In the wintertime, reluctant to let my favorite skirts and dresses languish for months, black tights are my saving grace. And yet, pulling out the same pair of plain Sheertexes can feel a bit drab after a while, more a functional solution than a stylistic choice. This year, I found myself yearning to branch out into fun tights — think glittery accents, zany prints, or a splash of color. Below, I’ve rounded up all the fun, fabulous tights that have caught my eye, from leopard spots at Calzedonia to Italian baroque at Wolford. Whether you prefer a floral motif or a deep jewel tone, they’re sure to brighten up your wardrobe — and your mood.
Italian hosiery brand Calzedonia would be my first stop for patterned tights that are still subtle and sophisticated. There are plenty of classic designs like flocked dots and crisscrossed diamonds, but I’m especially charmed by the intricate macramé effect of these lacy fishnets.
Leopard print is undeniably in the Zeitgeist right now. I’ve been wearing these sheer spotted tights to add some spice to Friday date nights.
If big cats aren’t really your jam but you still want to get a little wild, consider these zebra-striped tights from Swedish Stockings.
These Les Belles rose-printed tights come with a cute thong appliqué — a nod to Hanky Panky’s best-selling signature thong.
These Free People tights look as if they’ve been stitched together from old-fashioned ribbons found at a trimming store in the Garment District.
If patterns are a bit much for you and you just want a cheerful pop of color, you can’t go wrong with Los Angeles Apparel’s rainbow of jewel-toned options, from forest green to magenta to royal blue.
For a slightly sheerer hue, Strategist writer Lauren Ro recommends these turquoise Jule Dancewear tights, which she initially bought to re-create an image from the Miu Miu x Church’s collaboration. (She liked them so much she also ended up getting another pair in amethyst purple.)
Or if you want to go full neon, Heist Studios’s herringbone tights come in eye-popping shades like lemon yellow, turquoise, and coral.
These DAL 1992 stockings come in a lovely monogrammed checkerboard pattern reminiscent of a chocolate box. There are several pretty colors, including pale mint, powder blue, and these scarlet ones.
Forget nameplate necklaces. Artist Keely Murphy will personally hand-paint your name on these tights in large, swoopy script.
Now we’re moving into full-on statement-tights territory, for times when you want your legs to be the center of attention. Tabbi Socks’s Museum Collection is full of tights printed with floral-tapestry patterns you might find in the archives of the Met.
These bandaid-adorned Ashley Williams tights would be perfect for someone who’s maybe a little bit clumsy.
This collaboration between Wolford and Etro draws inspiration from the Italian fashion brand’s iconic paisley prints.
I can’t think of anything that screams “it’s almost spring” more than a bouquet of daisies in pastel pink and lavender.
All the tights from Dallas-based brand Legssss are hand-dyed and made-to-order. I love the look of these abstract roses, which have an almost airbrushed quality to them.
Lauren Perrin’s high-impact, two-toned tights would fit right in at a commedia dell’arte convention.
The cascade of buttons on these Tropic Eye tights evoke strong nostalgic feelings in me — I suspect they remind me of the I Spy picture books I devoured as a kid.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
