In Lab tests it fully recovered its shape after being stretched out and held up well to all of our snagging and colorfastness tests. We assessed the fabric, fit, performance, and style of an array of workout leggings to find six excellent pairs for whatever moves you. Black tights are perhaps your wardrobes best supporting player. But we discovered that most fabrics labeled bamboo are just standard rayon, a chemically processed form of wood-derived cellulose. These tights were easy to pull on and extra-comfy, but they werent notably warm. Disappointingly, few brands offer sizes above XL. Drip dry. The waistband (which is wider than those of all our other picks) supportively hugged the lower abdomen without constriction. Theres no gusset, so if you wear these tights with or without underwear, the seam may be distracting and invasive. One testers cat clawed the fabric, but the tights didnt tear. And the fabric had a slight shinenot on the level of polyester, but it was noticeable. 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. (Denier is the unit used to measure a fabrics weight and thickness; the higher the number, the thicker the tights.) Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. Happily, though, they were as warm as the other non-wool contenders. Because her legs tend to get chilled in her chair, Lopez relies heavily on tights. However, though these 15 denier pantyhose may be very sheer, they feature reinforced panty and toe sections to enhance their durability. In the Lab, they washed well though they didnt recover from stretch or resists snags as well as some others brands. So for the occasional tights-wearer, or even someone on a budget, these are likely worth the gamble. We independently review everything we recommend. The Falke Soft Merino Tights performed very well in testing. Those synthetic plastics are what lend the garments their necessary stretch. The Commando tights fabric felt silky. We just yanked them up without worry. I like a held-in feeling along the lower stomach and upper-thigh areas, and many of our testers agreed. 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 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! However, the fabric did visibly weaken, roughen, and pill. We paid attention to how each pair performed before and after wearing and washing. 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. Still, the waist dug in just a little bit. The knit was stretchy but kept its shape well. 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. Ultimately, we decided that though these were cooler than many others, they werent worth the higher price. She has been calledboth flatteringly and nota lot.. If you prefer extra support, theyre also available with a control top. Finally, I called in 20 pairs of tights to assess myself, including tights with a control top, two cotton and wool blends, a few under-$15 pairs, plus some higher-end $50-and-up pairs. It was rich, dark, and opaque, without the sheen we found on other tights. And if theres any issue, Sheertex maintains a 90-day guaranteethe better part of, say, a Northeast winter. Others raved how comfortable the tightsfelt and said the fit was spot-on. These 60-denier tights were more sheer than most. We especially appreciated the wide size range because many tights we found didnt offer plus sizes. The fabric was super-smooth, causing zero itchiness against the skin. I eliminated one pair for an uncomfortable crotch seam and nixed another that had a useless control top. Theres nothing worse than noticing a run on a new pair of tights or fussing with a waistband that just wont stay put. 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. The Wolford Merino Tights had a cushier feel than the mostly synthetic pairs we tried. Those thick seams were also noticeable in the toes of the tights, which might bother some people. Our panel also loved that they slid right on without a struggle. Theres an upside to the rugged composition of the recycled Olivia tights: We found them to be incredibly durable. Some might find the unique recycled fabric less elegant and certainly less silky than the fabric of other tights on this list. If you regularly rely on tights to keep you warm in inclement weather, or if you tap them as a layering piece, we suggest you try the Wolford Merino Tights. FREE US shipping. 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. Whether were lounging at home or biking around town, these shorts are all well be wearing this summer. Yet they had an elegant finish that was not overly fuzzy (as found on some tights we considered). Though they may never take center stagetights arent usually worn solo, since theyre not fully opaquethey readily contribute style, modesty, and warmth. The Wolford Mat Opaque 80 Tights were super-smooth, with a comfortable gusset and great stretch. Testers unanimously said it felt comfortable, Testers said there were no snags or tears, Tester reported a tear during the first wear. I continuously scraped each pair for one minute against a rough brick surface. It also did a great job lifting my rear end.. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. But they didnt offer much support. Our panelists took stock of how each pair looked on their bodies. 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. And they were ultimately our testers preferred wool-blend option, outscoring the Falke Merino pair we tried. Most used tights cant be commercially recycled, nor are they usually accepted by second-hand clothing stores. If you are between sizes, we recommend that you size up to avoid this issue. From there, I also investigated the top sellers on Amazon and at department stores, read tights roundups from other publications, and took note of repeat selections with stellar online reviews. Designed to fit your shape with our patent-pending, low-rise comfort Hipstik Legwear 2021. 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. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Stay in touch to receive updates, special offers, and first looks at new Hipstik products. They survived my zipper test with nary a tear, and when I scraped them across brick, there was only slight fabric degradation. 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. We interviewed two experts (including a professional ballerina who wears tights daily), polled dozens of hosiery lovers, and tested 20 pairs to find our five favorites. 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. They were stretchy and comfy, with no constriction. The toe seams also ran a little long, but testers didnt find the extra fabric bothersome. We recognize that this panel lacked plus-size, male, and nonbinary people, but we hope to test on a greater variety of bodies in future updates. We wanted tights that could stand up to fingernail scratches, walking on carpet, and rough calluses. A mesh garment bag will also prevent unnecessary tangling, ripping, or stretching. This pair stood out for being snag-resistant in both our Lab and consumer tests. For toasty tights-wearers who fall into those categories, the Commando tights may be a better bet. 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. But with 4% elastane, they were slightly less stretchy than others. Tirzah said high-waisted tights were less likely to dig into her waist while she was sitting in a wheelchair. They had a slight sheen, which was more pronounced in convex areas that move or stretch, like the calves, knees, and thighs. The Wolfords were fully opaque (one tester said they were almost leggings-like), with no shine. Instead, some testers noted there was a slightly rustle-y, almost papery quality to the 92% polyamide, 8% elastane fabric. 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. I also interviewed two expert tights-wearers. However, in testing they immediately snagged on rough skin, which made us worry about their longevityespecially for the price. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 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. Tights are a staple for every fall and winter wardrobe, but lets face it sometimes they can drive you crazy. 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. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Why theyre great: The Wolfords were the warmest, thickest tights we tested. The ultra-high-rise means theres a wide expanse of fabric with no added reinforcement. The prominent vertical seams did show through clingier clothing. Whether you want to slim down, firm up or smooth and improve your skin, Legluxe has the perfect products for you. The Falke Pure Matt 50 Denn Tights were comfortable and soft, and we especially appreciated the thin, undetectable seams. But unlike the Snag tights, these tights dont feel flimsy or gauzy, so theres no need to be overly careful. Stretch: A good pair of tights should stretch and move with the bodywithout losing shape, sagging, or bagging out. Why theyre great: Testers reported that the Commando tights easily stretched and moved with the body, without sagging or shifting. As the name implies, the material is super opaque and includes a control top. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Wool is warm. Toasty but not sweaty, one tester wrote. Likewise, the wide fabric waistband was gloriously inconspicuous, and it didnt fold when we were sitting. Not surprisingly, they earned high marks for comfort from our testers who all loved the warmth they offered on cold winter days. *At the time of publishing, the price was $79. 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. Whats more, the Sheertex tights are good-looking. These tights were slightly more sheer than others we tried, and they had a bit of sheen. And, as you likely know, synthetic plastics do not readily biodegrade. Below are the best tights you can buy: This pair is a total steal: Not only was it one of the least expensive in our test, it also earned one of the highest overall scores. 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. We couldn't snag them (and we tried). Do not bleach. One tester said It held me in without being too constricting. *At the time of publishing, the price was $27. 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. So we put more parameters in place. And always hang your tights to dry. We didnt find any other tights like the Sheertex pairthe fabric was extra-strong and not especially soft or stretchy. Why theyre great: These tights felt really great on. But ultimately this pair tested better than the other under-$15 pairs we tried. And as a native Ohioan who spent three years living in New York City, Ive relied on them for warmth, too. thanks to the hundreds of five-star reviews from users who say theyre soft, comfortable, and actually hold up to lots of wear. