Cora Harrington, author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie (formerly known as the Lingerie Addict) explains that the standard stretch percentages of 10, 15, or 20 “will all feel very differently to the leg, and it’s impossible to say which is ‘best’ for any one person.” For that reason, I didn’t consider the amount of stretch as its own criterion instead, I asked tights obsessives to describe how their favorite pairs feel as much as possible. And on the subject of fit, since tights are meant to stretch, you might consider how much stretch (specifically elastane) a pair has. Still, because tights tend to come in combination sizes like S/M andM/L - and brands often have their own size charts based on different heights and weights - you’ll want to read sizing info carefully to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your body. If you’re a regular Strategist reader, you know that size-inclusiveness is one of our top priorities - so I wanted to feature tights that come in a wide range of sizes.

(There’s only so much a dab of clear nail polish can do.) Read on for their favorites, from an “ indestructible” Instagram sensation to a layerable pair made by an Italian company that also happens to be in the lingerie business. But there was agreement on one thing: It’s worth it to spend a little more up front on tights that won’t snag at the mere sight of an unfiled nail, rather than buying cheaper drugstore pairs that are basically disposable. Some like their tights super-sleek and opaque (as sheerer pantyhose might feel too much like grandma’s hosiery) while others favor playful pois styles. Warhol muse Edie Sedgwick was famously photographed in hers, with Life Magazine observing that she was “doing more for black tights than anyone since Hamlet.” Now they’re as standard as the white sock - though in talking to tights-obsessives, it became obvious to me how many opinions there are about the “right” black tights. Tights were once considered revolutionary, when showing off your legs was scandalous.

Black tights, flats, and work outfit