Anyone who’s owned a pair of tights before has almost certainly felt the sense of dread accompanied by a rip, snag, tear or run in their go-to pair at least once. Tights are a typically affordable wardrobe staple that can dress up an outfit, act as shapewear and leg coverage and provide some warmth in the colder months — but that low price tag can often come with lower quality. Are any pairs of tights safe?
As it turns out, yes, though it took us some digging to find them. We searched reviews of popular tights online to find the ones that shoppers swear don’t rip, even after tons of wear. All of these have 4-star or higher ratings (a tougher feat than you might think — reviewers do not go easy on tights, as it turns out). Below, check out our list of tights that are worth the money, thanks to their durability. Whether you’re headed to the office or the dance floor at a wedding, you should be in good hands with these tights.
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The No. 1 bestseller in Amazon's "women's tights" category, this two-pack by No Nonsense includes two opaque pairs of control top tights in dark colors like black, navy or gray (perfect for a winter wardrobe). The tights feature smart temperature technology to keep you comfortable, and the mid-rise waistband is designed to stay in place. These tights have garnered almost 24,000 5-star ratings, so we think they've earned the tried-and-true label. Get them in sizes S-XXL.
Promising review: "I never leave reviews but these are IT! i’ve had these since 2019 and they’ve never gotten a run, snag, or rip in them. they’re the perfect thickness to suck you in just a little without leaving rolls and they definitely smooth you out while having a good stretch. i’m 5’ 7” and have no issues with these being short or running small. obviously not going to keep you super warm." — Makensie Spindel
These tights by Hue come in five sizes and so many colors, and are semi-sheer to the waist, which is opaque and has a control top. The tights are made with a nylon-spandex mix and are machine-washable — reviewers who have put this to the test can confirm that the tights don't rip in the washing machine, saving you the stress of handwashing them. They come in five sizes.
Promising review: "I've purchased several pairs of these, because they're simply amazing. I've used them for cosplay costumes, and they haven't ripped or run at all, even after 7-9 hr days of being at an event. I can easily customize the white ones by dyeing them the exact color I need, instead of hunting thru several sites. These are also great for layering, which is great if your legs are going to be exposed for long periods of time. I can wear these underneath whatever clothes/costume, and I stay comfortably warm the whole day without feeling too hot." — Randa Rice
It's kind of impossible to round up rip-resistant tights without giving a shoutout to Sheertex, one of the most prominent brands in this space. We like this sheer black pair with a diamond pattern, for something a bit different that's still neutral enough to work with so many outfits. The waist is mid-rise with some light compression.
In the name of transparency, we will mention that there are some mixed opinions online regarding the durability of Sheertex tights, but when it comes to traditional nylons that run like nobody's business, many reviewers consider these a noticeable upgrade. The tights are available in sizes XS-3XL.
Promising review: "Excellent and well worth the price. Besides being rip proof and they really are, I like that the waste and does not trade down or roll like many other brands do." — Judith Fairclough
You might've heard about these sheer Shapermint tights before for the brand's claim that they won't rip even with a pineapple inside of them (there's even a photo of the tights holding up a pineapple with ease on the product page). Available in three colors and sizes S-3XL, these tights are high-waisted, shaping and apparently so durable that 99% of women couldn't rip them, according to the brand.
Promising review: "I'm surprise with the fit, comfort and the fact that they DO NOT BREAK - so far so good!! Great addition to my closet." — Chelsea Day
If you like the look of sheer pantyhose but want to actually be warm while it's freezing out, who says you have to sacrifice one for the other? These fleece-lined tights come in four colors, two sizes and two fleece thicknesses — and you can buy a single pair or a two-pack. Even with the fleece, the stretchy nylon and spandex blend means you can move easily in these tights, and reviewers say they really look like regular pantyhose from the outside.
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Promising review: "They are such good quality. Do not easily rip. Very comfortable and flattering with outfits. Recommended sizing down. They keep me warm." — Anna
Can tights that only cost $9 truly stand up to the rip test? According to shoppers, yes, since these blackout tights from Target have 4.6 stars across more than 700 reviews to prove it. The tights are thick and warm, made for winter outfits, and are totally opaque. Get them in ivory or black and sizes S/M-1X/2X.
