The Best Sheer Black Tights for Winter
Black tights are a winter wardrobe staple for me, but like denim, there are countless styles to choose from — too sheer? too opaque? control top or not? As soon as the weather cools off, I start pairing them with shorter hemlines, like mini skirts and faux leather shorts. Not only do they add a tiny bit of warmth, they also layer in another texture to an outfit and save me from spending time on sunless tanning! I recently ordered a bunch of styles in an effort to find the perfect mix of sheerness, comfort, fit, and durability.
When it comes to tights, it’s important to understand denier. Have you ever noticed on a package of tights that there is a number next to the word denier? Denier is the thickness of the tights, which corresponds to how sheer or opaque they are. The higher the number denier, the more opaque, thicker, and warmer the tights are. They will also be more resilient against little traumas (like your fingernails). The lower the denier, the more sheer and delicate the tights are. I've worn both sheer and opaque tights over the years, but currently prefer a lower denier tight — they feel a little more on-trend. Last year, I shared a reel comparing different deniers with some visuals that may be helpful!
For this experiment, I stuck with Calzedonia and Wolford - two well known brands in the hosiery space. In the past I’ve also dabbled with Falke and Sheertex tights. The Falke were similar to both Calzedonia and Wolford in terms of quality and sheerness. Sheertex definitely stand up to their claims of durability, but lack the sheerness I’m looking for.
Wolford Satin Touch 20 Denier Comfort Tights ($45): There is supposed to be a “shimmer” finish to them, but I personally see more of a satin sheen. I like the thicker waistband — they feel supportive and sculpting without being compressive. The reinforced toe gives a little extra support, but it’s almost invisible, so you could still get away with wearing with an open-toed shoe if needed. More sizes available here.
Wolford Pure 10 Denier Tights ($60): These tights have “bonded seams” so they’re designed to lay flat under tight clothing. I love how these look and they feel smooth and velvety, but they are so delicate (because they have a low denier). I was disappointed when I got a run in them during my first wear — with a $60 price tag, I’m not sure I can bring myself to buy another pair of this style knowing how delicate they are.
Wolford Luxe 9 Denier Tights ($40): These are the most delicate of the three Wolford tights I purchased. They have a skinnier waistband which I don’t find as comfortable as the thicker styles. I love that the toe is sheer for open-toed shoes — I’ve mentioned this above, but I always want a sheer (or almost invisible) toe if I’m wearing with open toe heels. The differences are minimal between these and the Satin Touch 20, but I really prefer the thicker waistband on the Satin Touch 20.
Calzedonia Ultra Comfort 20 Denier Sheer Tights ($10): I like the thick waistband and sheerness of this style. I have to admit, these do not feel as luxe as the Wolford tights, but for a $20 price difference you may be able to overlook that!
Calzedonia Premium Matt Second Skin 15 Denier Tights ($25): Similarly to the Ultra Comfort 20 Denier tights, these also have a nice thick waistband, but are slightly more sheer at a denier of 15. I wore these to a holiday party and really put them to the test - happy to report they held up through dancing barefoot! Again, they don’t feel as silky smooth as the Wolford styles, but they are also almost half the price.
For the price, Calzedonia tights are a great option. I really liked both styles I tried and am a fan of the thicker waistband. If you’re someone who is a bit rough on tights or know you’re prone to snags, I would suggest doing the 4 for $20 deal on the 20 Denier Ultra Comfort tights.
Among the Wolford tights, the Satin Touch 20 Denier Comfort Tights are my preference as the waistband is thicker and more comfortable and I love how silky smooth the tights feel on my legs. If you’re willing to pay the price difference, I highly recommend these!
Until next time,
Kelly
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