We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Opaque tights made specifically (and thus named accordingly) to avoid snags. Just think of all the outfit possibilities!
BuzzFeed Shopping Senior Editor Kayla Boyd loves these and is modeling them above! Here's what she has to say: "These are honestly the best tights I've ever owned! I'm a size 16/18 and it can be hard to find tights that are actually comfortable, not a struggle to put on, and don't rip before I've even stepped outside. These ones are dream come true!! I have been wearing dresses and skirts way more often this winter because I finally have tights I can feel comfy and confident in."
Get it from Snag for $12.99 (available in seven sizing options and 26 colors).
2. Inclusively shaded opaque tights in case you've been vying for the perfect pair that works are YOUR nude. With this brand you have many, many options.
Nude Barre is a woman-owned small biz from Erin Carpenter. Her specialty line of underwear and hosiery has set out to revolutionize the term "nude" with 12 inclusive shades that speak to all skin tones — including those that are most often underrepresented.
My colleague Chelsea Stuart is a huge fan. Here's what she has to say: "I am a lover of tights — v controversial take, I know — but I *am* picky when it comes to material/fit and I think these babies are keepers. I just wore them to our holiday party and they didn't roll, pinch, slip, stretch out, or rip after hours of eating/drinking/watching a table-side magic show/finally meeting my coworkers in person 🙃 (#PandemicHire). Some tights are too thick and wear more like leggings which I am not a fan of but these are comfortably thin (they're 85% nylon and 15% spandex) while still being surprisingly durable. I have really long nails right now and didn't get any tears or runs pulling them on or off so thus far they're winners!"
Promising review: "Color is true to my skin tone, and super comfy. I'm an Asian American with tanner skin (bronze-y and honey undertone), so 10 AM is a perfect match! The quality is impeccable, so soft and smooth, they glide on smoothly. This is definitely a great wardrobe essential everyone needs." —Anonymous
Get them from Nude Barre for $35 (available in sizes S/M–4XL/5XL and in 13 shades).
3. Fleece-lined leggings that totally pass for regular old tights to keep you feeling toasty when you're forced to leave your house and the wind is cutting through normal tights. You STILL don't have to deign to wear pants.
Promising review: "Wow it took serious willpower not to buy a bunch more of these leggings! They're so perfect if it weren't for the fact that I hate winter I would say I can't wait to wear these! They are so, so, so, so soft and fluffy inside. It feels like you're wearing the best kind of leg blankets ever." —sierrahasCat
Get them from Amazon for $13.59+ (also available in 14 other styles) or get some plus-size leggings for $25.99+ (available in four colors).
4. Ann Taylor classic black tights in case you don't care for a restricting control top.
This is my colleague Katy Herman, who swears by these! Here's what she has to say:
"I hate tight things, but I wear a lot of tights. This would seem to be a total contradiction. And yet, these Ann Taylor tights are the stretchiest, easiest things in the world. I don't feel at all constricted in them, and I rarely have that tingly, the-blood-cells-in-my-legs-have-been-holding-their-breath-all-day feeling when I take them off. They're just the right level of opacity — not so dark that they weigh down an outfit but not sheer, either.
I have about 10 pairs and they're the only solid black tights I wear. I've learned that it's difficult to find great tights that don't have a control top, and these don't, which I love. I can't be tamed! No piece of hosiery can control me! Really, I just don't want the life squeezed out of my thighs. All I want is to wear cute dresses in the winter, and with these babies I can do so AND be comfy."
Get them from Ann Taylor for $30 (available in sizes S–L).
5. Old Navy ribbed tights for when you've gotta keep it a neutral but want just the tiniest bit of pizzazz.
Get them from Old Navy for $10 (available in sizes S/M–L/XL).
6. Semi-opaque tights in a rainbow of colors will get your through cosplay and regular-attire needs.
Promising review: "These tights are extremely soft, stretchy, form fitting, and opaque. I was looking for a pale lavender color and these hit the mark perfectly. I decided to try the orange hoping the color would be more of a pale pumpkin orange, and happily, it was. I highly recommend these tights as long as you are not using them with a leotard or skimpy costume." —Jackie
Get them from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in sizes S/M, L/XL and 13 colors).
7. And if you're on TikTok, some red opaque tights because all the trend forecasters are saying they're going to be huge in 2023. What a way to give a fresh spin to all your winter outfits that feel a little tired by this point in the season.
