When it’s cold out, warm tights are a wardrobe essential. “Tights are a great way to add warmth to an outfit without a ton of bulk or fabric,” says fashion stylist Audree López. “Tights easily layer underneath clothing and help pieces transition from season to season.” To find the best warm tights, we spent hours evaluating options and speaking to experts. In particular, we spoke to stylists López, Liz Teich, Holly Chayes, and Kendra Sharpe, as well as Frej Lewenhaupt, CEO and co-founder of the clothing care company Steamery. We assessed each pair of tights based on material, thickness, style, and size range. We also considered denier, which is a measure of thickness. The higher the denier, the thicker and warmer the tights are. From durable wool tights to luxurious cashmere styles, we selected a range of warm tights to keep you comfortable and cozy. Our Top Picks Best Overall Warm Tights: Berkshire Cozy Hose Non-Control Top Tights at Amazon (See Price) Best Budget Warm Tights: Best Splurge Warm Tights: Best Plus-Size Warm Tights: Best Sheer Warm Tights: Best Warm Cable Knit Tights: Best Warm Cashmere Tights: Best Warm Merino Tights: Swedish Stockings Freja Wool Tights at Swedishstockings.com (See Price) Best Ribbed Warm Tights: Best Colorful Warm Tights: Calzedonia Thermal Super Opaque Tights at Calzedonia.com ($20) What Stands Out These 70-denier tights are fleece-lined and entirely opaque for a soft and smooth look. What Could Be Improved They're only available in black. Berkshire's Cozy Hose Tights are everything a great pair of warm tights should be. Since they’re made with a cozy fleece-lined interior, these tights are incredibly warm and cozy. And with a 70 denier, they're thick and opaque, but not enough to cause you to feel too warm. That 70 denier also means that they appear a bit sleeker than thicker tights, so they're super versatile. These opaque tights are available in four colors (black, chocolate, dark gray, and navy), so they can easily become a closet staple. They're super affordable too, so you can stock up and have a few to rotate throughout the winter. One thing to keep in mind is that the sizing is different than other brands', and is based on height and weight. Definitely check out the sizing guide before you buy so you can be sure you're getting the right pair. Material: 91% nylon, 9% spandex | Denier: 70 | Size Range: Petite-3X/4X What Stands Out These fleece-lined tights come in a budget-friendly set, and you choose whether you want them footed or footless. What Could Be Improved They aren't the best quality. If you’re looking for a pair (or two) of budget-friendly tights, we recommend G&Y’s Fleece-Lined Tights for a few reasons. For starters, the tights are made of plush microfiber and lined with polyester fleece, so they offer twice as much warmth as some of the other pairs on our list. We also love that these tights come in footed and footless varieties, so you can choose the version that works best for your wardrobe. Because while traditional footed tights are great, some people (like those who are mainly looking for a warm layer to wear underneath pants) would rather wear tights with their go-to socks. By far the biggest selling point of these tights, though, is how budget-friendly they are. They come in sets of two, so you can get two pairs of warm tights for less than the price of a single pair of other options. And this way you can set aside one pair for layering when you're exercising outside in the cold. Material: 87% polyester, 13% spandex | Denier: 100 | Size Range: S–XL What Stands Out These stylist-approved tights are made of a soft merino wool blend that's very durable. What Could Be Improved They cost twice as much as our Best Overall pick. If you’re in a position where you can splurge on high-quality materials, Wolford’s Merino Tights are some of the best tights money can buy. Many other warm tights are made of a nylon-elastane blend and occasionally lined with fleece for added warmth—but these are made of equal parts merino wool and nylon, with a little elastane thrown in. This hard-to-find material blend makes the tights extra warm and cozy, though they’re still sturdy and stretchy enough to wear every day. If you’re worried about wool tights feeling itchy, put your fears to rest. Merino wool is one of the finest and softest wools around, so you can expect these tights to feel comfortable rather than scratchy. Though the tights are the most expensive on our list, we think they’re worth the investment—and stylist Liz Teich agrees. “These tights are so luxe,” she says. “Wolford is a brand I tend to recommend to clients, because while the tights are a splurge, they [outlast cheaper options].” Material: 49% virgin wool, 49% nylon, 2% elastane | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: XS–XL What Stands Out The tights come in US sizes 2/4 through 26/34, and contain cozy merino wool. What Could Be Improved They are very high-waisted, which might not be for everyone. The Snag Merino Wool Tights are cozy, stretchy, and durable. And best of all, they’re made to fit a range of body types. While many tights come in sizes XS through XL, these come in A/B (2/4) through G (26/34). They’re hands-down the most size-inclusive tights on our list. Snag’s size chart helps you find your perfect fit, based on your height, body type, and go-to clothing size. The tights contain 52% merino wool, which is more than many other merino-blend tights. And that wool is blended with polyamide and elastane to cut down on static, itch, and wear. The tights are ribbed in two directions, which helps them stay put rather than rolling down, and