The 7 Best Black Tights That We Tested and Didn’t Rip

I think we can all agree on one thing: black tights are a wardrobe staple and an absolute pain. I’ve lost count of how many pairs I’ve destroyed with a single fingernail snag before even leaving the house. It feels like a constant cycle of buying, ripping, and tossing.

So, I went on a mission. I wanted to find the best black tights that actually last. I tested dozens of pairs, from sheer to fully opaque, yanking and stretching them to see which ones could handle real life. I wore them, washed them, and tried my best to destroy them.

These are the seven pairs that survived. They didn’t rip, run, or sag after a full day’s wear. They’re the ones worth your money.

 

 

Our Favorite Rip-Resistant Black Tights

Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights

At $49, these are an investment, but I get the hype. Sheertex uses this wild proprietary material that they claim is ten times stronger than steel. I couldn’t verify that, but I can tell you they didn’t snag or rip no matter what I did.

They have a really smooth feel with just a bit of light compression. The waistband is wide and comfortable, so it doesn’t dig in or roll down. I’ve worn and washed these for ages and they still look brand new.

The Downside: The material is incredibly strong, but it’s not the softest or coziest fabric against the skin.

 

 

Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights

These are my pick for truly opaque coverage, and they cost $46. My biggest pet peeve with “opaque” tights is when they go sheer over my thighs, but these don’t. They stay a solid, matte black even when stretched.

The best part is Commando’s raw-cut waistband. It’s a game-changer. It lies completely flat under clothes and never, ever digs in. They’re super durable and just incredibly comfortable to wear all day.

The Downside: The price is pretty high for a pair of tights.

 

 

Hue Super Opaque Tights with Control Top

For $24, the Hue Super Opaque Tights are a fantastic mid-range option. They have amazing elasticity and a really supportive fit that feels great from my waist all the way to my toes. The fabric is soft and, most importantly, stays put without sagging at the ankles or knees.

I wore these on a long day of walking around and they didn’t budge. We didn’t experience any tearing or snagging during our tests, which is impressive for the price point.

The Downside: The tag says hand wash only, which is always a bit of a hassle.

 

 

Hanes X-Temp Blackout Control Top Tights

You can’t beat the price on these Hanes tights at just $14. If you need serious blackout coverage on a budget, this is it. The material is surprisingly soft and stretchy, and they held up really well in our durability tests.

The control top is comfortable and the waistband stayed up for me without digging. They’re just a solid, reliable pair of opaque tights that perform way better than their price tag suggests.

The Downside: After a really long day of wear, I noticed they started to slip down just a little bit.

 

 

Spanx Tight-End Tights

It’s no surprise that the $38 Spanx tights are great for anyone who loves shapewear. They offer that signature Spanx smoothing and light compression that just makes everything feel tucked in and supported, without feeling restrictive.

They were also very resistant to snags in our testing. I really liked the subtle lift in the rear, and they were comfortable enough to wear all day long without feeling squeezed.

The Downside: These definitely run small. I’d recommend sizing up to get a comfortable fit.

 

 

L’eggs Sheer Energy Control Top Pantyhose

For an everyday sheer option, you honestly can’t beat the $11 price tag on these L’eggs pantyhose. They give you that classic sheer black look with a bit of medium support that feels nice on your legs.

The control top does a decent job of smoothing things out, and they have a good amount of stretch. They held their shape well after washing, too.

The Downside: They’re great for the price, but don’t expect them to have the same iron-clad durability as the premium options.

 

 

No Nonsense Super Opaque Control Top Tights

At $14, this is another awesome budget find. The No Nonsense tights are super opaque and have a really comfortable, stretchy fabric that fits well. The control top gives some nice support without being too tight.

They provide full, even coverage and hold up pretty well for the price. I found them to be a great workhorse pair for daily wear.

The Downside: If you’re really rough on them, you might get a minor run or snag. They aren’t as invincible as the Sheertex.

 

 

What to Look For in a Good Pair of Tights

The biggest factor is durability. The secret is often in the knit. Tights made with stronger fibers or a more complex weave, like the ones from Sheertex, are built to resist snags from the get-go. But even a standard nylon-spandex blend can be tough if it’s well-made.

Then there’s the fit. A good waistband is key. I look for wider, dig-free bands that sit flat. Nothing is worse than a waistband that rolls down or pinches all day. A good pair should also have enough stretch to stay up without sagging at the knees or ankles.

Finally, consider the opacity, which is measured in denier. A lower denier (like 15-30) will be sheer, while a higher denier (50+) will be opaque. I personally prefer a higher denier because they tend to be a bit more durable in general.