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One of the most versatile items for travel are tights which can go with skirts or dresses, and immediately add the finishing touch to any outfit. Find out the best black tights for women that can keep you warm and complete a winter travel wardrobe.
Best Black Tights
Written By: Sydney Woolery
Table Of Contents
While diamonds are a girl’s best friend, tights are a close second. I think I speak for many of us when I say that there are few garments as versatile and essential as a good ol’ pair of tights.
Most women in tights are looking for the best nudes option, but a classic black pair matches well with colorful or printed dresses, and this shade is a tried and true fashion staple.
But, let’s not forget that tights are offered in a variety of styles and fabrics. For example, fleece tights allow that gorgeous sundress you rocked all summer to still easily work in the fall. Patterned tights, such as herringbone, can spice up a spring skirt in an instant.
Whether they’re cable knit, fleece, printed, or simply black, they should be an integral part of every woman’s travel wardrobe, because there are a million different ways to wear them and they can be worn all year.
Looking for essential black tights for your next trip? Here’s what our readers recommend:
Black Fashion Tights to Add to Your Travel Collection
Shop Sizes S-XXL: Amazon | No Nonsense
Best for Budget Travelers: No Nonsense Super Opaque Control-Top
These basic opaque control top tights from No Nonsense are a budget-friendly choice at less than $15.
If you’d rather save your hard-earned pennies for your next trip but still want a pair of womens tights, one TFG reader shares, “I like the basic No Nonsense option. Nice waistband.”
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Shop Sizes 1-5: Amazon | Hue | Macy’s
Best for Any Occasion: Hue Super Opaque Tights
Hue makes very nice black tights (though they also make some of the best nude tights too). If you are in need of opaque tights, readers recommend Hue Super Opaque Tights.
Though they are inexpensive one TFG reader feels price does not diminish their quality and feels “Hue makes the best tights,” while a second adds that Hue tights “last forever.”
Readers love how comfortable they are, one calling Hue her favorite brand. We’re apt to agree!
You can also wear this under convertible travel dresses!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: L.L.Bean
Best for Cold Destinations: L.L.Bean Primaloft Fleece Lined Tights
If you’re traveling to a colder destination then some cozy tights are most definitely in order and this L.L.Bean Primaloft tights is a perfect choice.
One wearer shares her experience. “I absolutely love these pants! They fit perfectly and are so warm. This is the third pair that I have bought. The pockets are a great addition. I highly recommend them.”
The verdict: Warm tights are a must-have for fall or winter travel destinations!
This should always be included when packing for cold or warm weather travel!
Shop for Sizes S-2X: Target
Best for Versatility: Target A New Day Opaque Tights
Another awesome choice is the 50D opaque tights from Target. This black tights will easily coordinate with any outfit and has a sheer construction gives you the perfect amount of coverage.
One wearer says, “I love these. They look great and very elegant to wear with winter dresses.” Another one adds, Excellent quality and smooth fit. This is the IT color of the season and seems to go with everything!”
If you want to hand-wash your delicates when traveling, check out this post!
Shop Sizes A-E: Nordstrom
Best for Long Flights: Spanx Luxe Leg Compression
Spanx is a great brand for those of us looking for a little tummy control, and TFG readers highly recommend Spanx Luxe Leg Compression tights.
Made from a mixture of cotton, nylon, and spandex, these could help leg swelling during lengthy flights and create clean silhouettes for your travel wardrobe. They come in four pretty colors: nightcap navy, very black, bittersweet, and charcoal.
One reader shares, “Spanx are the best… hands down.” While another says she absolutely adores them and feels they are worth every penny because they last years!
Shop Sizes 1-5: Kohl’s
Best for Tummy Control: Simply Vera Vera Wang Control Top Tights
If you’re looking for a soft pair of women’s tights, give a pair of Simply Vera Vera Wang tights a try.
One weader swears by them saying, “These are the third and fourth pair of Vera Wang tights I have purchased. Hands down the best quality tights. Ever! And true to the size guide!”
In addition to their black tights, they also have a few other color choices including a neutral and colored tights. And the 3-in comfort waistband provides all-day comfort and provides smooth, sleek coverage.
Shop XS-XL: Zappos
Best for Quality and Comfort: Wolford Velvet Lux 66 Tights
Worth every penny, TFG readers declare Wolford Velvet De Luxe tights are on the slightly more expensive end of the scale but they’re well worth the price.