they can be machine-washed and air dried, so they’re also easy to clean. One note: To cut down on dye transfer, you should wash the tights before wearing them—and you should only wash them with similar colors. Material: 52% wool, 44% polyamide, 3% elastane, 1% cotton | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: A/B–G (2/4–26/34) What Stands Out Though these tights look sheer, they're lined with beige fleece to keep you warm. What Could Be Improved The lining only comes in beige. Sheer tights are rarely as warm as opaque tights. But if you love the look of sheers too much to ditch them when it’s cold, stylist Audree López has a clever trick. “Look for [specialty] fleece-lined tights,” she says. “They appear to look sheer, but are lined with skin-toned fleece to keep you warm.” Blostirno's Sheer Fleece-Lined Tights fit the bill. Though the tights appear sheer, they’re lined with a layer of beige fleece, in either a footed or stirrup design. And if you don't want the sheer look, these tights are also available in opaque black or tan. These tights do have their downsides though. While they’re available in three colors (black, "coffee", and gray), the fleece lining only comes in beige. Unfortunately, the other faux sheer tights we considered shared these issues. If you’re looking for an alternative, López says that “you can also layer skin-toned fleece leggings under sheer nylon tights for the same look." There are also some new inclusive brands to check out, like Melanin Fleece Tights and Melt Tights. Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester fleece | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: XS/S-XL What Stands Out These tights look and feel like a cable-knit sweater, and they’re lined with fleece for added warmth. What Could Be Improved The thick tights may be tough to layer under clothing. Over the years, people have fallen in love with Target’s A New Day Cable Sweater Tights—a cozy pair of tights designed to feel like your favorite sweater. But when it comes to warmth, we prefer Target’s A New Day Cable Fleece-Lined Tights. The sweater tights look and feel just like the other fan-favorite, but they’re lined with plush fleece for added warmth. This detail makes these tights a must on cold winter days. And though they may be too thick to easily layer under clothing, they’re great when you need tights that look stylish and feel warm. Woven from a blend of polyester and spandex, the tights feel like a stretchy sweater for your legs. We also like that they’re designed with a tagless waistband to cut down on itch and irritation. Since the tights come in three versatile colors, they’re super easy to pair with your favorite winter outfits. And to top things off, they’re remarkably budget-friendly, too. Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: S/M–L/XL What Stands Out While most cashmere tights are pricey or low on cashmere, these have 20% cashmere at a reasonable price. What Could Be Improved Because they contain less nylon, they stretch out more easily. It’s nearly impossible to find a pair of 100-percent cashmere tights, and even cashmere-blend tights can get really expensive. But we love Natori’s Cashmere Sweater Tights for a simple reason: They offer a good amount of cashmere at a reasonable price. Sure, you can find more affordable tights that contain half as much cashmere, or cashmere-heavy tights that cost three times the price. But we think that these tights hit the sweet spot, giving you the cozy feel of cashmere without costing a small fortune. Of course, there’s more to love about these cashmere tights than the materials. They’re also thick, warm, and durable. And since they’re unlined, they’re easy to slip underneath tight-fitting clothing, which makes them a great layering essential to have in the winter. The tights also come in three sleek colors. And despite being made of cashmere, they’re not dry clean only. (That said, you will have to hand wash and air dry the tights when you want to clean them.) Material: 33% nylon, 27% viscose, 20% cashmere, 18% polyester, 2% spandex | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: S/M–L/XL What Stands Out These stylist-approved tights cost less than many merino-blend alternatives, despite containing more wool. What Could Be Improved They need to be hand washed and air dried. Merino wool tights are often expensive, but not the Swedish Stockings Freja Organic Wool Tights, which bridge the gap between price and quality. Recommended by stylist Holly Chayes, these tights are made of a merino wool blend with 50% organic merino wool, 45% polyamide, and 5% elastane. And though they contain more wool than many other merino tights, they cost considerably less. Since merino wool is particularly soft and fine, these tights keep you warm without feeling rough or scratchy, and have cozy details like a soft waistband and flat seams. The tights also have reinforced toes to cut down on pesky holes. Though you want to avoid getting wool wet too often, these tights can be hand washed and air dried. They’re also knit with a subtle ribbed design, and they come in two easy-to-wear colors: black and white. Material: 50% organic merino wool, 45% polyamide, 5% elastane | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: S–XL What Stands Out These stylist-approved tights are made of a temperature-regulating fabric that wicks sweat, prevents odor, and provides warmth without bulk. What Could Be Improved The tights only come in sizes S through L. If you’re looking for ultra-cozy ribbed tights, Teich recommends the Uniqlo HeatTech Ribbed Knitted Tights. The tights are thin, lightweight, and