Top 9 Cozy Tights Available for Online Purchase

Tights are a must-have for chilly weather, though they often fall short in providing warmth. To address this, we searched for the coziest and most fashionable tights that truly deliver warmth, assessing factors like fabric, thickness, sizing, and color variety.

Our favorites feature not only classic tights but also merino wool, cashmere, and fleece-lined choices to suit every taste and budget. We also consulted a stylist for her top winter tights recommendations and expert tips on selecting the perfect pair.

Our Top Picks

Top Choice

The name might seem unusual, but Snag tights are truly exceptional. Renowned for their inclusive sizing and diverse styles and colors, the brand makes hosiery shopping simpler and enjoyable. The Super Opaque Tights, with a 120 denier, offer a thicker, warmer alternative to standard tights. Ideal for those who prefer classic tights over wool or fleece-lined options, they feature a bra-line fit to prevent rolling.

These tights, like all Snag products, are a great deal. You can save more with mix-and-match discounts, making it easy to stock up on colors like burgundy, chocolate, and plum. For a different option, Snag also offers budget-friendly Merino wool tights.

Material: 92% polyamide, 7% elastane, 1% cotton | Denier: 120 | Size Range: A/B-G (2-34)

Top Budget Pick

For affordable warm tights, consider the 120D Blackout Tights from Target’s A New Day line. Like our top pick, these tights are 120 denier, offering full opacity and sufficient thickness to keep your legs cozy in chilly weather.

However, earlier versions of these tights had more spandex, making them less stretchy than before. They also come in only black and white, limiting style choices, and Target suggests hand washing instead of machine washing. Despite this, they’re an excellent budget-friendly option, and you can try them risk-free thanks to Target’s generous 365-day return policy.

Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex | Denier: 120 | Size Range: S/M-1X/2X

Luxury Cashmere Choice

Wool tights are favored for their warmth and softness, with cashmere tights being the epitome of luxury—though often costly. These Calzedonia tights, made from a modal and cashmere blend, offer a more affordable alternative to pure cashmere.

Modal provides a silky, smooth texture and excellent breathability, while cashmere adds a cozy warmth without causing overheating. Together, they create tights that are incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable without being overly hot.

Material: 60% modal, 29% polyamide, 8% cashmere, 3% elastane | Denier: N/A | Size Range: XS/S-XL

Top Merino Pick

Merino wool, like cashmere, is exceptionally soft and provides lightweight, cozy warmth. Falke’s Softmerino Tights are a premium choice, highly recommended by fashion stylist Tara West, the founder of Tara West Fashion.

These tights stand out with their wool exterior and cotton interior, ideal for those who prefer the warmth of wool without its texture. They have a slightly sheer appearance and are available in various colors, including unique shades like cinnamon and forest green.

Material: 57% wool, 23% cotton, 18% polyamide, 2% elastane | Denier: N/A | Size Range: S-XL

Top Shapewear Choice

Spanx delivers yet again with these thermal shapewear tights. The SpanxShape Core Plush Tights, endorsed by West, feature medium compression and a tummy-smoothing waistband for a flattering fit.

The plush-lined interior and opaque design provide warmth, ensuring you stay cozy and supported throughout winter. Make sure to verify your size—Spanx uses an alphabetical sizing system, but a helpful chart is available to guide you. For a knit alternative, Spanx also offers ribbed knit tights with medium compression.

Material: 50% nylon, 40% polyester, 10% elastane | Denier: N/A | Size Range: A-E

Additional Stylish Tights We Recommend

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation is the Snag Super Opaque Tights, boasting a 120 denier to effectively block cold air. These fully opaque tights are available in a variety of colors and sizes, making them ideal for those who prefer traditional hosiery over wool or sweater styles. For a more affordable option, we also suggest the A New Day 120D Blackout Tights, known for their complete opacity and thickness, perfect for keeping legs warm in chilly weather.

Expert Tips for Buying Warm Tights

Material

Tights are usually crafted from synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyamide, blended with elastane or spandex for stretch. While these materials aren’t inherently warm, tights with a higher denier (explained below) feature a denser, thicker weave that traps heat more effectively. Some tights include a fleece lining for added coziness, though they may feel overly thick and warm, particularly indoors.

Natural fabrics are an excellent choice. “Wool, silk, and fine merino possess natural insulating properties, offering a breathable and cozy warmth,” says West. Wool tights, whether cashmere or merino, are incredibly soft and lightweight, delivering warmth without added bulk. They also exude a luxurious appearance, often accompanied by a higher price tag.

Denier

Denier measures fiber density and helps determine the thickness of tights. Higher denier tights are thicker and more opaque, while lower denier options are sheerer. For warm tights, a higher denier is preferable: “Choose a denier above 50 for opacity and thickness, ensuring maximum warmth,” advises West. Both our top pick and budget pick feature a 120 denier.

Common Questions

Can tights be machine washed?

Most tights can be machine washed, but always check the care label first. Even if machine washing is allowed, hand-washing will extend their lifespan.

“Wash them individually in cold water and air-dry to maximize their durability,” suggests West. “Alternatively, use a laundry bag and wash them on the delicate cycle. Always air-dry and keep them away from zippers or rough surfaces to avoid snags.”

How can you avoid ripping tights?

To prevent rips, ensure you purchase the correct size. Tights that are too small are more prone to tearing due to excessive stretching. When washing, separate them from other clothing, especially items with zippers or clasps, by using a delicates bag.

Can tights be warmer than thermals?

In short: It varies. Thermals are generally thicker than most tights, even those with a high denier, giving them an edge. Thermals are specifically designed for heat retention, whereas tights prioritize style over functionality. However, wool-rich tights can be exceptionally warm, despite being lightweight, and may serve as an alternative to thermals.

Trust Our Expertise

This piece was authored by Nicole Lund, a seasoned writer and editor who previously served as the shopping editorial director at Mytour and Southern Living. With over six years of experience in product research and testing, including fashion, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work.

For this article, she spent hours researching the qualities that make tights ideal for winter, focusing on materials, thickness, size, and color options. She also consulted Tara West, a stylist and founder of Tara West Fashion, for professional insights on selecting warm tights.