Belle Finds the GREATEST Tights, Ever
Nov 9, 2011
As you know, I am a huge proponent of opaque tights. I hate when I can see skin through my tights. I’ve even been known to wear two pair of tights just to achieve the ultimate level of opacity. But not anymore.
Last week, a friend in Colorado recommended Commando Ultimate Matte Opaque Tights ($34). So I decided to give them a whirl…and boy, am I glad that I did.Not only are these tights the blackest pair I have ever seen, they’re also the most comfortable tights that I have ever worn.
Unlike most tights that have a one inch waistband that folds and rolls when you move around, these tights have a wide, seamless jersey waistband. This allows you to move freely without having to run to the restroom to flatten the seam on your tights every five minutes.
Yes, $34 is a lot to spend on tights. But these, in my opinion, are totally worth it. They’re unbelieveably black and they’re incredibly comfortable.
However, if $34 is still too rich for your blood, Hue Super Opaque Tights are a good substitute at just $14. You can also find them at Macy’s and Filene’s for 2 for $20.
i too can't stand it when i can see skin through tights (unless i'm wearing some sort of patterned tight), so these are right up my alley!
Must try these! I have also found a pair of tights that I'm obsessed with: Spanx makes a reversible pair of tights – I own them in grey/black, and they are amazing and thick and warm and opaque (have I extolled their virtues enough)!
https://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3065876
Out of curiosity, why are you so opposed to a little sheerness in tights? With a knee length skirt I kind of like it. I swear by the Hue brand, but usually normal opacity is ok by me.
On some women, not all, but many, sheerness in tights magnifies flaws. The reason is that it stretches across the bigger parts of you. So if you're thick in the thighs (like yours truly), it highlights that. It's kind of like shining a spotlight on your flaws.
And even if you have perfect legs, I just prefer the dark black. It's the winter equivalent of bare legs for me.
Ah, that's fair. I do generally follow the rule that a shorter skirt requires more opacity. It just looks better on me.
I hate the rolling waistband! Thanks for the rec.
Did you try the chocolate or brown? Can you tell a difference? I have tights that match my deeper brown boots, but haven't found any that look good with cognac boots.
As a chicken-leg gal, I prefer less opacity. Completely matte tights hide contours and make my gams look like beanpoles. For anyone similarly built, I recommend DKNY tights, which are more sheer.
Belle, how would you rate the “tummy smoothing” quality of this tight? I agree the rolling waistband is annoying, and I love opacity, but these sad running-free days I find I need a wee bit more control than I did in the past. I know, I know, I want it all, but a tight that is opaque, has a roll-free waistband, and provides some measure of control would be worth the investment. Your thoughts on the control factor would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Speaking of Filene's, if you happen to get your tights there (I do), it's time to stock up. They're going out of business.
These tights look awesome, Thanks Belle! Question for you, and your readers. I recently saw some tights at nordstrom that were advertised as “boot tights”. Has anyone tried these? They look pretty cool, but I have a hard time spending 30$ on tights without some endorsements. IIt seems like a good idea, i dont relaly like the feeling of just tights in my boots – kind of chilly sometimes! Thanks all!
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bootights-pinstripe-tights-with-socks/3222965?origin=category&resultback=2309
Belle, thank you so much for this post! I recently received an e-mail reply from Donna Karan's Customer Service department letting me know that their “No-Waist Tights”, aka the “Most Comfortable Tights Ever”, have been discontinued. I'm wearing my last pristine pair today and you've now given me hope for finding an adequate replacement. I'm less concerned about sheerness than I am about non-pinchy waistbands that give me tummy rolls, but these tights sound like the best of both worlds.
CK – I just wear thin wool socks (smartwool or similar) over my tights inside my boots – super comfy and warm, and that way I don't need special tights just for boots.
thanks for the recommendation, belle! just bought a pair – agree with you on both opacity and the constant annoyance of the rolling waistband. looking forward to trying these!
[…] Commandos come with very wide waistbands that are patented to be dig-free. Two things, though: the waistband is very high-waisted so it is likely to roll, and this is one brand you don’t want to size up in. They run true to size and can get saggy in the waist and start falling down. (If you don’t want to pay up, Australian store Berlei makes a knock-off for $19.99.) […]