One TFG reader shares, “They are the most comfortable tights I’ve ever worn! They are expensive, but they hold up incredibly well and have survived being washed in the washer and hung to dry without any problems. The waistband doesn’t roll at all—I wore them on my nine-hour flight from the U.S. to Venice and was super comfy!”
Despite the steeper price, TFG readers admit to purchasing multiple pairs to wear during their travels. If you’re looking for long-lasting quality, a nice fit, and are willing to spend a little bit more, one reader has some advice for you, “Wolford is the absolute best.”
Shop Sizes A-E: Spanx
Best for Business Travel: SPANXshape Tights
If you do a lot of business travel or just like to look professional and put-together on your trips, Spanx’s high-waisted tights are amazing. They have medium compression for a shaping effect, but are said to be extremely comfortable, even for long-term wear!
One wearer shares, “These tights feel amazing! The fabric isn’t too thin or too thick and feels very soft. And the best part is that they don’t roll down at the waist.”
Don’t forget to include these when you’re packing for a business trip!
Shop Sizes XS-L: J.Crew
Best for Long-Lasting Wear: J.Crew Control Top Opaque Tights
These budget-friendly opaque tights are another TFG reader favorite. They’re under $25, machine washable, and have the rich color wearers are looking for.
One TFG reader shares, “J.Crew has been wonderful. They don’t stretch or sag, the top doesn’t roll down, and they fit great.”
Shop Sizes XS-3XL: H&M
Best for Durability: H&M Denier Control-Top
Not all of us are itching to spend almost $100 on a pair but still want decent quality. For those more economic focused travelers, H&M makes superb control top tights.
TFG readers vouch for their quality, one says these have a “wide flat comfy waistband and they last ages.” While another reader shares, “They are quite opaque, very durable, and very comfortable. They seriously last for years and they’re quite cheap.”
Hot tip: if you spot a buy 2 get one free sale anytime soon, it might be wise to stock up for the winter!
How to Wear Your Tights
Long Sleeve | Sweater | Crossbody | Skirt | Cable Knit Tights | Earrings | Bootie
Cable Knit Tights
Cable knit tights are some of the coziest styles out there. It’s basically like a sweater for your legs, possessing a look and feel that’s both insanely cozy and “oh so” cute. These sweater tights come in three pretty colors, including black, charcoal and ivory.
Ankle boots, in particular, tend to pair well with gray cable knit tights. Finish it off with a denim skirt and a cream-colored sweater to achieve a perfectly chic look.
These are the best ankle boots to travel from autumn to spring!
Trench Coat | Boat Neck Dress | Merino Wool Tights | Waterproof Bootie | Earrings | Mini Crossbody
Merino Wool Tights
If tights are going to be a large part of your travel wardrobe, then definitely get yourself a pair of merino wool. Regardless of if you’re going to a warm, sunny climate or the frigid Arctic, merino wool is one of the best travel fabrics.
It keeps you warm when temperatures drop but it’s lightweight and moisture-resistant, meaning sweat won’t be an issue. Its odor-resistant technology allows you to re-wear it several times before washing, which is convenient if you have a busy travel schedule.
Now, think of all these magnificent qualities incorporated into a useful pair of tights—pretty great, huh?
Merino wool tights are a must-have when it comes to functional travel fashion. Pair them with a knit dress, a packable raincoat, and waterproof boots for a look that can work in both warm and cold regions.
Want more tips on keeping warm? Check out the best merino wool clothing for travel!
Dress | Necklace | Sunglasses | Crossbody | Boots | Sweater | Tights
Fleece Tights
Just like cable knit, fleece is also a warm and comfy option. While cable knit tights are made of a chunkier fabric and have a distinct pattern, fleece looks like regular ones and often comes in standard shades like black and gray.
Fleece is a fantastic option for when you want to wear regular tights but with the warmth of a specialty fabric. Pair these garments with a breezy sundress and a cozy cardigan to have the ability to remove layers as temperatures rise.
If you’re more in a shorts mood, throw on a pair of oxfords, tie-waist shorts, and a tucked-in sweater to give your look a charming, boyish flare.
Fleece is also an affordable fabric for the cold. These are a reader favorite!
