the best black tights in the UK that don’t snag or slide down – tested

Tights are a staple in most women’s wardrobes, yet they are also one of the most frequently discarded items. It is common to leave the house in a new pair and realise by lunchtime that they are laddered and ready for the bin. The fabric’s delicate nature means damage usually cannot be repaired, so most tights end up in landfill where nylon and elastane can take up to 200 years to decompose.

Swedish Stockings estimates that an estimated 8bn pairs of tights are bought and discarded each year, and producing traditional nylon tights releases nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Investing in higher-quality, longer-lasting tights can reduce waste and lower environmental impact, and many brands now use recycled nylon or design tights specifically to resist ladders.

To save readers the trial and error, I tested 25 pairs from 11 brands, prioritising sturdiness and comfort.

United Kingdom

black tights, tights, nylon tights, recycled nylon, elastane, laddering, swedish stockings, nitrous oxide, sustainability, durability