stretchy. And while they’d make a great layering piece, they’re also incredibly warm on their own, thanks to the thermal performance fabric that insulates you and helps retain heat. “There are plenty of tights with a fleece lining to keep you warmer,” Teich says. “[But] there are also warmer tights, like Uniqlo’s HeatTech tights, that do the job with one thin layer.” Like other performance fabrics, the Uniqlo HeatTech Tights are made of different fibers, including acrylic, nylon, rayon, modal, and Spandex. The resulting material wicks sweat, dries quickly, and is odor-resistant, making it a great base layer. The tights are also machine-washable and come in versatile neutrals, like gray, brown, and black. We do wish the tights came in a more inclusive size range: They’re only available in sizes S through L. Material: 53% acrylic, 17% nylon, 17% rayon, 12% modal, 1% spandex | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: S–L What Stands Out These stylist-approved thermal tights come in six colors, and their brushed lining makes them extra-warm. What Could Be Improved None of the color options are bright or vibrant. If you’re looking for a pair of colorful tights that can keep you warm, Calzedonia is the place to turn. The brand’s Thermal Super Opaque Tights are available in six striking colors, including classics like black, brown, and gray, and bolder hues like burgundy, teal, and navy. For reference, most of the tights on our list come in three shades or fewer. One thing to note: All of these colors are pretty dark, which might be a bummer if you’re craving something vibrant. But if all you want is a pop of color that will make a statement and keep you warm, you’d be hard-pressed to find tights this cozy. Made of polyester and elastane, the tights feel thick and durable. They’re also lined with a brushed material that makes them extra-warm. To top things off, these tights are one of the most affordable options on our list. And when we asked stylists to recommend their favorite warm tights, Teich gave these a shoutout. Material: 92% polyester, 8% elastane | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: S–XL What Stands Out These tights are woven with an argyle design, so they’re patterned without being sheer. What Could Be Improved The tights only come in one pattern. It’s hard to find a pair of warm patterned tights. Warm tights tend to be opaque, and opacity makes patterns hard to see. But MeMoi’s Juneau Diamonds Cotton-Blend Sweater Tights get around this common problem in a clever way: The knit tights have been woven into an argyle-like pattern that doesn’t sacrifice warmth. Woven from polyester, cotton, and spandex, the tights feel incredibly soft and cozy, and they’re stretchy enough for everyday wear. Since the tights are unlined, they’re relatively sleek. This also makes them an ideal candidate for layering over another pair of tights—ideally a pair in a contrasting color to best bring out the pattern. One of our favorite things about these tights? They come in nine different colors, so you don’t have to stick with classic black. Instead, you can score the tights in a number of fun colors, including soft neutrals like taupe and gray and vibrant shades like red and purple. Material: 56% polyester, 40% cotton, 4% spandex | Denier: Not listed | Size Range: S/M–L/XL What Stands Out These warm shapewear tights come with a control top, which feels snug but not uncomfortably tight. What Could Be Improved The tights come in nonstandard sizes, so you’ll have to double-check the size chart. If you want a pair of shapewear tights that will also keep you warm, look no further than Hue’s Super Opaque Tights With Control Top. These ultra-cozy tights are made of a blend of nylon and spandex, and they’re designed with a control top, which makes the top of the tights feel snug and slimming—but not uncomfortably tight. At 90 denier, these tights are pretty opaque and feel thick and sturdy while maintaining enough stretch for everyday wear. They’re also unlined, which is a must for any kind of shapewear tights.Unlike many other tights on our list, these come in sizes 1–5 instead of letter sizes. These sizes approximate the sizes you’re likely familiar with—1 means XS/S, while 5 means XL/XXL. But you can also check the brand’s size chart to find the right size based on your height and weight. Material: 91% nylon, 9% spandex | Denier: 90 | Size Range: 1–5 (XS/S–XL/XXL) Berkshire's Cozy Hose Non-Control Top Tights are our best overall pick because they’re fleece-lined with a 70 denier, which is warm and cozy but won't cause overheating. They're great for all types of cool weather, and come in a few different colors and sizes. Plus, they're impressively affordable. For an even more budget-friendly option, we recommend the G&Y Fleece-Lined Tights. Available in sets of two, these cozy tights are super opaque with a 100 denier, and have a polyester fleece lining for extra warmth. “Tights are often made from a blend of textile fibers, because each fiber has specific features that contribute to the overall functionality of the garment,” says Lewenhaupt. Understanding can help when shopping online, because you can estimate the feel of your tights based on the fabric blend. Denier is a unit of measurement for the thickness of fabric—a higher denier indicates a thicker fabric. “The higher the denier, the more opaque the tights will be,” says stylist Liz Teich. “So 20-denier tights will be [thinner and] more transparent, and 80-denier tights will be thicker, warmer, and [more] opaque.” Since thick tights tend to be warmer than thin tights, considering the denier can help