The 10 Best Black Tights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Ah, the quest for the perfect black tight. 

Whether you’re looking for shapewear-inspired tights or a pair of fleece-lined ones that’ll leave you feeling cozy and toasty for those cold months, there’s a black tight for every occasion, and you can't have too many pairs. “Think of them like socks,” says NYC-based personal stylist Adrian Causing “With the biggest trend of 2023 being ‘revenge dressing’ you’ll want a whole slew of them in your arsenal.” 

We tested 28 pairs of black tights from celeb-loved brands to Amazon’s best-kept secrets, evaluating each one for its rip-resistance, comfort, how they hold up in the wash, and more. After the testing period was complete, we ultimately landed on these picks whose quality we stand by.

Keep reading to learn more about the best black tights that PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Spanx Tight-End Tights

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  4.8/5

• Opaqueness

  4.6/5

• Durability

  4.2/5

• Value

  4.4/5

Pros

• Its high waist and thicker, controlling fabric supported the area from our waist to mid-thigh.

• Though it comes with an elastic waistband, the material is comfortable, soft, and (the most important part!) doesn’t dig.

• Despite many times wearing them (and purposely trying to destroy them), these tights remained resistant to runs.

Spanx is a PEOPLE favorite (not to mention Oprah's, too) and did not disappoint in our black tights test. The brand put itself on the map by innovating products where comfort meets shapewear. Like Spanx leggings, these Tight-End Tights are a reflection of that. They're our best overall pick, ticking boxes of comfort, durability, and style. These tights offer not just a control top but also a mid-thigh shaper for even more support. We found the waistband really soft and stretchy and noted the legs and waist retained shape after extensive stretching as premium shapewear should. 

Spanx continues to deliver on its legacy of luxury comfort, and in our testing, we found these tights to be very soft and silky and even noted the smooth weave. These tights aren’t fully opaque but do offer quite a bit of coverage with a subtle sheerness that makes them a stylish option. Although we noted pilling and small holes when the tights were rubbed with rough Velcro and punctured with sharp tools — yes, we take our testing very seriously — we noted that these tights are constructed so that they don't really run since the holes and damage stay contained in its own area. 

While these are not the cheapest option, they are a great pick for those wanting to invest in high-quality and durable tights.

Additionally, the cotton-lined gusset allows one to go sans underwear to forego any worry about VPL (visible panty lines). These tights also come in a high-waisted option for those seeking even more support and smoothing. The Tight-End Tights would be great for those wanting shapewear and support in their black tights without sacrificing comfort or style. See, you can have it all!

How it’s held up:
Even after a month of consistent wear, we’re still giving these tights rave reviews. We've found a number of things to be true: These smoothing tights really do work like shapewear, we don’t need to pick at them or roll them back up, and they don’t change as you wash and re-wear. The opaque quality of these tights remained consistent and gave us the smooth legs of our dreams, making our clothing lay nicely on top and controlling our curves while, most importantly, remaining comfortable for all-day wear. With its confidence-boosting results and snag-free fabric, we couldn’t be happier with these shapely Spanx tights.

Sizes: A-E | Materials: Nylon, elastane, cotton gusset | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash warm, line dry

Best Budget

Hanes Blackout Control Top Tights

HerRoom

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  3/5

• Opaqueness

  4.5/5

• Durability

  4.9/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• They are very durable tights, withstanding our Velcro tests, and they were very resistant to puncturing.

• The control-top waistline does a great job with smoothing and shaping.

• This high-quality, opaque tight is budget-friendly.

These tights scored high marks for both value and durability. During our tests, we had to try really hard (and even switch to the sharper claws!) to puncture a hole. We had to use a lot of force with the rough Velcro to cause any pilling, and the soft Velcro didn’t cause any damage at all.

The tights are soft and very opaque, with very little light passing through them. We found the control-top waistline did a great job in flattening and smoothing our midsection, however, it wasn’t as comfortable for all-day wear. These would be a great choice for wearing for a few hours for an event to take advantage of the control-top waistline. We also noted that it would be nice if they had a wider range of sizes available, as not all stores carried the larger sizes. Overall, if you are looking for budget-friendly tights that are extremely durable and have a control-top waistline, then these are a great option.