These A New Day tights in black are now my go-to wear with everything tights. They're quite resilient for the price tag (and my clumsy lifestyle), and have been serving me well over a couple of seasons.
Promising review: "These are my new favorite tights. The fit is great and the quality is the best I’ve seen." —Bmillz
Get them from Target for $8.50 (available in seven colors and sizes S/M–1X/2X).
8. Super-warm, *colorful* fleece-lined tights set to become your second (toasty) skin.
Promising review: "For the last three years, I've been buying two pairs every season. I also buy them as stocking stuffers for girlfriends/nieces. These are awesome, warm, stretchy, do not sag, launder well. They do start pilling after a few months of wear and regular laundry in a washing machine, but I think it's to be expected. I've never had a run in these. When it's cold, I wear them to work almost daily, so if you wear them less frequently, I am sure that for you they'd last longer than one season. Recommended." —andorm
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in one size, five colors, and a few combo packs).
9. Opaque mid-rise, control-top tights will look sleek under your winter dresses and skirts.
Promising review: "These tights are good quality. They're soft, comfortable and warm but not worm enough for freezing. I ordered the medium size and they fit perfect. I'm 5'6 and weigh 115 lbs I usually wear a small but I find that the larger size is more opaque because if there is more fabric there's less stretching. Hope this helps.😊" —ANN🌹
Get them from Amazon for $6.48+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 10 colors/combos).
10. Bow-tiful tights that'll make your presence feel like a present. Well, it already does. But this'll especially made it even more well acknowledged.
Get them from Torrid for $11.25 (available in sizes 1X/2X–3X/4X).
11. Animal fake-out knee-highs might just become the envy of your coolest friends. But you're not gatekeeping. So you'll be generous and share the link.
Promising review: "They’re super cute! I’m a relatively shy person and don’t really talk to people, but every time I wear these, I get compliments from EVERYONE! The sheerness is impeccable! I get countless questions asking if they’re tights or socks, haha! They’re super comfortable, too." —Izi_RT
Get them from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 14 styles).
12. Patterned fishnet tights will get you through a variety of wardrobe needs — like when that tired LBD is the only thing that's actually clean but you wanna make it feel a bit different and fresh. (We've all been there.)
Promising review: "These are so cute! I bought the queen size 6 pack and didn't expect much because I was not in the weight range they're sized for. Not only do these fit but they look adorable!" —Monica Jeanne
Get them from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two sizes and five variety packs).
13. Splurgeworthy Sheertex rip-resistant tights you've likely seen allll over the internet and TikTok with all sorts of pointy things testing their resilience.
Check out a TikTok of the Sheertex tights in action (wherein a reviewer puts a pineapple *and* their dog's paws up to the ripping test).
Promising review: "This is the first time that I have bought from this company. I was very impressed with how the nylons are holding up. Usually, I end up snagging and getting runs all the time. They are super soft and very comfortable. I love the way they look and feel. I’m very thankful for finding the site and finally being able to get nylons that work for me!" —TERESE E.
Get a pair from Sheertex for $35 (originally $59; available in sizes XS–3X).
14. Spanx reversible tights will give your wardrobe some real ~flexibility~.
Promising review: "I have bought literally every pair of tights you can imagine. I have acrylic nails that rip holes easily and I always wear them with high boots that also rip through tights. These tights have been mishandled and not a single tear. Slightly more expensive than the offerings at your local Walgreens, but 100% worth the purchase." —Alexa Vogue
Get them from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in sizes A–D and two color combos).
15. Argyle sweater tights can add a lil' extra pizzazz to a solid (in color and also as an outfit option) sweater dress.
Promising review: "They were perfect and just in time for my trip. They’re warm and super cute. I got a lot of compliments." —Mimi ER Nurse
Get them from Amazon for $24 (available in four color combos and sizes S/M–L/XL).
16. Threads sheer fly contour tights with a hand-sewn flat-seam fly (mimicking what you'd see on briefs) made for ultimate comfort for people with penises after the brand got feedback from men about the wear on their other tights.
Threads is an Asian woman-owned business founded by Xenia Chen, an investment baker who relied on hosiery as a wardrobe staple but found lackluster offerings on the market. The brand works directly with a factory in Italy to cut down on cost for the products, without sacrificing quality.
Promising review: "I would like to thank you for not only doing the talk (i.e. we welcome and support men) but actually meaning it by offering a real tights for men product! Over the years I have tried many of the tights made for men, and yours rank up there as one of the best. The brief area is comfortable and cleverly designed, the legs are silky smooth, and they stand up really well. Now that you are offering a tan color which I have ordered in the Lab, I just may join your membership to ensure I have them on hand when I need them. 😉" —B
Get them from Threads for $34 (available in two colors and sizes A–F).