you find warm options. Our Best Budget tights, the G&Y Fleece-Lined Tights, have a 100 denier. But material also matters: Our favorite ribbed tights, Uniqlo’s HeatTech Ribbed Knitted Tights, are made of temperature-regulating fabric. So they’re incredibly warm, despite being lightweight. Tights aren’t sized the way pants and skirts are. Many come in general sizes—like medium or medium/large. Others come in nonstandard sizes, like 1–5 or A–G. Before buying a pair, double-check the brand-specific size guide to make sure you’re ordering the right size. “A good fit for tights can make all the difference,” Teich says. If your tights are too small, they may rip, roll down, or feel uncomfortably tight. If they’re too loose, they may sag, slide down, or bunch up. “You’ll know your tights fit just right when you don’t have to adjust or fuss with them throughout the day,” says Chayes. “If you get tights with a defined heel, you want the heel of the tight to sit at the heel of your foot, not at the back of your ankle or under your foot.” To stay warm while wearing tights, buy the warmest tights you can—and layer other warm clothing on top of them. While you can wear tights to keep your legs covered with dresses and skirts on cool days, López recommends sliding warm tights under pants, cozy joggers, leggings, or maxi dresses to add an extra layer of warmth on very cold days. While some tights are dry clean- or hand wash-only, most of our favorite warm tights are machine-washable. But even if your tights can be machine washed, Lewenhaupt recommends hand washing them. “Hand wash your tights in cold water when possible,” he says. “[And] opt for air drying to preserve their shape and prevent potential tears.” If you decide to machine wash your tights, put them in a laundry bag, and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Don’t use fabric softener, and don’t wash the tights with anything that could tear them (zippers, buckles, etc.) Lewenhaupt also recommends waiting a while between washes. “To help your tights last longer, wash them only when necessary,” he says. “Between washes, you can air your tights outside and give them a spritz of fabric spray to remove unwanted odors.” The key to keeping your tights from ripping? Buy tights made with sturdy materials, and make sure you’re buying the right size and length for your legs. Then, be gentle when wearing, cleaning, and storing your tights. “Avoid harsh pulling,” López says. “Wash [your tights] by themselves or in a mesh laundry pouch, and store them with other tights.” If your tights do rip, use some clear nail polish to keep the tear from getting worse. “If you see a small tear in the tight, you can seal the run with clear nail polish,” López says. “Just dab a little on each end of the tear.” Thermals are warmer than tights—but both deserve a spot in your closet. “Thermals are more similar to leggings than tights,” Chayes says. They’re thick, temperature-regulating, and designed to be layered under other cold-weather clothing. Like thermals, tights are warm and great for layering. But they also tend to be lightweight and stylish. “Tights are meant to be seen, and thermals are not,” says stylist Kendra Sharpe. Tights are also more versatile than thermals: “Thermals are generally [designed for] cold-weather wear, while tights tend to be more multi-season,” Chayes says. If you care about investing in quality, the best tights are worth the splurge. “If you value clothes that last, can take care of them well, and aren’t prone to frequent snags, [expensive] tights can absolutely be worth it,” Chayes says.But you can also buy great tights on a budget. Most of our favorite warm tights cost between $10 and $25. This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a Real Simple contributing writer with eight years of experience in the fashion and lifestyle space. To find the best warm tights, Lindsey interviewed four stylists, consulted a textile expert, and evaluated dozens of tights based on material, thickness, style, and size range. During her research, Lindsey spoke to stylists Audree López, Liz Teich, Holly Chayes, and Kendra Sharpe. She also interviewed Frej Lewenhaupt, CEO and co-founder of the clothing care company Steamery. The Best Winter Coats to Keep You Cozy All Season:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RS-best-warm-tights-21a84d689999458f88658d41fbddaa26.jpg "The 12 Best Warm Tights to Wear All Winter Long (1)")
Best Overall Warm Tights
Berkshire Cozy Hose Non-Control Top Tights
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Best Budget Warm Tights
G&Y Fleece-Lined Tights
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Best Splurge Warm Tights
Wolford Merino Tights
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Best Warm Cable Knit Tights
A New Day Cable Fleece-Lined Tights
Best Warm Cashmere Tights
Natori Cashmere Sweater Tights
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Best Warm Merino Tights
Swedish Stockings Freja Wool Tights
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Best Patterned Warm Tights
MeMoi Juneau Diamonds Sweater Tights
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Best Warm Shapewear Tights
Hue Super Opaque Control Top Tights
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Final Verdict
How to Shop for Warm Tights Like a Pro
Material
Denier
Size Range
Questions You Might Ask
How do you stay warm when you’re wearing tights?
Are tights machine-washable?
How do you prevent tights from ripping?
Are tights warmer than thermals?
Are expensive tights worth it?
Take Our Word for It
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