Coat | Crossbody | Turtleneck | Tights | Skirt | Boot | Bracelet
Printed Tights
If you’re looking to rock a more extravagant style, then printed tights are the way to go. There are a lot of styles to choose from, ranging from herringbone to polka dot to hearts or even plaid!
The main rule to follow when wearing funky tights is to keep the rest of your ensemble simple. View these as statement pieces. Make sure that the garments you pair with them complement the look rather than make it too busy.
Jacket | Dress | Lipstick | Earrings | Bootie | Handbag | Tights
Plaid patterned tights add East Coast flair to any outfit they’re paired with, but they’re also incredibly bold. Balance it out with simple, solid-toned pieces.
A moss-green circle skirt and cognac knee-high boots pair perfectly with herringbone as they give your outfit a perfect pop of the tights’ stylish pattern.
Jacket | Scarf | Dress | Earrings | Crossbody | Tights | Boot
Polka dot and heart patterned tights tend to look best when they have a slight sheer to them. However, this also means that they won’t do much in terms of insulation.
If you want to keep warm while rocking these thinner garments, throw on a pair of knee-high boots, a knit dress, a packable jacket, and a scarf.
Cardigan | Tights | Dress | Earrings | Bootie | Crossbody
Colored Tights
Don’t be afraid to be daring now and then! If you’re looking to make an impact with your look, colored tights for women will definitely do it for you.
If the thought of wearing such vividly hued garments is a bit daunting at first, start with subtle neutral shades such as deep burgundy, navy, or dark green tights. You could alternatively subdue the look with neutral lace tights.
Sweater | Skirt | Tights | Scarf | Boots | Satchel
These shades aren’t as bright as, say, a full-on red or yellow pair of tights, but they still add an extra level of impact that standard colored tights don’t convey. Start by pairing these with neutral shades such as black and white tights and eventually work your way up to the color level you’re comfortable with.
And if you’re really looking to go big, combine colorful tights with colored garments, such as a pair of burgundy tights with a mustard top or a pair of red tights with a printed blue dress.
Prefer something more subdued? Opt for neutral colors like these!
Tight Alternative: Leggings
Down Jacket | Long Tee | Leggings | Crossbody | Scarf | Rain Boot
Lastly, how could we forget leggings? On those inevitable lazy days when you want to throw on the coziest thing you own but also want to look put together, leggings are the way to go.
Zella’s “Live In” leggings have been a reader favorite for a while now and are especially great for travel.
They provide a similar appearance to tights but work in a more diverse range of environments, such as hiking, exploring ancient ruins, or simply running from one airport gate to the next.
Whatever your travel plans, leggings are more often than not a great functional option to have around. Pair them with flat ankle boots, a long t-shirt, and a lightweight jacket for a stylishly undone appearance.
These are the best travel leggings according to our readers!
How Editor-In-Chief Alex Rocks Cute Tights and Leggings
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Tights
The perfect way to stay warm and create a fresh outfit is by packing tights for your next fall or winter vacation. If you’re going on a seven-day trip, pack one pair, but if your trip is longer like two weeks, then bring two pairs for different looks or variant warmth coverage. Then, use packing cubes to save space in your suitcase.
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13″ x 5″ x 2.8″, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8″ x 13″ x 8.5″. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase and can help you organize and compress clothing items. The medium sizes is great for bulkier items.
If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
We put together a post and a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What do you think are the best black tights for women? Share in the comments!
For more tips on travel fashion, please read:
- How to Wear One Dress, Many Ways
- Best Leggings for Women that Travel
- The Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Beat the Winter Frost with the Best Women’s Waterproof Boots
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Author Bio: Sydney Woolery is a recent UCLA graduate who loves a good adventure as much as she does a fabulous dress. Check out her fashion blog at www.tokyoglitter.com and follow her visual escapades on Instagram – @tokyoglitter.
I tried fleece tights and way prefer merino wool or cable knit for warmth. Fleece is kind of warm but the only ones I was able to find were acrylic, which doesn’t breathe, which made any foot sweat just hang out and cause stinky tights in just a wear or two. Kinda gross.
Can’t beat merino – we love it!
I always feel more put together when my outfit involves tights. I think I’ll pack at least one pair on my next trip!
Great idea Rebecca 🙂
I am loving my M. Rena leggings – the “tummy tuck” feature is great, and they’re made in the USA.
Thanks for the tip Sarah!