Sizes: S-XL | Materials: Nylon and spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash, line dry or dry flat

Best Tear-Resistant

Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

Sheertex

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  4/5

• Opaqueness

  3/5

• Durability

  3/5

• Value

  4/5

Pros

• These heavy-duty tights could withstand rips from sharp objects like jewelry, blades, and nails.

• We appreciated the fact that it had a 90-day guarantee in case we did encounter a rip.

• Because of their strength against tearing, these tights are ideal for pet owners.

• They have a size-inclusive range that goes up to 3X.

Cons

• When it's at full price, these tights can be a little expensive (compared to the others on our list).

• Though they’re pretty rip-resistant, these tights can still can snag and pill easily on rough surfaces.

Pet-owners, rejoice! We’ve found a tear-resistant tight that can stand up to your furry friend’s claws. The Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights withstood finger claws, sharp jewelry, and even a Nimble (mini, wearable box-cutter) — leaving no visible holes or tears. However, be wary of any Velcro closures on your furbaby’s fave sweater vest, because a few snags did occur. 

These tights offer utility and comfort, with an impressive stretch capacity and a thick 6.5-inch comfort control top band for support. While these are on the pricier side, they would be worth the investment for those with pets. A more inclusive size range that goes up to 3X and the company’s focus on sustainability are pluses, as well. The 90-day guarantee and the fact they’re machine washable and can be machine-dried (which is nearly unheard of in the hosiery business) help ease the sticker shock on these tights.

How it’s held up:
We are pleased to say that after a month of testing, these rip-resistant tights really are what they claim to be. Not only did they stand up to the trials and tribulations of our everyday lives (brushing against people on the sidewalks, bracelets clasps catching on the fabric, pets clawing onto us), but they were ultra-comfortable, too. The high-waisted, elastic-free waistband kept us feeling controlled and looking smooth while comfortably shaping our waists, all without rolling down or hurting our stomachs. We can wear these for days on end without feeling uncomfortable or wishing we could rush home to take them off. Though its price point sounds high, we think this is an item worth splurging on (think about it, you won’t need to buy any more tights after you purchase these ones).

Sizes: XS-3X | Materials: Nylon, polyethylene, spandex | Finish: Semi-opaque | Rise: High | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best Durable

No Nonsense Super-Opaque Tights

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  5/5

• Opaqueness

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• We thought these tights came at a great value since we got two in a single pack.

• Despite our tiresome tests, these tights proved to be snag- and rip-resistant.

Want tights that’ll hold up to wear and tear of everyday use? No Nonsense’s Women’s Opaque Control-Top tights proved the most durable throughout our testing process. When stretched by hand, the tights bounced right back to their original shape even when pulled to their limit with clamps.

Soft Velcro did no damage to the tights, and rough Velcro required several passes before snagging and pulling on the tights. On top of that, these tights withstood several passes of finger claws inside the tights before eventually giving way to a snag; however, running jewelry and finger claws on top of the tights yielded no visible damage. 

One mark against these tights is the lack of a tag to indicate the back of the tights (which would be helpful when putting them on). With minimal sheerness, these tights offer great coverage and add warmth. These are a great pick for those wearing tights for a uniform or anyone who needs them to last through a rigorous workday.

How it’s held up:
Throughout the weeks of testing, these tights continued to have the stronghold that they did during our initial test. We went about our normal routines, going around town and doing our things at home while never experiencing a single rip or snag. Plus, they remained soft and smooth-feeling on our legs when we wore them throughout the day, providing comfort instead of restriction. Our only qualms were the opacity of the tights around our thighs (which tended to sheer out in comparison to our calves) and they stretched out a bit throughout the month. However, we’re still commending this pair for its damage- and snag-free resilience by the end of the testing period.

Sizes: S-XXL | Materials: Nylon and spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash only

Best Sheer

Commando Sexy Sheer Tights

Commando

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  4/5

• Opaqueness

  5/5

• Durability

  2/5

• Value

  3/5

Pros

• Because of its decorative lace waistband, these tights can easily double as lingerie.

• We were in awe of its sheer, smooth finish.

• The high-rise waistband is supportive yet comfortable.

Cons

• Due to the very thin density of the fabric, these tights are more prone to holes and snags.

• Because of their well-constructed makeup and additional (literal) frills, this pair is on the pricey side.

