6 Types of Black Tights for Women (and How to Style Them)

Few pieces are as timeless—and as versatile—as a pair of black tights. They’re sleek and easy to style with just about anything in your closet. But not all black tights are created equal. Some are sheer and sophisticated, others are opaque and cozy, and the best pairs go beyond coverage to offer smoothing support too.

At SPANX, we believe tights should do more than finish an outfit—they should help you feel confident in it. That’s why our collection of women’s black tights includes everything from sheer to patterned styles, each with built-in shaping details that keep you comfortable and polished.

Ahead, we’re breaking down six types of black tights and how to wear them.

Opaque Black Tights

For maximum coverage and a sleek, streamlined finish, nothing beats opaque black tights. The SPANXshape Tights are a closet essential: they smooth through your tummy, hips, and thighs with medium compression while giving you a matte, opaque finish. The dig-free waistband stays put, so you won’t be tugging them up throughout the day.

How to Style Them: Pair with sweater dresses and ankle boots in cooler months, or wear under skirts and blazers for a polished office look. Opaque tights are also great for making shorter hemlines feel more wearable.

Sheer Black Tights

Sheer tights add polish without bulk, making them ideal for year-round wear. The SPANXshape Mid-Thigh Sheers are classic sheer tights with a hidden twist: medium compression panels that smooth your midsection and thighs. They’re lightweight, breathable, and perfect for days when you want coverage that still looks delicate.

How to Style Them: Ideal with pencil skirts, shift dresses, and tailored coats. Sheer black tights add a subtle layer of refinement to formal looks, and they’re the finishing touch for an LBD at a cocktail party.

High-Waisted Black Tights

When you want extra coverage and shaping, high-waisted styles have you covered—literally. The SPANXshape High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Tight-End Tights extend smoothing power all the way up to your ribcage. They shape your tummy, waist, and hips with medium compression while still feeling comfortable enough for all-day wear.

How to Style Them: Great under bodycon dresses, fitted skirts, or any outfit where you want a completely seamless look. The high-waist design also helps eliminate lines at your midsection, so clothes lie flat.

Footless Black Tights

Part hosiery, part leggings—footless tights give you shaping and coverage with a little more styling flexibility. The SPANXshape Footless Sheers smooth through your tummy and hips with medium compression, while the footless cut makes them easy to wear with sandals, peep-toe shoes, or even ballet flats.

How to Style Them: Perfect with tunics, long sweaters, or dresses when you want coverage without a traditional tight. Pair with tall boots in winter, or with flats in warmer weather.

Patterned Black Tights

For days when you want your tights to be the statement piece, patterned styles add instant personality. The SPANXshape Leopard Fishnet Stockings combine playful fishnet patterning with shaping support through the midsection. They’re bold, stylish, and functional all at once.

How to Style Them: Let them take center stage by pairing with a simple black dress or skirt. Add heels for a night out, or loafers and a structured blazer for an edgy office look.

Knit Black Tights

Knit tights are the coziest option of the bunch. The SPANXshape Rib Knit Shorty Tights bring together the warmth of a ribbed knit with the shaping benefits of SPANX. They feature medium compression for a smooth silhouette, plus a soft, cozy texture that feels like loungewear disguised as polished hosiery.

How to Style Them: Wear under sweater dresses, long skirts, or layered with oversized knits when the temperatures drop. They’re the tights you’ll want for crisp fall mornings and winter evenings out.

SPANX Is Your Source for the Best Black Tights

The right pair of black tights can completely transform an outfit, giving you confidence, coverage, and comfort in one sleek package. But the real magic happens when your tights also smooth, shape, and stay put. That’s where SPANX comes in.

With thoughtful details like seamless waistbands, breathable fabrics, and medium compression panels, SPANX tights don’t just finish your look—they enhance it. Whether you’re dressing for a big meeting, a night out, or a cozy weekend, SPANX black tights for women are designed to keep you supported and stylish from head to toe.