The best opaque tights
November 9th, 2007Semi-opaque tights are easy to find and most brands will do the trick. A fab pair of plain black opaque tights, on the other hand, are a little harder to find. Few brands seem to have the thickness and the perfectly matte look that I’m after. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:
- Nordstrom Opaque Control Tops ($10)
- Spanx Tight-end Tights ($24)
I used to enjoy DKNY opaque tights, but this season they seem thinner than before. If you’re leg shy about wearing an above the knee skirt or dress, you’ll want opaque’s that are as substantial as a pair of skinny pants. And you’ll get even better coverage if you go up a size and wear a second pair.
Thick dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering up and staying warm in a short party dress when it’s freezing outside.
Thick, silky, matte opaque’s paired perfectly with party dresses.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Thanks for the info! I’ve tried black tights but they’ve always been too sheer which looks ridiculous on me as my white knees show through.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:25 am
thanks for these recommendations. i agree that it is hard to find nice soft, matte, opaque tights. last year I had good luck with Wolford Velvet Deluxe Stay-Up Thigh Highs. They are thick, velvety soft, and very opaque, and I find them much more comfortable to wear than control tops, which only seem to create lines at lumps at my waist instead of actually smoothing or slimming anything.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:12 am
I recently read a magazine article that also recommended both of those brands and went and tried the Nordstrom brand. I guess I forgot to look to make sure they were matte finish and ended up with nice opaque, but shiny tights. Bummer.
This is a little much for most, but Marks and Spencer carries my favorite black tights in the whole world. They are inexpensive, 60 Denier, and matte. I just wash them in the washing machine and hang dry. So if you make it to London, pick up a bunch (I always send my traveling clients there to buy some for themselves — and me).
http://www.marksandspencer.com.....Brand=core
November 9th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Lovely tip. You’ll find M&S in most ex-British colonies and some of Europe, so if you’re in that neighbourhood soon, chances are high that they’ll have opaques too.
I quite like shiny opaques myself…….I suppose that appeals to my glitzy side. Hope you get the opaques that you love soon Meredith!
November 9th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Angie, I wonder what your thoughts are on black opaque tights versus a patterned or colourful tight for pear-shaped girls with heavier legs. Should we stick to solid black? I love the look of patterned and colourful tights (especially the blue ones that I’m seeing in stores this autumn), but I’m not sure I can pull it off. Are they best left to the girls with skinny legs?
November 9th, 2007 at 11:49 am
No at all Lannie. You’ll be able to wear hose of your choice tastefully despite your body type. It’s not about the hose when you are pear-shaped….its’ about the right clothing and shoes. Hose are a mere complement to the ensemble. The same thinking applies to leggings (blogged about this a while ago). Black hose is going to look awful on any pear-shape if they’re in the wrong clothing silhouettes to begin with. It’s a little hard for me to generalize about this topic, but I want to encourage you to try those stockings that you fancy…and wear them with the correct clothing. Make sure that your eyes are drawn to “going up and down” and not across and you’ll start getting a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
My favorite opaque tights are Spanx Two Timin’ Tights. I’ve had the black/brown for a couple of years and they are now near the end of their lifespan, so I’d really like a pair of the black/grey. I’ve worn them a lot, and find them both comfy and stylish.
November 10th, 2007 at 11:51 am
These are fully opaque, soft, and offer wonderful support, too. Also, they’re WARM and winter is coming on [writing from the Upper Midwest].
They look expensive, but are bullet-proof. I have 5 pair that have survived a year being worn in rotation 5-6 days a week. That’s LT $0.75/wearing!
http://www.footsmart.com/P-SS-.....60405.aspx
November 13th, 2007 at 9:52 am
i have a huge collection of tights, and my favorite black opaque tights are hue brand cotton/microfiber control top. the waistband never rolls or digs in, and the tights are very opaque.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Good to know Erin. I tried this brand again this year and they weren’t quite thick enough for the look that I wanted, but I never leave a stone unturned and look forward to trying Hue opaques again.
November 14th, 2007 at 7:29 am
any suggestions for tights in interesting colors/textures? eg
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/.....=520613002
old navy does’t sell the tights, unfortunately.
November 26th, 2007 at 12:22 am
Very nice site you have here, I will def be back for updates! I haven’t tried that look yet and probably still won’t but it looks great on others. =P
November 26th, 2007 at 8:36 am
[…] fully sequined dresses can be matched with opaque tights, sheer hose or no hose at all. You’ll find that most of the necklines of these dresses are quite […]
November 26th, 2007 at 8:40 am
[…] fully sequined dresses can be matched with opaque tights, sheer hose or no hose at all. You’ll find that most of the necklines of these dresses are quite […]
December 7th, 2007 at 6:32 am
Whar shoes should I wear with opaque tights and a cocktail dress? Can I wear a peep toe or does it have to be a closed toe pump? Love your site!!
December 7th, 2007 at 8:20 am
[…] opaques are all the rage this season, but sheer black hose can often look more flattering. There is […]
September 14th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Ive been dying to buy some opaque tights for over 6 months already, I checked in Wolford.com, but since I live in Puerto Rico, its pretty hard to get them to ship them to me. I was wondering if any of you girls know if I can get them at a Macys store or ANY store please!