There was a time when tights were an afterthought, something you grabbed out of necessity on a chilly morning or to make a mini feel a little less risqué. Then came the bare-legged era, when fashion favored goosebumps over hosiery, and stepping out in the middle of winter sans tights was practically a badge of honor. But in 2025, tights have transformed from basic and as one of fashion’s most talked-about accessories. “Tights are the accessory of the moment, a trend driven by Millennials and Gen Z who have moved this category from practical to a true fashion must-have,” says Julia Townsend, President of Kayser-Roth, who oversees HUE and no nonsense. “Whether on TikTok or the red carpet, it’s clear tights are center stage for Fall 2025.”
No, You’re Not Imagining It. Everyone’s Suddenly Obsessed With Tights
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Published Nov 12, 2025
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Original Photo: Deena Campbell
This modern revival of tights didn’t come out of nowhere. According to fashion expert and stylist Dina Solomon, the resurgence can be traced back to Valentino’s 2022 PP Pink collection, where saturated opaque tights became the defining feature rather than a background layer. “That runway moment reframed tights as a look-defining piece,” she explains. “Since then, we’ve seen designers use tights to sculpt proportions and finish a look, not just to add coverage.”
And the momentum is in full force. Across the Fall/Winter 2026 runways, labels like Miu Miu and Saint Laurent paired micro skirts and structured tailoring with sheer black tights to create strong, intentional lines. By Spring/Summer 2026, brands such as Dior and Coperni continued the story with lace and semi-sheer styles, often styled with ballet flats. Beyond the catwalk, celebs like Zendaya, Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung have made hosiery a focal point again, styling opaque tights with oversized blazers or wearing sheer pairs under denim shorts. What used to be an afterthought is now an anchor; hosiery is the detail that grounds the look and gives it shape.
Today’s take on tights is also all about proportion play. “Instead of being concealed under longer hemlines, tights are now framing shorter shapes and defining the body,” says stylist Elana Solomon. “They add polish and personality to silhouettes that might otherwise feel too bare.”
Think of them as jewelry for your legs; they are the final detail that makes a look feel finished.
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But with all the tight styles available, what should you actually reach for this season? “Sheer is leading,” Dina says, “both traditional and fleece-lined, because it adds movement and airiness to layered looks.” Lace is also key (especially in black, white and deep burgundy) while semi-opaque jewel tones nod to the Valentino moment but feel more wearable for everyday. For night, she recommends subtly shimmery sheers that add radiance without veering into glitter.
Looking to wear the new generation of tights without looking like you raided your old dance drawer? For starters, pair sheer black tights with structured pieces. Try lace under a micro dress or pleated skirt to soften tailoring and add texture. Or, for an everyday twist, wear semi-opaque jewel tones like plum, emerald or navy under a neutral outfit to make your legs the statement. For a more casual spin, style sheer white or pale pink tights with ballet flats or loafers. And, at night, go with subtly shimmery sheers without crossing into mega glitter territory.
So, yes, tights are officially back. But this time, they’re not the boring black pair you grabbed in a rush before work. They’re meant to be seen. Because if 2025 fashion has taught us anything, it’s that the smallest details can have the biggest impact.
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