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. The lace waistband uses silicone strips on theinside to help keep it in place. Made in Italy. 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. They also all agreed that the tights looked great on and they didnt snag, run or stretch out. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Do not iron. The Hue Super Opaque Tights with Control Top were soft and stretchy, but the control top was too stretchy and not constrictive enough for any shaping effect. The extra-sturdy fabric didnt feel all that soft; it was more utilitarian. It was also one of the only pairs that fully recovered its shape after we stretched it out in the Lab. We found them to be durable, with a surprisingly pleasant feel. But since the Wolford Merinos are mostly cold-weather tights, we thought this sartorial conflict wouldnt arise that often. We also noted whether they caused overheating and sweating, or if they felt breathable or flimsy. So if your tights rip during that time frame, the company will send you a replacement pair, free of charge. One is Netherlands-based Tirzah Lopez (better known by her blog, Felina Tiger), a content creator who writes about her life as a wheelchair user. They strike a nice balance of looks, price, and comfort, and got solid rankings from our testers. Learn more. 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. But we found them to be very durable. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The extra-wide waistband had a raw edge, so it stayed up, felt softly supportive, and didnt show under clothes. If your answer to that has always been no, get ready to have your mind changed by these wonderfully-comfy daily pantyhose. 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. These tights washed well in our Labs tests and didnt snag easily, so you can rest assured they'll last beyond just a few wears one of our editors has had a pair for over six years! Most tights come with care instructions (Swedish Stockings instructions are particularly helpful). Still, though, the tights are very nicely priced. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Interestingly, these tights have a split gusset, which we think is there for easier bathroom trips. To evaluate those first 20 pairs of tights, I tried on each to get quick impressions of comfort, fit, durability, and appearance. Those in the market for control-top tights would find these ineffective. Sheers fall below 40 denier, and anything above 200 tips into leggings territory. Testers reported no snags or rips from cat or dog claws or scratchy rugs. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Two testers complained that the cotton gusset wasnt stretchy enough, with one tester adding that it felt situated too far forward. They seem like they could survive an atom bomb, one tester said. 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. These are easy to pull on, with particularly comfy feet and no bunchy fabric or fussy seams. On some, the low torso rise caused an unfortunate rolling effect, while others complained that the gusset sagged. They do have a wide, edge-free waistband and a silky finish, so theyll be inconspicuous under clingy or sheer fabrics. Despite the stretchy, soft legs, the restrictive control top was annoying to testers: These tights make me angry, said one. 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. After narrowing down a list of five top-ranked tights, I conducted a final durability test. 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. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Two testersone size 2, one size 12reported that the gusset felt tight and was prone to slipping down. The Hanes X-Temp Blackout Control Top Tights were soft and stretchy. 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. Some companies now claim to make their tights from recycled materials. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Soft, pliant tights are more prone to snagging. Warmth: Since one of the main reasons people wear tights is to stay warm, we compared the warmth of each pair. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Its our belief that the most sustainable way to buy and use tights is to purchase a pair that holds up to wear and lasts a long time. These tights are made from recycled material, and you can also recycle them down the line. No pair of tights received a more heated panel review than the Spanx Tight-End Tights High Waisted. 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. Though theyre wool, they didnt sag or droop in the crotch. How they feel: Sheertex Luxury Semi Sheer Tights are made from a proprietary Sheertex knit. We thought these tights were not particularly stretchy or soft, yet they were also not stiff or rough; instead they felt sturdy and utilitarian. 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. All made with the signature Hipstik comfort waistband. We dont expect these budget tights to be very long-lasting. 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. 