How to Choose the Right Tights for Your Outfit

Quick Answer

To choose the right tights, match the denier to the season and formality: sheer (under 20 denier) for warm weather and dressy events, opaque (40-80 denier) for cooler days and work. Choose a color that complements your outfit—nude shades for a seamless look, black for versatility, and colors to make a statement. Consider the waistband: high waist offers smoothing, mid waist suits petite frames.

Tights can make or break an outfit. The right pair smooths your silhouette, adds polish, and keeps you comfortable from morning to night. But with so many options—sheer, opaque, patterned, colored—it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide breaks down the key factors: denier, color, waistband, and occasion. Whether you're dressing for work, a night out, or everyday wear, you'll learn how to pick tights that look great and feel even better.

Understand Denier: From Sheer to Opaque

Denier measures the thickness of the yarn. Low denier (like 10-20) creates sheer, translucent tights that offer a barely-there look, ideal for warm weather or formal events. Higher denier (40-80) produces opaque tights that provide more coverage and warmth, perfect for cooler months or professional settings.

For a middle ground, 60 denier tights offer opacity with a softer feel, suitable for transitional weather. When choosing, consider the temperature and the level of formality. Sheer tights can look elegant, but they may not be practical for chilly days. Opaque tights are versatile and can be dressed up or down.

• If you're unsure, start with a 60 denier pair—they work for many occasions.

Match Color to Your Outfit

The color of your tights affects the overall look. Black tights are a classic choice—they elongate the legs, pair with almost anything, and add a sleek finish. Nude tights in a shade close to your skin tone create a seamless, natural appearance, making them ideal for professional settings or when you want your legs to look bare.

Colored tights can add a pop of personality. For a bold statement, try a deep red or vintage ivory. When matching, consider the color wheel: complementary colors create contrast, while analogous colors offer a harmonious look. Neutral tights (black, grey, nude) are the most versatile, while brighter shades are best for casual or creative outfits.

• For a foolproof choice, match your tights to your shoes or the darkest color in your outfit.

Consider the Waistband and Fit

The waistband determines comfort and how the tights interact with your body. High waistbands provide extra coverage and a smoothing effect around the midsection, which can be flattering under dresses and skirts. They sit just under the bust, offering support without digging or rolling, thanks to adaptive designs.

Mid waistbands sit at the natural waist and are ideal for those with shorter torsos or petite frames. They provide a lighter smoothing effect and may feel more comfortable for all-day wear. When choosing, think about the rise of your clothing—high-waisted skirts pair well with high-waisted tights to avoid gaps.

• Measure your waist and hips to find the right size; check the brand's size chart for guidance.

Choose by Occasion and Outfit Type

For work, opt for opaque tights in neutral colors like black, grey, or navy. They look professional and provide coverage. Sheer tights in nude shades are also acceptable in many workplaces, especially in warmer months. For a night out, fishnet or back-seam tights add a trendy edge, while sheer tights with a subtle sheen can be dressy.

When wearing a dress or skirt, consider the length and style. Mini skirts pair well with opaque tights to balance proportions, while midi skirts work with both sheer and opaque. For formal events, sheer nude tights are a safe bet. If you're wearing a patterned skirt, keep tights simple to avoid clashing.

• Keep a pair of sheer nude tights for emergencies—they suit almost any formal occasion.

Your Decision Rules for Choosing Tights

• Occasion: For work or formal events, choose opaque or sheer in neutral colors. For casual or night out, experiment with patterns or colors. Match the formality of your tights to the event.
• Weather and Coverage: If it's cold or you prefer more coverage, pick a higher denier (40-80). For warm weather or a lighter look, go sheer (under 20 denier). Higher denier equals more warmth and opacity.
• Outfit Color: For a seamless look, choose nude tights that match your skin tone. For contrast, pick black or a color that complements your outfit. Neutral tights are versatile; bold colors make a statement.
• Waistband Preference: If you want smoothing and support, opt for a high waistband. If you have a shorter torso or prefer less coverage, choose a mid waist. Try both to see which feels best.

Tights That Fit Your Needs

• The Eighty Contour Opaque Tights Black: Our ultimate opaque tights in 80 denier, now with the added benefit of a Contour waistband. Beautifully opaque for a flawless finish, these tights offer graduated compression through the waist and leg, making them the perfect workday companion. The adaptive waistband smooths and supports without digging or rolling, while compression zones help you feel held from noon to night. If you need maximum coverage and support for long workdays, these 80 denier tights with compression provide a polished look and all-day comfort.
• The Sixty Slate Grey Opaque Tights Slate Grey: Opaque and eco-friendly, our 60 denier tights are a soft, sustainable staple for every statement wardrobe. With our extra-comfortable design, they’re as kind to you as they are to the planet. Available in a Mid Waist. Typically, our high waistband comes up just under the bust. This offers a light smoothing effect around the middle. Customers with shorter torsos or petite frames may prefer the Mid Waist. For a versatile, eco-friendly option that works for many outfits, these 60 denier tights offer opacity and comfort, with a mid waist option for petite frames.
• The Nude Sheer Tights: Seamless nude tights in ultra-comfortable 18 denier, with a representative shade to suit anyone. Flawless, natural, invisible. We worked with 100,000 women and data science to create 7 representative shades of nude tights, so that all women can find their perfect match. Designed for busy days, our gravity-defying, seamless construction and adaptive waistband help prevent digging, sagging and rolling. When you want a natural, invisible look for formal events or warm days, these sheer tights come in multiple shades to match your skin tone and stay put all day.

Fit Guidance: Who Should Choose What

Best For

• Opaque tights (60-80 denier) for professional settings and cooler weather.
• Sheer tights in nude shades for formal events and warm days.
• High-waisted tights for extra smoothing and support.

Not For

• If you have a petite frame or shorter torso, high-waisted tights may feel too long; consider mid-waist options.
• If you're looking for a bold fashion statement, plain nude tights might be too subtle.

Choosing the right tights doesn't have to be complicated. Consider the occasion, weather, and your outfit's color and style. With these guidelines, you'll find a pair that looks great and feels comfortable, whether you're heading to work or out on the town.