If you’re looking for a sheer tight option that can double as lingerie, your search ends here. These tights give just the right peek-a-boo of skin under skirts, shorts, and dresses, à la Rachel Brosnahan at the CDFA awards. The delicate sheerness of these tights is immediately noticeable when slipped on. What really makes these tights stand out is the high-rise lace waistband that makes them feel more like lingerie than a regular pair of tights. Beyond looking beautiful, the lace waistband also offers comfort and support, with our tester noting it stretched easily during our clamp test and retained its shape afterward. 

While these tights are certainly a fashionable pick, they lack durability. When tested with Velcro and sharp jewelry snags and holes were immediate and very noticeable. At a steeper price point, these would be better for occasions and events rather than everyday wear. Our tester said it well:  “I’d recommend this for a friend who loves sexy lingerie, enjoys the sheer tight look, and can afford multiple pairs and wouldn't need to wear these often.”

Sizes: S-XL | Materials: Nylon and elastane | Finish: Sheer | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash, drip dry

Best Opaque

J.Crew Control-Top Opaque Tights

J. Crew

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  5/5

• Opaqueness

  5/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Value

  4.8/5

Pros

• Due to its thicker material, its opaque coverage is not playing around.

• We loved how comfortably these stretched (without losing their opacity).

• Its control-top design gave us support and shape.

If opaque tights are your jam, the J.Crew Control-Top Opaque tights are just what you need for layering and full coverage. When testing for opacity, these received top marks with no light shining through when stretched out. They’re an ideal winter tight to keep your skirts and dresses in rotation through colder months. Plus, the control top and impressive stretch make them not only functional but comfortable. In our testing, we found that they stretched to two arm's length. 

With this thicker tight, you also get some more durability than more sheer options. When tested with soft and rough Velcro, only the rough Velcro succeeded in snagging these durable tights. The tights incurred a few holes when scratched with sharp jewelry and a nimble blade, but we found the snags to be very self-contained. Coverage, warmth, and durability? We love.

How it’s held up:
We’re happy to say that we’re still enamored with the dark-as-night look of these silky tights even after weeks of wear. We loved how they fit and comfortably hugged our waists, making us feel controlled without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a pair of opaque tights, these are certainly the ones, because we couldn’t see even the faintest hint of skin through the midnight mesh. Because they’re a little thicker than sheerer tights, these took a bit more time to wriggle ourselves into — but in the end, this helped them hold their shape and not stretch or tear after multiple washes and wears. All in all, this affordable pair held up well to our everyday lives and provided the sleek, black look we were going for.

Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon and spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Machine wash

Best Stretch

Wolford Satin Touch Sheer Pantyhose

Bare Necessities

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  5/5

• Opaqueness

  5/5

• Durability

  3/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• Because of its low-density thickness (only 20 denier), these tights were super stretchy.

• The thin, high-quality fabric gave our legs a sheer and shiny look.

• They have a more inclusive size range than others on the list, which we appreciate.

The days of yanking and pulling at your tights before putting them on are over because Wolford has delivered a stretchy tight. Wolford is known for their high-quality tights, underwear, and even silk face masks (Jennifer Aniston is a fan).

These luxe sheer tights offer a high gloss finish with a comfortable waistband. And they really go the distance when it comes to stretchability, with one tester remarking, “Even after stretching these out to what felt like yards, the retention of the silhouette was not significantly impacted.” Being a sheer tight, the durability is lacking with this pair, and when tested with Velcro and sharp jewelry, snags and small rips were noted.

How it’s held up:
We can’t say enough good things about these buttery tights — from their luminous sheerness to their stretchiness, this pair set our standards extremely high for the rest of the test. These tights feel like they’ve sunk into our skin with how lightweight they are, allowing us to wear them for full work days and happy hours afterward and never notice a bit of discomfort. We were pleased with how well they held up after several washes and wears too, which originally made us nervous due to the super-thin material they’re made from (yet they proved to be quite resilient, with not even a trace of pilling). They’re surprisingly sturdy for sheer tights, yet unsurprisingly luxurious for Wolford.

Sizes: XS-2X | Materials: Polyamide and elastane | Finish: Sheer | Rise: Mid | Care: Machine wash cold, line dry

Best Shaping

Spanx Tummy Shaping Tights

Spanx

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  4.5/5

• Opaqueness

  4/5

• Durability

  4.9/5

• Value

  4.8/5

Pros

• They have an extremely supportive and comfortable shape thanks to their waist-controlling band.

