Best Black Tights for Every Outfit

It's time to give it up for the true unsung hero of our winter wardrobes: basic black tights. From thick lined stockings to sheer black hose, finding the perfect pair isn't always easy, and there are often rips, snags, and squeezed-to-death stomachs along the way (really, those bizarrely tight waistbands have got to go). But guess what? I've done the work for you and suffered through the embarrassing, uncomfortable mishaps just to bring you this list of the absolute best black tights I've ever tried.

Basic everyday
Express Opaque Full Tights, $7.45
Amazing value for the price-these will last all season without ripping and have a cult-like following.

Merona Opaque Tights, $8

These are comfortable, soft, and most importantly: don't slip down.

Control-top
Spanx Tight-End Tights Original Shaping Tights, $28
Perhaps the best tights overall. These will smooth out and slim down your tummy, hips, thighs, and rear without any digging at the waist.

Industructable
TotsalSTRETCH Supremely Soft Full Fitted Tights, $10.75
Ever notice how dancers never have rips in their tights? These are slimming, strong, and can go right in the wash.

Ultra-sheer
Hue French Lace Control Top Pantyhose, 3 pack for $22.50
This barely-there style won't snag and features a sexy lace faux-panty at the top.

Ultra-opaque
Commando Perfectly Opaque Control Tights, $40
There's nothing worse than buying tights that claim to be opaque, but are semi-sheer when you put them on. This ultra-comfy seamless pair is 110 denier, which is fashion talk for dark-as-night.

Ribbed

Hue Classic Rib Tights with Control Top, $13.50
The minimal texture adds a little something extra to simple outfits.

Matte finish
DKNY Super Opaque control top tights, $15
This pair is a top seller and looks really expensive and glam.

Boot grips
Hanes Silk Reflections Blackout Boot Liner Tights, $10.50
Thick ribbed feet prevent slipping and sliding around in your boots and provide a little extra warmth for your toes. Brilliant!

Sweater tights

Nordstrom Love Sweater Tights, $28
These have great texture and 8% cashmere makes them extra soft.

Ultra-warm
Uniqlo Heat Tech Tights, $12.90
If you're the type who wants to wear skirts and dresses all winter long, these are for you. They create some sort of magic barrier so your legs never get cold. I recommend sizing up.

Fleece-lined
Plush Full-Foot Fleece-lined tights, $35
Incredibly warm and not too bulky, these tights are thick enough to be worn as leggings with a tunic. On frigid days, you'll be so happy to have them around.