my first pair of Swedish Stockings because I have enough black tights. I loved the muted colors, like dark brown, bordeaux, and deep green. The Olivia Tights are 60 denier, so they’re still a bit sheer but will provide some warmth. They’re admittedly a bit pricey for tights, but the reviews claim that they’re extremely durable, and I’m fine with investing in tights that I don’t have to throw away after one season. The brand also recently launched a collab with Reformation, so it’s safe to say that Swedish Stockings is about to have even more fans.”
Reformation x Swedish Stockings
Olivia Premium Tights
Swedish Stockings
Olivia Premium Tights
“My tights were still in storage during the first cold front of the season, and last minute, I needed to pick up a pair. No contemplating or decision-making was necessary—I was set on this pair from Calzedonia and dropped by the store immediately. I’ve had them in two colors for two winters now, and they’ve held up quite well. Plus, a pop of color always adds a fun touch to any outfit.”
Calzedonia
50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights
“In the past, I purchased tights without giving them much thought, which led to them ripping easily. This resulted in frequent replacements and ultimately cost me more money than I wanted to spend. This winter, however, I’m taking my tights shopping more seriously. Although it’s not winter yet, I’ve already tried a dozen pairs. I’ve found that Wolford’s Satin Touch 20 Comfort Tights, and Calzedonia’s Premium Matt Second Skin 15 Denier Tights are the best options.
“I appreciate them for different reasons: The Wolford tights have a luxurious finish, making them ideal for formal occasions, and the Calzedonia tights offer a skin-like texture that feels more casual and suitable for everyday wear. Despite their differences in style, both pairs are durable and do not rip or pill after multiple wears.”
Wolford
Satin Touch 20 Comfort Tights
Calzedonia
Premium Matt Second Skin 15 Denier Tights
“To me, these Wolford Fatal 15 Tights are the gold standard of sheer stockings. They’re easily the most sheer pair in my top drawer, almost to the point of being barely there. In fact, the brand markets them as a second skin, and I couldn’t agree more. The best part is how legitimately thin they are—they feel as light as air and don’t add any bulk to my outfit, which can often be tricky with opaque or shapewear-style tights. While they’re certainly an investment, I think of these as my special-occasion pair that I reach for to finish off a cocktail or eveningwear look during the fall and winter.
“Also, any style from Sheertex is what I like to call workhorse tights. The brand’s patented rip-resistant technology is no joke. They’re literally indestructible, and I’ve been wearing the same pair for four years now. They’re almost always on sale too, so given just how well they hold up, they’ve more than paid for themselves by now.”
Wolford
Fatal 15 Seamless Tights
Sheertex
Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
Shop more of the best sheer tights:
EXQUISLIFE
Fleece Lined Tights Sheer
These are Amazon’s third best-selling tights style. Shoppers love them because they feature a soft fleece lining that keeps the legs warm, even on the coldest winter day.
Review Highlight: “These tights are so soft on the inside and warm! I love wearing dresses all year, but it is freezing in Wisconsin; these tights are the perfect thickness that will keep my legs warm but also still look natural. The fit is true to size.”
Falke
Pure Matte 20 Denier Sheer Tights
The perfect pair for styling with really short skirts and shorts.
If you’re going to buy one pair of tights from this list, make it this best-selling pair. They have 13,000 reviews and come in a pack of three.
Review Highlight: “These pantyhose are absolutely perfect. They are silky and keep their shape for months. Yes months. I can get months out of each pair. If I get runs in them, they are tiny and barely noticeable.”
aritzia
Everyday Sheer Tights
Don’t overlook Aritzia’s tights. I ordered these last season and was shocked at how well these fit.
Style Notes: Take a page from Who What Wear senior editor Eliza Huber’s style book and pair your sheer black tights with shorts, a sweater, and a long wool coat.
Oroblu
Different 20 Tights
The waistband on these looks so comfortable.
Review Highlight: “It’s so hard to find quality tights, and these are it! Great quality and soft. Wolford quality for a little less.”
Stock up on these and the burgundy pair.
Review Highlight: “Whether worn under dresses, skirts, or even shorts, these tights offer a sleek and polished appearance that enhances any outfit. The sheer waistband ensures a smooth and comfortable fit, eliminating the need for bulky waistbands that can create unsightly bulges under clothing.”
SPANX
Luxe Leg Shaping Tights
After reading the reviews, I realized these are some of the most durable and long-lasting sheer tights.
Review Highlight: “I wear a lot of dresses and skirts in general, and I wear these Spanx tights in black under my dresses and skirts during the colder months. The tights are pretty opaque and give me a bit of control in my hips and thighs. Unlike black opaque tights from Spanx’s competitor brands and even higher-end brands like Wolford (I do love Wolford) and Fogal, these tights do not shrink, pill, or lose color even after a thorough machine wash on the gentle or perm press cycle.”
Style Notes: Don’t be afraid to swap your black tights for a white or red pair. It’s a subtle and easy change that makes a significant statement.
PIOGOWE
Sheer Black Tights
These feature an anti-snag design that prevents fabric pulls, increasing the durability of the stockings.
Review Highlight: “These were a nice pair of tights. They weren’t too tight and constricting, and I was able to pull them up without causing them to run. I’ve had many tights where as soon as I put it on they start tearing apart, and I’m glad it didn’t happen with this set. The materials feel super smooth and silky, and not rigid like some sheer stockings could be.”
Hanes
Control Top Sheer Toe Silk Reflections Pantyhose
The silky fabric lends a sophisticated finish to dress and skirt outfits.
Review Highlight: “When I worked in an office and wore a lot of dresses, this kind of Silk Reflection Pantyhose [was] all I would wear. They have great support, even now that body shape has changed. They are so silky comfortable, and they come in just about any size, including tall and queen sized.”
Calzedonia
15 Denier Control Top Tights
I don’t know how it does it, but the high-leg waistband will magically flatter your midriff.
Review Highlight: “I love the tummy control; however, size up.”
Commando
Premier Sheer Tights
Create a chic monochromatic outfit with these burgundy tights.
Style Notes: Dress up your sheer tights this holiday season with a polka-dot dress and patent-leather flats.
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