• The nylon and elastane blend fabric is extremely durable against most potential tight-ripping threats.

• You can wear them with shorter dresses as they don't have a mid-thigh shaper.

Cons

• Because of their sturdy and thicker material, this pair isn’t super stretchy.

• They are fragile in the wash and must be hand-washed.

Surprising no one, Spanx has delivered the best shaping tights. Spanx is an old faithful when it comes to clothing-as-shapewear, and their Tummy-Shaping Tights do not disappoint. These tights have a thick waistband for support to keep you feeling snatched. Featuring a cotton gusset (Underwear optional? Bye-bye, VPL) and no mid-thigh shaper (Hello, mini dress), these tights will have you photo-ready for your next big event. 

We found that these black tights offer just enough stretch to make them comfortable to put on but have the right amount of resistance to be supportive and shaping. We also noticed the durability of these tights, noting only minor pulls and snags when scratched with sharp objects. These tights will be a long-time wardrobe staple, trust.

How it’s held up:
In true Spanx fashion, these shaping tight fit like a glove and made our waistlines look better than ever. They remained comfortable to wear all day throughout our weeks of testing, though we did feel them roll down a bit here and there. We do advise you to pay attention to the care instructions and wash them carefully, as they are a bit fragile in the wash despite their structured waistline. However, these persevered throughout the month and never pilled or warped, even after multiple washes. If you’re someone who wants to wear their curves with confidence, then these are the tights to help you do it.

Sizes: A-E | Materials: Nylon, spandex/elastane, cotton | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry

Best Fleece-Lined

Vero Monte Opaque Fleece Lined Tights

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  4/5

• Opaqueness

  5/5

• Durability

  3/5

• Value

  4/5

Pros

• Contrary to popular belief, these tights are great for adding warmth without any additional bulkiness.

• The material is very stretchy, even though it has a fleece layer inside.

• Largely due to its soft fleece interior, these tights are incredibly comfortable.

Cons

• These tend to pull easily on Velcro.

• There is a limited size range, which makes it harder for everyone to appreciate these tights.

Can one be cozy and chic? Anything is possible in a world with fleece-lined tights. These tights offer the stretch of traditional tights but the opacity and comfort of a legging. They're great for layering in winter months — like under your favorite pair of ski pants. These tights add warmth, not bulk to any look.

We found these tights remarkably stretchy (especially in the waist), but the tights succumbed to our Velcro challenge with immediate and obvious snags and pulls. However, they impressively withstood our sharp jewelry and Nimble tests. At a reasonable price point, these tights are a great choice for those seeking stealth comfort while at work. 

How it held up:
We loved how these super-soft tights came to the rescue in the colder months, keeping our legs toasty without the typical bulkiness of a fleece-lined layer. They fit like a glove, contouring to our waists and legs and leaving no space for gapping between our legs. More than keeping us warm, these tights truly felt like pajamas — we never wanted to take them off. While we wouldn’t recommend these in the summer, we do think they will last for years due to their durability and thicker fabric (the washing machine was no foe to this material). If you live in a place where the climate can get cool, you simply need these in your winter wardrobe.

Sizes: S/M, L/X | Materials: Fleece and spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: Mid | Care: Machine wash, line dry

Best Tall

A New Day Blackout Tights

Target

Our Ratings

• Stretch

  4.5/5

• Opaqueness

  4/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Value

  5/5

Pros

• They are very stretchy length-wise, making them great for people with long legs.

• These tights withstood our durability tests in rubbing with Velcro, creating only mild pilling and no rips or holes.

For our long-legged folks, we’ve got your new go-to black tight. Our testers observed extensive stretch in the legs of these tights. Even better, the tights returned to their original length and shape after stretching. Basically, they’re built to last. These tights withstood rubbing with Velcro, resulting in only minor pilling but no visible holes. These also stood up to sharp jewelry and nails, resisting tears or runs. At a super affordable price point, these are a great value. Tall friends, grab a few pairs for your closet. You’ll thank us.

