At what temperature should you wear tights ?

You often wonder at what temperature you should put on your tights to face the cold without losing style ?

Don't panic, our complete guide gives you all the secrets to showing off your legs with elegance from the first to the last day of winter.

No more doubts and shivers, follow our expert advice to wear your tights like a fashionista without ever feeling cold!

Determining the ideal temperature for wearing tights

Analyze key temperature thresholds

• Below 10°C: Go all out on warm, opaque tights in 50 denier minimum. Models in wool or fleece like those from the brand The Oversized Hoodie® will protect you from the most freezing temperatures.

• Between 10 and 15°C: Cover your legs with semi-opaque tights in 30 or 40 denier. You will maintain a feeling of warmth while slightly revealing your pretty legs.

• Above 15°C: Take your thin tights out of the cupboard! The transparent models in 15 or 20 denier will bring a touch of elegance to your outfits without making you too hot.

Discover the relationship between temperature and type of tights

The lower the thermometer goes, the more you should choose thick, opaque tights. The number of deniers is the unit that measures the thickness of the tights. Remember that the higher this number , the more opaque and warm the tights will be.

Here is a summary table for clearer see:

Temperature	Type of tights	Deniers
< 10°C	Opaque tights	50-100
10 to 15°C	Semi-opaque tights	30-40
> 15°C	Thin tights	15-20

Also read: What Tights to Wear in Summer ?

What types of tights to choose depending on the season and temperature

Decipher the mystery of coins

The deniers represent the thickness and opacity of tights. The higher the number of deniers, the more opaque and warm the tights will be. Here are the thresholds to remember:

• 15-20 denier: thin and transparent tights, perfect as soon as the thermometer exceeds 15°C
• 30-40 denier: semi-opaque tights, ideal between 10 and 15°C
• 50-100 denier: opaque and warm tights, essential below 10°C

Explore the different types of tights suitable for each temperature

• Thin, transparent tights (15-20 denier): As soon as the mercury rises above 15°C, it's time to take out your thinnest tights. Play the glamor card with sheer black tights or dare to wear a fancy model plumetis or fishnet for an ultra feminine look.

• Semi-opaque tights (30-40 denier): Between 10 and 15°C, opt for semi-opaque tights which will protect you from the cold without covering your legs too much. The flesh or black shades will easily match all your outfits.

• Opaque and warm tights (50-100 denier): Below 10°C, do not compromise with very thick tights. opaque tights in wool, in cotton, in acrylic or in fleece like those of The Oversized Hoodie® will keep you warm even in the cold. Dare to use dark colors and patterns to twist your look!

At The Oversized Hoodie® we have tested and now produce the best fleece and wool tights. Their secret ? A tight knit that traps heat while letting your skin breathe. No more frozen legs even at -15°C!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

When to stop wearing tights ?

As soon as temperatures exceed 18-20°C for a long time, you can say goodbye to your tights until autumn arrives. Take advantage of the first rays of sunshine to reveal your legs with a pretty airy dress or trendy shorts. If the mornings are still cool, the knee-highs are a good alternative to tights.

Also discover: Why wear a Fleece Lined Tights ?

Master the materials that will keep you warm

Compare the materials recommended for winter

To face the cold in style, rely on warm and cozy materials:

• wool: soft, insulating and breathable, it is the undisputed star of winter
• cotton: hypoallergenic and comfortable, it is suitable for sensitive skin
• The fleece: ultra warm and soft, it will protect you from the most freezing temperatures
• acrylic: this synthetic material imitates the softness of wool at a low price

Click here to find out why wear tights in winter.

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material

Each subject has its strengths and weaknesses:

• wool and cotton are very pleasant to wear but can be easily spun.
• The fleece is extremely warm but can quickly become too hot.
• acrylic is easy to maintain but less breathable than natural materials.

It's up to you to choose your priorities (warmth, softness, resistance, ease of maintenance, etc.).

Also read: Tights When It Rains: How to Stay Dry ?

Adapt your choice of tights according to your body shape

Identify the models that flatter your figure

• For small sizes: avoid too thick tights which weigh down the silhouette and prefer thin, transparent models.

• For X-shaped shapes: highlight your wasp waist with high-waisted tights or shaping briefs.

• For A-shaped figures: balance your hips with patterned tights on the ankles or dark-colored models.

Avoid common mistakes when choosing tights

Here are the pitfalls to avoid to be sure to choose the tights best suited to your body type:

• Avoid tight tights that mark and create unsightly bulges.
• Be wary of too light shades that draw the eye to your complexes.
• Skip the XXL prints which weigh down the silhouette and disrupt the harmony of the proportions.

