Luxury lives in the details. And understanding tights denier is one very important detail to consider while putting your outfit together!
Tights shape your look and truly define your outfit. But there’s one detail that often gets overlooked: denier.
If you’ve ever wondered why some tights feel like a second skin while others give you matte coverage, it’s because of the denier. Different tights have different values for denier, which define how they look and feel.
At Stems, we know choosing the right value makes all the difference while putting an outfit together. So let’s break the different tights denier, fashionably.
Denier Tights Meaning: What Does Denier Mean in Tights?
If you’ve ever browsed tights and noticed numbers like 10, 30, or 60 on the label, you’ve seen denier. But what does it actually mean?
Denier (pronounced den-ee-er) means the thickness and weight of the fibers used to make tights.
The lower the number, the more sheer and delicate the fabric. The higher the number, the more opaque and durable it becomes.
In short: denier = coverage + vibe.
So, when you buy 10 denier tights, you’re getting ultra-sheer coverage with a barely-there look. On the other hand, 80 denier tights will be more opaque. They’ll give you full leg coverage.
Denier also affects how your tights feel and function.
Heavier denier tights are warmer, so they’re something you’d reach out for during the colder months. Lower denier tights, on the other hand, are suitable for summer.
For the style, sheer tights feel delicate, feminine, and dressy. In contrast, opaque tights feel bold and fashion-forward.
Thicker fibers are also more durable. They tend to be more resistant to tears, as compared to finer fibers.
That said, a common misconception is that higher denier tights are also higher in quality. That’s far from the truth. Low denier tights can be beautifully made and luxurious. They’re just designed for a different look. High denier tights aren’t “better”, they’re just more suited for warmth.
Denier Tights Breakdown
5 to 15 Denier: Sheer Perfection
These are your barely-there denier tights. 5 to 15 denier tights are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warm days or when you want that polished, airbrushed leg effect. They’re virtually invisible from a distance!
When to use:
- Formal events, galas, or black-tie affairs
- Summer weddings and garden parties
- Styling with cocktail dresses and open-toe heels.
When using these tights, it’s helpful to remember that they’re your most fragile tights. So they’re best reserved for slow and graceful days.
Try: Our Avery Sheer 10 Tights—a soft and skin-smoothing option. You can find them in beige and red. The former is great for an understated look while you can put together a whole outfit around the latter!
20 Denier Tights: Light Coverage with Class
20 denier tights offer slightly more coverage than ultra-sheer options. But they still look pretty natural. They’re smooth, subtle, and ideal for everyday wear. You can call them a sheer option, but a bit more durable than their ultra-sheer counterparts.
When to use:
- Office outfits with skirts, blouses, or blazers
- Transitional weather (cool mornings, warm afternoons)
- Events where you want polish without full opacity.
When styling, we love nude tones for daytime looks. If you’re styling a dramatic look for the evening, a darker color will do.
30 Denier Tights: Balanced and Versatile
These fall right between sheer and opaque. 30 denier tights provide moderate coverage with a hint of skin showing through. We sometimes like to call them your “just-right” tights: subtle, stylish, and seasonless.
When to use:
- Daytime meetings
- Layering under midi skirts or wide-leg trousers
- Slightly chilly spring and autumn days
One look that goes well with 30 denier tights is the classic European one. Styled with loafers, a structured blazer, and black 30 denier tights.
40 Denier Tights: Everyday Opaque Chic
40 denier tights offer rich color, warmth, and solid coverage without feeling bulky. They’re ideal for transitioning into cooler weather or when you want your tights to become part of the outfit (and not just a layer beneath it).
When to use:
- Fall looks with sweater dresses or tailored shorts
- Hiding skin imperfections while elongating legs
- Stepping up a simple outfit with bold opaque color
70+ Denier: Maximum Warmth, Major Impact
These are your thickest, most durable tights. They’re typically matte and look dramatic. Denier tights with a value of 70+ provide full leg coverage and comfort while still going big on style.
When to use:
- Winter weather (especially freezing morning commutes)
- Layering under wool skirts, long coats, or oversized knits
- Creating bold, monochrome looks or playing with deep seasonal tones
These are ideal for streetwear moments. Add combat boots or lug soles for an edgy vibe.
Try: Our Slim Fleece Base Layer Tights. They are 300 denier and keep you feeling warm on the chilliest of days.
Denier Tights Outfit Cheat Sheet
When choosing the right tights denier for your outfit, it’s important to think about the style you’re going for. Here is a quick cheat sheet (which, of course, is open to tailoring as per your taste!):
- Outfit style: Formal evening dress, Best denier: 5 to 15 denier
- Outfit style: Office skirt + blazer, Best denier: 20 denier tights
- Outfit style: Casual weekend dress, Best denier: 30 denier tights
- Outfit style: Sweater dress + boots, Best denier: 40 denier tights
- Outfit style: Cold weather chic, Best denier: 70+ denier tights
Ready to Grab Your Pair of Denier Tights?
For some, denier may be a number. But in reality, it’s a styling tool! At Stems, we create denier tights designed to match every event, from meetings to date nights.
Luxury for Legs. Always.