Sizes: S-2X | Materials: Nylon and spandex | Finish: Opaque | Rise: High | Care: Hand wash, line dry or dry flat

Things to Consider Before Buying Black Tights

• Denier: Before purchasing your new favorite pair of black tights, Causing says to think about the sheerness (or denier). ”The spectrum goes from 5 to 100 — the larger the number, the thicker and less sheer the tights get.” Sheer tights can offer a sultry finishing touch to a look, while thicker, more opaque black tights offer more coverage for those who seek it. Also, fuller coverage tights are great for warmth in the colder months. “A little more minimalist? Stick to an easy 50 denier, which should be everyone’s staple,” says Causing.
• Durability: While one might not associate durability with black tights, advancements in technology and fabrics now allow for tights to handle more wear and tear than ever before. It’s important to consider what level of durability you require in a pair of tights and when or where you’ll be wearing them most. Having a pet is also a big consideration. If you’re a pet owner, we found that Sheertex Classic Rip-Resist tights stand up to claws. If you wear black tights regularly or are concerned about clothing waste, Causing encourages you to look for brands touting durability.
• Comfort and Fit: You want tights that not only make you look great and are durable but also comfortable with the right amount of stretch. The Wolford Satin Touch Tights get high marks for all of the above. Finding the right fit is key, with personal preference playing a role. Some people prefer the high-rise tights for their smoothing and secure fit, while others may find them constricting and prefer a mid-rise tight. Many of the tights we featured have size guides on the website to help you find the best fit, or you can go into the store to try them on. Our overall top choice, Spanx Tight-End Tights, is a good choice for their size-inclusive range. You should also keep in mind the weight of the tight. A thick tight will feel good in the winter, but you may want to switch to a sheer tight in the summer.
• Price: Tights run the gamut when it comes to pricing. The tights we tested range from $5 to $75, with a median price of $13. In our testing, we found that sometimes you get what you pay for, with more durable and comfortable tights coming in at a higher price range (usually around $25). However, we found some great budget picks that are easier on the wallet and less of a blow in case they do catch a snag or a run, like the No Nonsense Black Tights and the Hanes Control-Top Blackout Tights.
  

People / Tamara Staples

How We Tested

We tested 28 pairs of black tights ranging from luxury brands to Amazon finds. After all tests were complete, we rated each pair of tights based on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the best) against the following testing attributes: stretch, opaqueness, durability, and value. Ultimately, the tights with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list. Here is the specifics on our testing methods:

• Texture and Feel: We evaluated the texture and feel of the tights by trying them on and noting initial observations on softness and stretch.
• Stretch: Using clamps, the tights were stretched even further to see just how far these tights could go. We stretched each pair lengthwise from waist to toe and also stretched the width of the waistband. Two separate testers held opposite ends of the tights with clamps and pulled as far as they could. Once they let go, they noted whether the tights were able to make it back to their original shape.
• Opacity: Next, we moved on to evaluate the opacity of each pair of tights by stretching the tight and holding it up in front of a spotlight, noting how much light was visible through the leg of the tight.
• Durability: Our durability tests were extensive and thorough with each tester rubbing both soft and hard Velcro across the tights while observing any snags, pulls, or tears. We then moved on to sharp jewelry like rings and claws to see how the tights would fare. The final durability test was dragging a Nimble (a small wearable, finger-blade) across the tights and assessing the damage.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best thick black tights?

  Our top pick for a thick black tight is the Spanx Tight-End Tights. These tights earned a 4.8 out of 5 stars, excelling in all of our testing categories. They’re a great blend of thick and supportive, comfortable, and durable. These black tights are worth the investment.

• What are the best black opaque tights?

  J.Crew Control-Top Opaque Tights proved to be the best opaque option of all the tights we tested. They earned an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5, and with only minimal light shining through in our opacity test, they are our top pick for those seeking more coverage from their tights.

• What do you wear with black tights?

  Black tights are a wardrobe staple, pairing well with skirts and dresses of all lengths and helping turn warmer weather looks into year-round favorites. For an elegant, elevated look, Causing loves a black tight with a beautiful high-slit dress. “It can really add drama to what would be an expected bare leg. I mean, look at Bella Hadid’s or Kate Moss’ 2022 Met Gala looks — stunning.”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

L.A. Hubilla is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. She also tests beauty and apparel products for several brands, including PEOPLE, InStyle, and Byrdie.

PEOPLE Commerce Writer Alyssa Brascia updated this piece with the most up-to-date information, from pricing to long-term testing insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab. She covers beauty, home, fashion, and lifestyle topics and has also written for national and regional publications including InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living.

Meet Our Expert

Adrian Causing is a personal stylist based in New York City.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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