Black tights have become a quinessential shopping item to tick off every winter and if you haven’t found your perfect pair yet, read below to see recommendations
Baby, it’s cold outside. As the cold snap continues, now is the time to invest in quality tights that can withstand both the wintry blast and nights out over the festive season. Black tights are winter wardrobe staple for many – they are easy to style as well as providing an extra layer of warmth.
If you want to make the most of the chilly season in style, there are plenty of fashionable ways to style tights with a dress or tights this autumn and winter. But what are the best pairs to keep you prepared for those unpredictable temperature changes?
As someone who is always on top of the latest fashion buys, there are some major players in the hoisery market that have piqued my interest. Whether you are looking for fashionable tights to bring festive cheer to your outfit or a trusty rip-resistant pair to keep you warm throughout winter months, I’ve selected four impressive options from online retailers.
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Tights are a useful outfit detail that can allow plenty of styling freedom during the colder months. Here are our top picks you can shop now.
Best tights for warmth
There are many fashion brands selling thermal tights and I have tried many. From Primark’s thick-as-trousers fleece-lined tights to Uniqlo’s HeatTech alternatives, I prefer Calzedonia’s Soft Modal and Cashmere Blend Tights, £19.99, which I found kind to the skin. Made with high quality yarn, the black opaque tights are soft and comfortable to wear for hours.
Unlike fleece-lined versions (which aren’t moisture-wicking at all), the Calzedonia cashmere tights have the perfect thickness with unrestricted movement. They keeps you warm even when you are rocking around in a little black dress at parties.
The Uniqlo HeatTech Knitted Tights, also £19.99, would be my alternative – while the knit texture is not as soft as cashmere, the high-rise fit covers the stomach for extra warmth but sizes are limited.
Best tights for comfort
If you are a bit of a tights connoisseur like me, comfort will be your top priority. There’s been embarrassing times where I had to keep pulling my tights as the band kept rolling down. Heist’s The Eighty Contour Opaque Tights have exceeded my expectations, their famous thick waist band are made to last. As advertised, there’s no digging, rolling or sagging with these.
Currently in the Black Friday sale, you can get a pair in one of seven colours at £35 instead of £45. I was in-between size and picked a medium but found out this slightly too long. Heist mentioned on the website: “If you’re more pear-shaped, have long legs, or just prefer a more comfortable fit, we recommend you select a larger size.”
Best tights for Christmas parties
T’is the season for all things sparkly. Leading German hoisery brand Falke’s Fascination 20 DEN Women Tights, £33, are a dreamy option for parties. The beautiful pattern on these glittering lurex tights looks gorgeous with a little black dress.
With 20 denier, they aren’t going to keep you warm but for those who are looking for thick, warm sparkly tights – The White Stuff’s Sienna Sparkle pair could be for you. Now 25% off at £13.12, the tights are available in different colourways and are made with metallic fibres for added sparkle. But some shoppers said while they are perfect for the cold season, the seams are designed in a way that “creates a panel which is uncomfortable”.
Best patterned tights
Black tights don’t have to be boring, take it from Austrian brand Wolford, their recent collaboration with fashion label Etro is brimming with jacquard patterns. These Metallic Jacquard Tights in black and copper are chic and fashion-forward but with an eye-watering price tag of £200.
Shoppers looking to spend less can go for the Tiger Tights, £45, featuring a striking animal print against sheer opaque fabric. The Wolford material is unmatched – I can’t get enough of these Velvet de Luxe 66 Tights, £35. They are warm to wear in winter and also rip-resistant. My old pair lasted me for five years.