Promising review: "THIS IS THE BEST PAIR OF TIGHTS IVE EVER OWNED AND I OWN A LOT OF BLACK TIGHTS. Friends, listen here. I bought these bc ALL of my black tights at home are pretty thin and rip easily or are too thick and look like leggings so I thought I’d branch out to a Target brand to try for the NYC winter and these were PERFECT!!! The perfect mix between a sheer tight and a sweater tight I’ve ever found which is big for me to say bc this is like me only buying from Sephora and then suddenly saying that drugstore makeup is the best. So here’s why they’re amazing: I’ve been wearing them since 8am and it’s now 10:30pm and I’m leaving a broadway show and they haven’t itched, sagged, moved, or squeezed me too much AT ALL!! They have the perfect amount of opaqueness, dark but not enough to look like leggings. And SO WARM compared to regular tights. I chose an L/XL bc that’s all they had in stock and the the size was actually perfect?! I’m a US 10, 5 ft 2 for reference. So yeah, I’m stocking up on these and everyone else should too." — Anna
If opaque tights aren't your style, check out this sheer option, also by A New Day from Target and with 4.4 stars across over 500 reviews. This version is only available in black, but has the same S/M-1X/2X size range. These tights are naturally going to be less warm than the opaque version, but they have a control top that reviewers say don't roll down.
Promising review: "These tights are a lot better than I thought they would be. They are a nice thickness, and I was able to take them on and off without snagging them at all. I honestly don't think they would snag very easily unless you were wearing very sharp jewelry or something. I got these to wear with black boots to a funeral, and they were exactly what I needed. I'll get a lot of use out of them for sure." — ivy89000
Instead of plain tights under a patterned outfit, you can do the reverse with these statement-making plaid sweater tights by MeMoi. They're machine-washable, opaque, comfortably stretchy and soft with a cotton blend. You can buy these tights in up to six colors, each with a slightly different plaid pattern, and sizes S/M-5X/6X.
Promising Amazon review: "They are very warm, thick and you won't have the problem of ripping them easily. This is my second pair from MeMoi my mother loved mine so much i had to by her a pair!" — Maria
As a former dancer, allow me to let you in on a little secret: Dance tights are some of the best tights you can buy for yourself, regardless of whether you plan to do any dancing in them. They're made for movement, so you don't feel constricted in them or like you have to tread carefully, and they're thicker than your average pair of nylons. Most people looking at you won't be able to tell that you're wearing dance tights instead of regular pantyhose. These soft, classic Capezio tights come in up to seven colors and five sizes, and have a transition cutout so the feet can be rolled up or pulled down.
Promising Amazon reviews: "I love these tights. I bought them for everyday wear (not dancing). Not only do they provide more warmth and coverage than pantyhose/nylons in colder temperatures (when you still want the "bare leg" look), they are also very comfortable and have held up to multiple washes so far. I have washed them in a delicates bag in a normal wash cycle (along with other clothes) and then line dried them. I will be purchasing more of these." — J
"Held up after 20+ performances. No rips or tears." — Luke
J.Crew offers these super opaque control top tights in white, black and burgundy. While the price is definitely higher than your average Amazon or Target pair, reviewers say the high quality and warmth is worth it (and if you can catch the tights on sale, even better). The tights are also machine-washable, which speaks to their durability. You can grab a pair in sizes XS-L.
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Promising review: "I really like these tights and will buy more. I live in Boston and in addition to being really opaque, they are warm too and I’m not so cold on my walk to the office. I’m usually someone who buys my stockings at the drugstore because I can’t stand spending money and having them run or rip. These are high quality and worth a little extra in my opinion." — JMD0921
These sheer Ulla Popken tights come in seven fun colors and are breathable, machine-washable and versatile without being boring. They're also a solid plus-size option where many other tights are limited in sizing. Grab them in sizes 14/16-30/32.
Promising review: "They have a very nice color and fit perfectly, so they do not fall down on the legs. Great material, no stitches or tears in the tights at all. Very strong material from which the tights are made, it's amazing!!!!!!" — Marianna 22
In testing tights for rip resistance, Byrdie named these Hanes blackout tights the best budget option and confirmed their ability to withstand Velcro, jewelry and other tests without snagging or running. The tights are 100 denier, the darkest and most opaque possible, and have tighter knitting in the front waist but extra stretch in the back. Get them in S-XL.
Promising Target review: "Love these tights. As a flight attendant. these are perfect for work. They never run, tummy control if you need it. And true black out color tights. They do run a bit small, so size up, so they aren't the tight." — Danielle