Move Over, Black Tights—the Chicest People I Know Are Wearing This Expensive-Looking Shade Instead

As I’ve gotten older and gained a better understanding of what defines being “chic,” I’ve realized that style lives in the details. The smallest, most underrated choices are what separate an outfit from one that’s stylish to one that looks effortless and expensive. A perfect example is something most people barely think twice about: the color of sheer tights.

For years, black tights have been the default. Fail-safe, classic, unquestioned. But if you pay attention to those whose outfits always look instantly right, you’ll notice a quiet shift. Sheer brown tights are replacing black ones, and once you see the difference, it’s impossible to unsee it. Brown tights read more naturally against many skin tones, creating a seamless, elongating effect that feels polished rather than heavy.

I first noticed this change last winter after watching content creators on my social feeds talk about brown sheer tights and show how they look on the body compared with black ones. I made the switch almost immediately, slowly replacing every pair of black tights in my wardrobe with brown ones. I wore them with miniskirts, little black dresses, and long wool or leather coats that I’ve worn as dresses, and I haven’t looked back since.

After testing well over 20 pairs from brands like Calzedonia, Commando, Wolford, Hanes, and more, I can confidently say I’m an expert in sheer brown tights. I’ve influenced a few of my friends and family members, and they continue to thank me. I could easily write a dissertation on why brown tights look sleeker and photograph better, but it’s the kind of thing that you have to see to believe.

With that said, keep scrolling to discover the sheer brown tights I’ve tested, styled, and truly loved over the years. And one more thing: If I can influence you or teach you something else today, it’s that the secret to keeping your tights from ripping is spraying them with hair spray. So ahead, you’ll find a few different hair sprays to shop while you get yourself a new pair of tights.

The Difference Between Sheer Brown Tights and Sheer Black Tights

Shop the Best Brown Tights, Tested and Reviewed

Commando The Essential Sheer Tights

Size range: S-XL

Sizing tip: If between sizes, size up

Material: 73% nylon, 27% elastane

Testing review: Starting with one of my favorite sheer tights, Commando’s The Essential Sheer Tights. There’s so much to love about this pair. For starters, the waistband uses the same raw-cut, dig-free material as the brand’s tried-and-true underwear and thongs, so it’s soft on the skin, not restrictive, and doesn’t show lines under tight-fitting dresses or skirts. I also love how the yarn isn’t as porous as other sheer tights, creating a smoother, airbrush-like effect on the legs. In terms of color, the brand’s brown, also called espresso, reads a bit more terra-cotta than a true chocolate brown. It’s not the same color as the waistband, but it still looks sleek on the body.

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Calzedonia Sheer Essential Tights

Size range: XS-L

Sizing tip: Runs true to size

Material: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane

Testing review: Whenever someone asks me where to find the best tights, I always point them to Calezdonia. The hosiery brand offers a wealth of options for all body types and tastes, and its products are well-priced and durable. The Sheer Essential style is one of the brand’s classic pairs, available in 8, 20, or 40 deniers. I always choose the 20 because they’re the perfect level of sheerness. These everyday tights feature a wide, comfortable waistband that offers light support. My favorite part is that they don’t have the thicker, darker fabric around the thighs or toe area, so you can wear them with miniskirts or shorts and open-toe shoes.

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Hanes Silk Reflections Control Top Tights

Size range: A/B-I/J

Sizing tip: Run small

Material: Panty: 84% Nylon, 16% spandex; Leg: 85% nylon, 15% spandex

Testing review: Whoever says you can’t find a great pair of sheer tights on Amazon is wrong. Hanes’s Silk Reflections Pantyhose are a great option. I learned about them after an influencer posted about them on Instagram, and at just $12, they made me think, “Why not give them a try?” They feature a “control top” that extends from the mid-waist to the upper thighs and a reinforced toe to help prevent runs. The only caveat is that they run small, and the slightly compressive fabric makes them challenging to put on. I’d suggest rolling them up and then starting at the feet and pulling up slowly. Once they’re on, though, they’re great for an evening out.

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Wolford Individual 20 Tights

Size range: XS-L

Sizing tip: Runs true to size

Material: 79% nylon, 21% elastane

Testing review: Wolford is known as one of the most reliable brands for tights, thanks to its durability and clean look. That’s true. However, the brand’s pantyhose come at a pretty price, so since they’re an investment, let me give you the down-low. The two most popular sheer styles from the brand are the Satin Touch Tights and the Individual Tights. The main difference is that the Satin Touch Tights have a shimmer, while the Individual Tights don’t. I prefer a more matte finish, which is why I bought the Individual Tights. This style comes in 10- and 20-denier, which means they’re pretty sheer and delicate. The double-entwined elastane stretches with every movement and helps prevent runs or tears; however, you do have to be gentle when putting them on and taking them off. My one con is that the waistband is thinner than on other tights, so it can dig into the skin.

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Calzedonia Sheer Control Top Tights

Size range: S-L

Sizing tip: Runs true to size

Material: 85% polyamide, 13% elastane, 2% cotton

Testing review: The Calzedonia Sheer Control Top Sculpt Tights are ideal for those seeking a shaping effect. They are designed to sculpt the body with a thick waistband that cinches and smoothes, complemented by compression throughout the legs. Select the 15-denier for a very sheer appearance or the 30-denier for a standard sheer look.

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Shop More Brown Tights

Shop the Best Hair Spray for Tights

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