17. Thunda Thighs — thigh-high stockings made to stay up on fuller thighs so you can stay nice and toasty, but not too toasty. (Sometimes it's really hard to find that perfect level as you move from indoor to outdoor spaces in the winter.)
Thunda Thighs is a Toronto-based small biz that specializes in thigh-high socks for plus-size legs! Their designs fit thighs 27–39 inches and won't cut off your blood circulation.
BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd (pictured above!) has them and loves them saying:
"When you have thick calfs and thighs, it can feel almost impossible to find thigh-high or even knee-high socks or shoes that fit well. I've always loved the thigh-high look, but failed to find cute socks that worked for me. That's why I was super exited to try Thunda Thighs... and they did not disappoint! The material is very thick and warm and they actually fit comfortably! When I have them pulled all the way up over my knees they can roll a bit at the top as I move around, but the brand even sells body adhesive to help with that. I love wearing them around the house, especially during the winter. I seriously need to buy more colors!"
Get them from Thunda Thighs (directly from their site or from their Etsy shop) for $27.50+ (available in 34 colors/designs).
18. Bedazzled fishnet tights you can don on those days when it's weirdly warm but you don't wanna go completely bare with your legs. I get it!
Promising review: "Bought these for my daughter when I styled her for her 14th birthday and I love them so much I ordered myself a pair. True to size and not easy to tear." —Tamara Dallas
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in several colors and sets).
19. Mushroom gradient tights in case your cottagecore heart would LOVE to live in a Keebler Elf-like tree in the woods but you unfortunately have to reside in an apartment.
Virivee is a small biz specializing in a variety of tights designs.
Promising review: "Beautiful print, perfect fit and good sturdy quality tights. Thank you!" —Iris Zwiener
Get them from virivee on Etsy for $27.99 (available in plus sizes 2–6 and also in straight sizes 2–6; look at size chart on the listing for more specifics).
20. Shimmery tights that'll bring the sparkle, but also let you show off any ink.
21. Graphic striped tights will lend a whimsical vibe to a going-out ensemble. Or just a, I-forgot-to-buy-an-ingredient-for-tonight's-recipe trip to the store.
Promising review: "I bought these for witches legs for a Halloween display, but the quality would have been perfect for myself. These are a nice material that are not too thin and stretched well." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $8.15+ (available in four color combos and one size).
22. Ribbed cotton sweater tights so your legs can feel all wrapped up and cozy — without wearing some dreaded pants. (Gross.)
Promising review: "I love these! They aren't too thick or warm, which I prefer in tights. Other reviews made me concerned these would be too tight or too short, but I have long legs and carry most of my weight around my midsection and the L/XL fit comfortably! They do get a little sheer around the calves and thighs, but that's pretty normal as well. Overall I really like these!" —Happy!
Get them from Amazon for $20 (available in nine colors and sizes XS/S–1/2).
23. Sustainable tie-dye tights will be unique to you. Not that you HAVE to be different than everyone else. But it's pretty fun to wear something unique and just RAKE in the compliments, no?!
Shop Journal Vintage is a small biz selling recycled and sustainable clothing and accessories.
Promising review: "I just got the tights and oh my god...they are brilliant. At first i didn’t think they would fit but after a little bit of tugging i got them on (I’m a US size 20 so I was a bit skeptical). thank you so much to the seller! Beautifully dyed." —Evelyn
Get them from Shop Journal Vintage on Etsy for $48 (available in sizes XXS/M–7X/8X).
24. Swiss dot tights with a control top for when you're sick of your opaque black go-tos but aren't quite into something colorful for your specific ensemble.
Get them from Eloquii for $20 (available in sizes 14/16, 22/24, 26/28).
25. Money-print beauts that'll let you more obviously display your favorite way to spend your paycheck — on your clothes! Same, tbh.
Get them from Urban Outfitters for $19 (also available in pink, in one size).
26. Sheer heart tights that'd be great for V Day...but just look cute any ol' time there's a chill in the air.
Get them from ASOS for $17.50 (available in sizes S–L).
27. Or some seamless heart tights might just make you say "ooh la la" once you gaze upon your own reflection in them.
Get them from Les Belles for $22 (available in sizes XS–3XL).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.