Also discover: How to Choose the Perfect Fleece Lined Tights ?

How to wear tights in style all year round ?

Learn how to match tights and outfits with style

• In winter, warm up your looks with opaque colored or patterned tights. Twist even the most classic outfits by taking inspiration from the fancy tights seen on the Chanel or Miu Miu fashion shows.

• In spring and fall, play the chic card with semi-opaque flesh or black tights. You will be able to continue wearing your favorite dresses and skirts without feeling cold, as Parisian it-girl Jeanne Damas does with style.

• In summer, if the temperatures cool down, dare to wear thin, transparent tights for a retro look like that of the famous pin-up Dita Von Teese.

Discover our 2024 comparison of the best fleece tights 2024.

Discover the art of layering for successful winter fashion

Layer layers to create warm and stylish outfits. For example, mix opaque tights with a pair of high socks or gaiters for a preppy look like at Ralph Lauren. Or, slip wool tights under jeans to face the cold in style, a tip seen on all fashionistas during fashion week.

Our mission at The Oversized Hoodie® ? Helping you stay warm in style in all circumstances. That's why we've designed this comprehensive guide that answers all your questions about wearing tights. From shape tips to maintenance to the choice of materials, we share with you more than 10 years of fashion and tights expertise!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

How to take care of your tights like a pro ?

Apply essential maintenance tips

• Washing: wash your tights by hand or in the machine cold in a protective net to prevent them from getting damaged.
• Drying: ban the tumble dryer which causes the tights to shrink and spin, prefer drying flat on a towel.
• Storage: store your tights flat in a drawer, without twisting or compressing them so that they keep their shape.

Extend the life of your tights with these tips

• Put on your tights with gloves so as not to run them with your nails.
• Sprinkle the inside of your tights with talcum powder to limit friction and static electricity.
• Inspect your tights each time you use them to spot snags and stop them with clear nail polish.

Also discover: How to Maintain Your Polar Tights ?

Conclusion: Master the art of wearing tights in any season

You now know how to choose and wear your tights depending on the temperature and the season. With these tips, you'll be ready to be stylish and comfortable from January 1st to December 31st. So go out covered... from the tips of your toes to your thighs!

FAQ

What are the advantages of tights ?

Tights allow you to continue wearing skirts and dresses even when temperatures drop. They lengthen the silhouette, camouflage small imperfections on the legs and bring a chic touch to all outfits.

How not to be cold with tights ?

To avoid being cold, wear thick tights (50-100 denier) in warm materials such as wool, cotton or fleece.Lined or thermal models will protect you from the most freezing temperatures. You can also layer your tights with socks.

Exactly at what temperature should I wear tights ?

Below 15°C, it is advisable to take out your tights. The lower the mercury goes, the more you will have to opt for thick and opaque models. Below 10°C, do not compromise with tights of at least 50 denier.

Can you wear thin tights when it's very cold ?

It is better to avoid tights that are too thin when the temperatures are negative. They will not protect you enough from the cold. Prefer opaque models in wool, cotton or fleece to cope with the extreme cold of winter.

How important are opaque tights in winter ?

Opaque tights are your best allies for facing winter in style. They keep you warm while highlighting your legs. Don't hesitate to play with colors and patterns to add a touch of originality to your outfits even when the thermometer drops.

When to wear tights ?

You can wear tights as soon as temperatures drop below 15°C and until they rise sustainably above 20°C. Autumn, winter and early spring are therefore the ideal seasons to bring out your most beautiful tights.

What temperature for a dress without tights ?

As soon as it's over 20°C, you can leave your tights in the closet and take out your pretty summer dresses. If the mornings are still a little cool, consider taking a small wool blanket in your bag to cover yourself.

When can you wear tights ?

You can put on tights as soon as the first cold weather arrives, generally during October. You can keep them until the sunny days return in spring. The important thing is to adapt the thickness and material of your tights according to the outside temperature.

What tights to wear in summer ?

In summer, if the temperatures cool in the evening or if you have a slightly dressy outfit, you can opt for very thin, transparent tights (15-20 denier). Choose them preferably flesh-colored or in soft shades for a light and summer look.

What tights in winter ?

In winter, don't forget about warm, thick tights (50-100 denier). Choose insulating materials such as wool, cotton or fleece. Opaque black or colored tights will be your best allies to face the cold in style.

Updated September 19, 2024