Stylists and Fashion People Agree—This "Overlooked" Basic Is Instrumental In Making Your Winter Outfits Look Chic

I've spent the last few months analysing the pre-existing pieces in my wardrobe and working through the pieces that could do with a refresh. Thankfully, most of my pieces still hold true and if there's one thing that remains particularly steadfast, it's tights. Tights have been ubiquitous over the past few years thanks to the likes of Miu Miu and winter hosiery has had a revamp, with plentiful inspired colourways.

The time for tights is nigh and although it may not feel like the most exhilarating task (and understandably so), that's not to say it isn't an important piece in a winter capsule. Allowing you to squeeze more wear out of frocks and skirts, adding a further dimension to an ensemble or a pop of colour to your wardrobe, tights are a valuable fashion piece. That said, knowing where to find the best quality tights takes a little trial and error. With many of us growing frustrated with laddered and piling tights, knowing where to buy good quality tights is a frequently asked fashion question—with further fashion conundrums including: deciphering deniers and lining (a complicated feat) or simply knowing where best to purchase striking colours.

With this in mind, I asked the fashion team about their favourite retailers for tights and their expert opinions on where to spend when it comes to all things hosiery. Continue reading to see and shop tried and tested recommendations. Although they may all look the same in your underwear drawer, there's a difference between brands that may just be instrumental in making your outfits look more elevated.

The Best Tights Brands According to Fashion Editors:

1. Swedish Stockings

I cottoned onto buying premium tights a few years ago (after becoming increasingly saddened by laddered tights each autumn). Swedish Stockings has become one of my favourite brands for quality and voguish design. They've also collaborated with French fashion maven Camille Charriere on a capsule of spirited designs, including a deep red. From sheer iterations to delicate patterns, there's a style to elevate all winter wardrobes.

Shop Swedish Stockings:

2. Falke

"My favourite hosiery brand is Falke. I think the comfort and durability of their plain black opaques is second to none, and it makes me realise that spending a little bit more on decent pairs of tights does pay off!" - Hannah Almassi, Editor In Chief

Shop Falke Tights:

3. Wolford

"As someone with a chronic problem with laddering tights, Wolford is the only brand I can rely on for the kind of thick, premium quality that guarantees several wears. From the sculpting pairs to the always sexy fishnet, I've amassed an impressive collection over the years, usually paired with one of the brand's slinky bodysuits or the famous Fatale dress." - Remy Farrell, Shopping Editor

Shop Wolford Tights:

4. M&S

"When it comes to finding a great pair of tights I always turn to Marks & Spencer. At different times of the year, I'm looking for different deniers, sometimes opaque and sometimes sheer, and M&S always comes through. I also like a really high waist on my tights to keep them in place and avoid the awkward rejig. They also have thermal and fleece-lined tights which are a real saving grace as we go into the colder months!" - Florrie Alexander, Acting Affiliate Editor

Shop M&S Tights:

5. Miu Miu

"I love ivory, red, and burgundy tights for plain colours, and also love a logo tight—I think we've moved on from the Chanel / GG Gucci logo styles now, but Miu Miu tights feel super '60s — they're totally my vibe." - Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor, Branded Content

Shop Miu Miu Tights:

7. H&M

"Like Florrie, my go-to for tights was always M&S. And while I still love the brand's tights offering, I have recently found a new affordable hero in the form of H&M. At first, I was wary of what the quality might be like, but actually the H&M tights are fantastic. I normally opt for a 70 denier in solid black, but there are lots of printed and playful options too" - Poppy Nash, Managing Editor

Shop H&M: