When the cold weather sets in, we tend to put our dresses and skirts away in the wardrobe in favour of jeans and trousers, which have the advantage of keeping us warm when temperatures drop. However, over time, specialist tights brands have expanded their ranges and created new products. These are warmer products designed to protect you from the cold, whatever you’re wearing.
👉 Key points
To choose the right tights for winter, you need to consider:
- Thickness and denier: the higher the denier, the warmer the tights.
- The material: wool, fleece or thermal tights for optimal comfort.
- Style: you can still look elegant in opaque or patterned tights, but warmth should be your priority.
A warm pair of tights is, above all, a pair with a high denier count
When looking for warm tights, the first thing to bear in mind is the denier count. The denier count is the key figure to know when determining whether a pair of tights is thick or not.
- 40D – 70D: From 40D or 40 denier upwards, a pair of tights is considered opaque and is therefore thick enough to keep you warm in autumn or winter (if you’re not easily chilled).
- 80D+: For those who feel the cold, you can opt for 80 denier tights, which fall into the ultra-opaque category. Finally, for those who want to feel as though they’re wearing trousers, DIM offers tights in its warm tights collection that are over 100D, or 100 denier.
Just to clarify, there are tights with a denier rating above 40D which are not, strictly speaking, opaque tights. Patterned tights can also have high denier ratings. The patterns or even the styles of the tights do not prevent them from being hard-wearing. It is therefore important to go by the denier rating rather than the style of the tights.
| Denier count | Outdoor temperature | Type of tights | Use / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10D - 30D | 15°C and above | Sheer | Fine tights, perfect for the transitional seasons or mild days. Less suitable for cold weather. |
| 40D - 70D | 10°C to 15°C | Opaque | Ideal for autumn or early winter. |
| 80D | 0°C to 10°C | Ultra-opaque | The perfect balance between comfort and warmth for winter. |
| 100D and above | 0°C and below | Thermal or fleece-lined | Recommended in very cold weather, for outdoor activities or for people who feel the cold more easily in winter. |
Which materials should you choose for really warm tights?
Beyond the denier count, the material plays a key role in keeping you warm in winter. Certain fibres, such as wool or fleece lining, offer better thermal insulation than standard tights. There are also styles specially designed to withstand the cold: thermal tights.
Thermal tights (or thermo tights) have become a winter wardrobe staple. At DIM, they’re available in two versions to suit different needs.
- Fleece-lined thermal tights feature a soft fleece lining and an opaque black outer layer. With their 143 denier thickness, they offer excellent warmth and comfort. This is the ideal style if you’re looking for the warmest possible tights to tackle the coldest days.
- The sheer thermal tights combine warmth with a second-skin feel. Although they give the illusion of sheer, low-denier tights, they actually incorporate a thermal lining equivalent to 50 denier, allowing you to stay warm without sacrificing a lightweight look. Very on-trend, they have become a true winter essential.
Finally, woollen tights are also an excellent alternative for wearing with dresses or skirts when temperatures drop. For optimal comfort, however, opt for styles that combine wool with other fibres, to minimise the risk of irritation whilst maintaining softness, stretch and warmth.
💡 Tips: how to wear tights in winter
❄️ 1. Choose the denier count to suit the temperature
The higher the denier count, the more opaque and warmer the tights are.
🧦 2. Opt for thermal materials
Tights made from microfibre, merino wool or thermal fibres retain more heat whilst remaining breathable.
🌬️ 3. Think about the wind, not just the temperature
In windy weather, a pair of thick tights provides better protection against the cold than several very thin layers.
👢 4. Choose the right footwear
High-top boots or ankle boots minimise cold draughts and effectively complement the insulation provided by your tights.
🧥 5. Layer your clothing wisely
On very cold days, wearing thin tights under trousers provides an extra layer of insulation without restricting movement.
🧼 6. Look after your tights properly
Washing tights at 30°C in a laundry bag helps preserve their elasticity and insulating properties for longer.
🎯 7. Avoid tights that are too tight
Tights that are excessively tight can reduce comfort when worn for long periods. It’s best to choose the right size.
FAQ – Everything you need to know to stay warm in tights this winter
Which tights should you wear in winter?
The best tights for winter are thermal tights, fleece-lined tights or woollen tights. Generally speaking, for tights to be warm, they need to be thick, so you should opt for tights of over 40 denier, and if you feel the cold easily, 80 denier.
What do denier ratings mean for tights?
Denier is a unit of measurement that indicates the thickness of the fibres used to make tights. The higher the denier count, the thicker – and therefore warmer – the tights are.
What denier count should you choose in winter?
For everyday wear, tights with a denier count of 60 to 80 generally offer a good balance between warmth, comfort and style. Those below 40 denier are more suitable for mid-season wear.
Are woollen tights warmer?
Yes. Natural fibres such as merino wool have excellent insulating properties whilst wicking away moisture, which improves thermal comfort.
Are thermal tights really effective?
Yes. Thermal tights use fibres specially designed to trap more warm air around the skin, which improves insulation compared to standard tights.
Can you wear tights under trousers?
Yes. Layering them creates an insulating layer of air that helps retain heat on the coldest days.
Yes. Layering them creates an insulating layer of air that helps retain heat on the coldest days. – What is the difference between 40-denier and 80-denier tights?
80-denier tights are more opaque, more durable and provide better thermal insulation than 40-denier styles.
Do thick tights make you sweat?
Not necessarily. Styles made from breathable fibres (microfibre, merino wool or technical fabrics) wick away moisture whilst retaining heat.
Are fleece tights suitable for everyday wear?
Yes. They’re particularly recommended when temperatures are around 0°C or below. They offer excellent insulation whilst remaining comfortable.
Find all of DIM’s advice in DIM Mag’: practical guides, lingerie tips and fashion inspiration to help you choose your essentials with confidence.
