Question 1

What denier should I choose for tights?

Accepted Answer

Match denier to the season and the look. 15-20 denier is sheer and dressy but ladders easily; 40-80 denier is semi-opaque, the most versatile everyday range that hides veins and minor marks; 100-200 denier is fully opaque and warm for winter under dresses and skirts. For a gift that gets real wear, 50-70 denier opaque black is the safest pick, since it pairs with almost any outfit and resists snags better than sheers.

Question 2

How do I size tights so they don't sag or roll?

Accepted Answer

Tights are sized by height and weight together, not shoe size, because the stretch runs from toe to waist. Find the recipient's height and weight on the maker's chart and pick the box where both fall; if she sits between sizes, go up to avoid a sagging crotch seam. Petite and tall ranges exist for very short or long torsos. A covered or non-roll waistband and a reinforced cotton gusset are the two features that stop rolling and mid-thigh sag.

Question 3

What's the difference between tights, stockings, and leggings?

Accepted Answer

Tights are a single piece that covers both legs and the waist, usually footed, in nylon-spandex graded by denier. Stockings are two separate leg pieces held up by a garter or silicone band and stop at the thigh. Leggings are thicker, fully opaque cotton or performance knits worn as pants, not under dresses. This page is tights specifically, so expect footed and footless full-leg pairs from sheer to heavy opaque rather than thigh-highs or pant-weight leggings.

Question 4

Are patterned or hand-dyed tights from makers worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you want a gift with personality rather than a drugstore three-pack. Independent makers offer hand-dyed gradients, ribbed and cable-knit textures, polka dot, fishnet, and back-seam styles you won't find mass-produced. These run $18-$60 depending on the technique. Check the fiber blend and denier, since heavily patterned knits sometimes trade a little stretch for texture, and read whether the dye is colorfast so it survives gentle washing.

Question 5

How much do good women's tights cost?

Accepted Answer

Sheer 15-20 denier pairs run about $14-$30; semi-opaque and opaque 40-100 denier land around $18-$45; hand-dyed, cable-knit, and specialty patterns reach $25-$60. Control-top and shaping styles sit in the middle of that range. A small gift bundle of two to three coordinated pairs often costs less than buying them separately and makes a more giftable present than a single pair.

Question 6

How do I keep tights from laddering and make them last?

Accepted Answer

Hand-wash or use a mesh laundry bag on a cold gentle cycle, skip the dryer, and lay flat to dry, since heat breaks down the spandex. Trim rough nails and remove rings before pulling them on, and gather each leg before stepping in so you're not tugging the fabric. A dab of clear nail polish stops a small run from spreading. Higher-denier opaque pairs (40D and up) resist ladders far better than delicate sheers.

Women's Tights: Opaque, Sheer & Patterned

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