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. Tights usually range from 5 to 200 denier. Other variants: over 20 color and pattern options. And they are priced well. Their lightweight feel and translucent appearance makes them especially well-suited to summer. That lighter knit also means theyre extra-cool and breathablebetter suited to a chilly autumn or spring day than to a frigid winter day. A few brands offer recycling, including our pick from Swedish Stockings. The Snag tights have a relatively low 50 denier. Overall, these are the type of well-made, comfortable pantyhose you'll love to wear every day of the week. The easiest way to reduce the number of tights you throw away is to maintain the ones you own. We paid attention to how easily each pair snagged or ripped. 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. This set comes with four different patterns andis Amazons Choice for tights in general not just fishnets! The fabric roughened and pilled somewhat against brick and survived a yank through a zipperwithout sustaining any fatal tears, runs, or holes. In an earlier version of this guide, bamboo was considered an eco-friendly fabric alternative. 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). The Commando tights also did well in our durability tests. Pulling on the Sheertex tights took more muscle than was needed with other pairs. The Sheertex tights fit well and moved with the body, though we did notice a slight slipperiness when we crossed our legs. The Snag tights held up well to my brick-and-zipper testswith no actual rips. But a few complained about the lack of stretch in the crotch. As such, tights are a rather wasteful product. These tights had a silky, weightless feel, and they didnt offer any support. These sheer women's plus size tights are a classic wardrobe staple, featuring a comfortable waistband and total stretch for all-day wear. But many of our testers complained that the seam in the toe was noticeably large and uncomfortablea particular challenge if youre wearing heels or pumps that have a narrow toe boxand shifted while they were walking. Afterward they washed and dried them according to individual care instructions. Testers loved the fit of this pairthey were stretchy enough to move with the body but never saggy. As such, there was no way I could test them all for you. And we dont think the quality surpassed that of our picks enough to justify the higher price. Hand wash separately in cold water. But it was comfy enough. 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. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). As a recreational ballerina, Ive danced through dozens of pairs of tights in my life. 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. Of course, looking good is subjective, but overall our panelists didnt like it when tights were shiny, when the knit was noticeably uneven, or when seams created a muffin-top appearance. One size-small panelist who reported having wider thighs noted that the fabric was less opaque across her quads. But even with these marks against the Olivia tights, testers reported that they were decently comfortable. These 50-denier tights are perfectly opaque, though some of our testers complained about the subtle sheen of the fabric. 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. The We Love Colors Microfiber Nylon/Lycra Tights were so uncomfortable that I eliminated them before panel testing. Yet for many, the environmental upside is worth the slight sacrificeespecially since the Olivia tights look good and will definitely last. The material is also opaque without being toothick and the tights featurea high-waist control top so you get the slimming benefits around the torso. The woven fibers had a cushy density that felt notably different from that of non-wool tights. We found Snags affordable tights to be soft and stretchy, and theyre available in a wide range of sizes. 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. And some testers found that the waistband dug uncomfortably into the torsonot enough to create a muffin top, but it was notable nonetheless. 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. Finally, the Commando tights looked nice, with an even knit throughout and decent opacity. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill, Winnie Yang, and Jennifer Hunter. Their brand endorsements, condemnations, and quality demands shaped my search. Our panel said these tights felt comfortable throughout the day and liked that they were opaque yet still had a nice sheen. Because of their higher-than-average price, we were particularly concerned about durability, and the Wolford tights delivered. review process. These tights had an ultra-high-rise waistband, and some testers found the extra fabric dug into their waists. *At the time of publishing, the price was $12. Sheer, comfort waist pantyhose that won't dig in. I ruled out any pairs that maxed out at size L, and I prioritized those that went up to at least 2XL. The second is Lindsey Donnell, a ballerina at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who wears tights every day. 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. We prioritized these companies, but we were limited by the fact that most of them are based in Europe. We kept note of how much shimmying and pulling each pair required, and whether acrobatics were needed to remove them. The 140-denier Wolford tights didnt just feel good on, they also looked good. 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. But because they were so featherlight, they didnt inspire confidence. I started my search looking at brands and models that my interviewees and colleagues recommended.
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