As the cold days continue and our love of mini skirts only grows, it's time to turn to tights to ease the difficulties of autumn and winter dressing. However, is it just us, or are 'the perfect tights' near-impossible to find? From saggy crotches (we're sorry, but it's true), to snags abundant, hosiery is a tricky thing to get right.
Thankfully, we've collated the ELLE UK team's personal favourites: be it a high-street pair from M&S for the long-legged, or a sheer Prada pair for the luxury-minded, here are the 9 best tights according to, well, us.
'I like Wolford because the quality feels superior to any of the other tights out there. I also trust them - when I wear Wolford I don't worry about ladders; they're velvety smooth when on and feel just a cut above the rest. This is the tights luxury I'd buy any day.' - Chloe Ridley, Bookings Director
'Finding a pair of stretchy sheer tights that won't ladder when you take them out of the packaging is no small feat, which is why we highly rate these Prada high-rise tights. Yes, they don't come cheap, but top quality products rarely do. Invest in these and you'll be wearing them throughout the cold seasons and beyond.' - Katie O'Malley, Deputy Digital Editor
'I avoid tights as much as possible but the M&S 100+ denier ones (I think they go up to 180 which are basically leggings) are great for wearing under jeans or ski trousers to keep you warm. My top tip: always size up.' - Jennifer George, Beauty Editor
'I love the high-waistband of 'The Eighty' by Heist – the extra layer over your core is warm for winter, and miraculously, I haven’t laddered a single pair yet!' - Clementina Jackson, Acting Digital Fashion Editor
'With a 30-day return policy if they rip, Sheertex has full confidence in the durability of their tights. I love this micro dot sheer rip-resist design as it has a reinforced toe (so long, holes at the big toe!) and it's sheer from the waistband to the toes. For London-based shoppers, Sheertex is hosting a pop-up store on Carnaby Street from Friday February 10 to Sunday February 26, 2023, so if you're in the market for tights, we'll see you there!' - Katie O'Malley, Deputy Digital Editor
'Not only does The Pantry Underwear stock the most delightful underwear, it's got your winter tights from Swedish Stockings sorted as well. The best bit? They're eco-friendly. Yep, we're talking about recycled tights here people, but not in a gross way. Using nilit® ecocare recycled yarn, these super comfy tights care for your tummy (no angry red marks here) and the planet. I'll be stocking up on the sheer black polka dot pair to wear with chunky loafers and a mini skirt.' - George Driver, Senior Digital Beauty Editor
'If you're going to go for a patterned pair of tights, go big with these monogrammed Guccis. They'll add a fabulous touch of high fashion to any look.' - Clementina Jackson, Acting Digital Fashion Editor
'For someone who is prone to snagging and catching clothes, M&S’ ladder resistant tights have fared me well. And I love that there’s three pairs in one pack - a couple spare for if I do manage to ladder a pair, or more likely, leave them at the gym.' - Amy Brewster, Head of Social Media
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9
Calzedonia 80-Denier Super Opaque Total Shaper Tights
'I'm a huge fan of high denier tights that are durable, seamless and go with everything, from styling up a leather skirt or adding some much-needed warmth to a trans-seasonal dress. These opaque tights from Calzedonia are my go-to design in winter (the thick waistband also adds some much-needed support after a heavy meal!)' - Katie O'Malley, Deputy Digital Editor