How to choose the right denier: a guide to sheer, semi-opaque and opaque tights
From 8 to 100 denier: what the number really means, how it changes the look and which weight to choose for every season and occasion.
Denier is the first number you read on a packet of tights, and the one that changes everything: opacity, warmth, durability and, above all, the overall look of an outfit.
In this guide we explain what denier actually measures and how to choose the right weight for every moment, from summer evenings to the coldest winter days.
What denier means
Denier measures the weight of the yarn: 1 denier corresponds to 1 gram for 9,000 metres of thread. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn and the more opaque the tights.
It is not a measure of quality: a well-made 15 denier can last longer than a poorly made 40 denier. Knit, fibre blend and finishing matter just as much.
Sheer: from 5 to 20 denier
Sheer tights give a "second skin" effect. They are perfect for elegant occasions, for the office in mid-season and for anyone who wants to even out skin tone without covering it.
Tip: choose a shade close to your skin tone for a natural finish, or black for a more graphic, evening look.
Semi-opaque: from 20 to 40 denier
This is the most versatile range. The leg is covered but still shows through slightly, with a soft, refined effect that works with skirts of any length.
Opaque: 40 denier and above
Opaque tights are the autumn and winter classic: warm, sturdy and ideal for colour blocking. From 60–70 denier upwards the effect is almost like a legging.
In short
- Summer and ceremonies: 8–15 denier
- Office and mid-season: 20–30 denier
- Autumn and winter: 40–100 denier
Whatever the number, the rule is always the same: choose the right size and put them on gently, to make them last as long as possible.