The 13 Best Black Tights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Spanx Tight-End Tights

View On Amazon $28 View On Nordstrom $28 View On Spanx

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  4.8/5
• Opaqueness
  4.6/5
• Durability
  4.2/5
• Value
  4.4/5

What made the Spanx Tight-End Tights land our Best Overall spot lies majorly in their comfort and durability. Right as we pulled these on, we were impressed with how soft and stretchy they felt, and how smoothly they glided over legs. The waistband lands slightly above the waistline with an exceptionally comfortable stretch. “These definitely feel like a luxe pair of tights,” our tester says.  

The tights do a great job at elongating legs by hugging curves in all the right places. They’re fairly opaque, but hints of skin still peek through (check out the option below from Calzedonia if you want fully opaque tights). When tested against both soft and rough velcro, we did notice that the fabric was completely unbothered by the former, but it lightly pilled against the latter. However, no breakage or runs occurred. Regardless, we were extremely pleased with the overall look and durability — and we’re not the only ones. For many professional stylists, including Michaela Leitz, Spanx tights are a go-to. “The quality is good, and Spanx even produces tights without mid-thigh shaper to wear [with] short hemlines,” she says. 

Size: A-E | Material: Cotton-lined gusset, nylon, elastane | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Medium | Rise: High

Best Budget

H&M Tights 200 Denier

View On Hm.com $6

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  5/5
• Opaqueness
  5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

For $13, these tights left quite an impression on us. To begin, they are extremely stretchy: “I felt like they could stretch almost across [and entire] room and still maintain the original length,” our tester says. For our long legged ladies, you won’t find yourself forcefully pulling every bit of stretch over your legs. Not only that, but they are also surprisingly warm. 

Some of our reviewers are very familiar with these tights — with a few of them saying they’ve owned this pair for over three years, which speaks volumes to their durability. When we put them to the test, we found that the rough velcro did cause some pilling on the fabric. That said, we didn’t spot any rips or runs, not even when we poked around with a handful of rings. While they are opaque, they don’t have that same luxe feel as the option above, but if you’re looking for sturdy, stretchy, warm tights, then these are it.

 Size: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Opaque | Rise: Mid

Best Splurge

Wolford Merino Tights

View On Amazon $91 View On Neiman Marcus $40 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $95

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  4.8/5
• Opaqueness
  4.8/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Just by looking at these tights, you can immediately tell each aspect was created with intention and craftsmanship. First off, they’re made with 50 percent wool, making them extra soft and warm. (The other 50 percent is nylon, which gives them their stretch.) They also have a high opacity — only a tiny bit of skin shows when stretched out. Another stand out feature of the tights is how they conform to your body: The waistband self-adjusts to snuggly fit around your midsection without its shape when nicely stored away. 

In the tear test, the tights performed relatively well against velcro and jewelry, only showing a few minor runs. They did, however, finally rip when we pulled a finger nimble over it. To be fair, that is a literal knife cutting a hole into tights, so as long as you avoid sharp objects, the tights should last a long time. 

 Even though they’re higher-priced than other tights on this list, our tester says she would purchase them because the value is impeccable. “Not only are these easy to put on and feel really comfortable on the skin (not itchy at all), but they’re also very durable.” 

 Size: S-L | Material: Wool, nylon, elastane | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Opaque | Rise: High

Best Semi-Sheer

SKIMS Full Control Tights

View On Skims.com

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  5/5
• Opaqueness
  4/5
• Durability
  4.8/5
• Value
  4.3/5

We had high expectations for these tights, and we’re happy to report that they did not disappoint. “These definitely exceeded my expectations,” says our tester. “I was pleasantly surprised that the hype around the brand wasn’t all talk.” In true Skims fashion, these tights mesh style with functionality: The thick waistband provides great support around the midsection and upper thighs thanks to the built in control top that smooths and sculpts the body. We love that they come in such a wide range of sizes, with a detailed size guide to help you find the right fit.

So long as you avoid velcro, these tights will last you a long time. It put up a strong fight against sharp nails and finger claws, but a light tug against velcro and it started to show a few tears. All in all, we think these are some of the most versatile tights on our list as they can be worn with casual outfits and double as unassuming shapewear on special occasions. 

 Size: XXS-4XL | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Semi-sheer | Rise: High

Best Opaque

Calzedonia Soft Touch Tights

View On Calzedonia.com

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  3.8/5
• Opaqueness
  4.5/5
• Durability
  3.8/5
• Value
  4/5

This option from Calzedonia is as close as you can get to blackout tights. When stretched against a light in our lab, we noticed some shine come through (they are tights, after all) but they were the most full-coverage pair we tested. The waistband is wide and comfortable, and snugly fits around your midsection. For less than $20, these tights are an affordable, no-frills option that provides adequate leg coverage. 

Despite the low price tag, they do withstand velcro and other sharp objects quite well. “Surprisingly, the tights didn't tear at all after I ran it with the finger nimble,” our tester syas. We recommend turning to this option when you just need a little leg coverage but aren’t necessarily wearing tights day in and day out. 

 Size: XS-XL | Material: Polyamide, elastane, cotton | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Opaque | Rise: Mid

Best Control Top

J.Crew Control-Top Opaque Tights

View On Jcrew.com

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  5/5
• Opaqueness
  5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.8/5

Smooth out your silhouette with these amazing control top tights from J.Crew. On top of providing great support, they seem to stretch endlessly without ever losing their original shape. On top of maintaining their silhouette, they also remain opaque, even when stretched to extremes. “These bad boys are stretchy!” says our tester. “I was able to stretch them two arms length, which I was not expecting for a size XS.” Despite being uber stretchy, we did notice that they run a little small — so for the most comfortable fit size up. While elastic and pretty durable, we did notice that a strong nail could poke a hole in this fabric. They did, however, put up a strong fight against the soft and hard velcro. Only mild markings were left by the latter, but nothing noticeable enough to throw them out.

 Size: XS-L | Material: Nylon, spandex | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Opaque | Rise: High

Best Sheer

Commando Sexy Sheer Tights

View On Amazon $38 View On Nordstrom $38 View On Wearcommando.com

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  4/5
• Opaqueness
  5/5
• Durability
  2/5
• Value
  3/5

For our fashionably forward friends, these are the tights to turn to for an evening out. They stretch well over the leg, providing comfort from top to bottom. Even the waistband — despite its lacy texture — feels comfortable around the stomach. As the cheeky name suggests, these tights add a sexy edge to any outfit. That said, though the look is trendy, the sheerness doesn’t do much in terms of warmth. 

Compared to more opaque options, sheer tights don’t put up as big of a fight against wear and tear. Our velcro and jewelry didn’t have any trouble ripping these tights. “I'd recommend this for my friend who enjoys the sheer tight look, and can afford multiple pairs,” suggests our tester. If you are very careful with your garments, then these are a beautiful and comfortable addition to your tights wardrobe. 

 Size: S-XL | Material: Nylon, elastane | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Sheer | Rise: High

Best Shaping

Spanx Tummy Shaping Tights

View On Amazon $24 View On Nordstrom $24 View On Spanx

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  4.5/5
• Opaqueness
  4/5
• Durability
  4.9/5
• Value
  4.8/5

If you’re looking for a little extra support, Spanx Tummy Shaping Tights are one of the best options available. While they’re not high-waisted, they sit right above the belly button and smooth out your tummy without feeling uncomfortable. Because of the shaping abilities, they’re also extremely durable. As a matter of fact, they're probably the second most durable option on this list, next to our best rip-resistant tights (below). No velcro, jewelry, or nails were able to create visible harm to the fabric. 

In order to provide such support, however, it does mean that they’re not as stretchy as other tights. Our tester says that for tummy control tights, the stretch across the midsection was perfect, but she wishes the “legs would stretch a little bit more on the length side.” These may not be the best option for our tall friends, but they are ideal for anyone who wants a long lasting shaping piece. 

 Size: A-F | Material: Nylon, spandex, elastane, cotton | Finish: Matte | Opacity: Opaque | Rise: Mid

Best Shimmer

Wolford Satin Touch Sheer Pantyhose

View On Amazon $45 View On Barenecessities.com $40 View On Wolfordshop.net

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  5/5
• Opaqueness
  5/5
• Durability
  3/5
• Value
  5/5

Have you ever thought about stretching your tights to their max limits? While we don’t recommend doing that at home (you don’t want to ruin them after all), this is one pair you could actually stretch from wall to wall. We did, and were pleasantly surprised to see them spring right back to their original silhouette. The stretch and elasticity are clearly next level, which means they’re also super comfortable. The elasticity is also an indicator that one size will probably fit a wide range of body types, but Wolford nevertheless a size range of XS-2XL, which we’re very grateful of. 

Our tester recommends these for those who “appreciate” fabric quality. “The Wolford brand has proven itself as luxurious and you can really tell the brand has a legacy for a reason,” she says. Plus, they’re a great pick for those looking for an elevated black tight as they faintly shimmer in the light. That said, because they’re sheer they don’t provide much warmth. 

 Size: XS-2XL | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Finish: Glossy | Opacity: Sheer | Rise: Mid

Best Rip-Resistant

Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

View On Amazon $35 View On QVC $36 View On Sheertex.com

Our Ratings

• Stretch
  4/5
• Opaqueness
  3/5
• Durability
  3/5
• Value
  4/5

According to Sheertex, these tights are created with fibers that are “typically used in ballistics and climbing equipment.” In lay-person’s terms, they’re extremely rip-resistant, but we still wanted to put them to the test — and they passed with flying colors. Even after dragging rings, velcro, and sharp blades over them, there was not a rip or run in sight. “I would feel comfortable wearing these around my dog and doing multiple activities where my jewelry or bag could impact the fabric,” says our tester. Though they’re near bullet-proof, they’re still stretchy, though they require an extra tug to pull them over your legs. 

One thing to note, however, is that these are pretty opaque rather than being sheer. Our tester specifically mentions that the name is a bit misleading, and she describes them more as “semi-sheer.”  

 Size: XS-3XL | Material: Nylon, polyethylene, spandex | Finish: matte | Opacity: Semi-sheer | Rise: Mid