How To Find Tights That Fit

When it comes to tights, finding the perfect pair can seem far from fairytale-like. However, we’re here to prove it is possible to find the ‘goldilocks’ of tights – not too big, not too small, just right – if you know what to look out for.

From the telltale signs your tights are too big or too small, to our top tips on measuring yourself, we’ve put together the definitive guide to tight sizing to help you find the perfect fit. Happily ever after, guaranteed.

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How do you know if your tights are too big?

Think you may have accidentally bought the next size up? We can help you identify the signs.

1. They bunch or feel baggy

Bunching or bagging is never a good look, unless you’re Nora Batty. If there is excess material at the ankle, this is a surefire sign your tights may be too large.

2. They’re always falling down

If the waistband is succumbing to gravity, you may need to size down. There’s nothing worse than having to adjust your tights all day long – trust us.

3. You have to pull them up really high for the gusset to be in the right place

If the waistband is sitting at your chest rather than your waist, your tights are probably too big. Depending on the style, they should be sitting on, or an inch or so above, your naval.

How do you know if your tights are too small?

If you experience any of the following issues, you may need to opt for a size up.

1. They are hard to put on

Feel like you’re in a wrestling match every time you try to get into your tights? They may be on the small side. You should be able to slip them on with relative ease.

2. They dig in around your waist

Your tights should never contort, so if you notice the waistband digging in – or worse still, leaving marks on your skin – you’ll need to size up.

3. Your toes keep poking through!

Keep getting holes where your toes meet your tights? The material may be over-stretching due to the wrong size.

How to work out your perfect tight size

You can work out your perfect size in tights by grabbing your favourite, most comfortable jeans and measuring them at the waist and hip. These are the two most important indicators for finding your true tights size. If you have wider hips, longer legs or prefer a more generous fit, we recommend sizing up.

The Heist Tights Size Guide

Just drop us a line if you are still unsure. Our Customer Care team is here for you.

Heist Tights: Designed to fit you (and not the other way around)

Our tights aren’t like other tights. They’re designed to fit you perfectly and never sag, dig or roll, thanks to the signature, adaptive waistband and seamless design.

The Fifty

In black, our 50-denier tights are a bestseller for a reason. They’re the perfect combination of lightweight and opaque, and super-soft, too; that’s because 5,000 spirals of nylon are wrapped around each inch of elastane (ten times the industry average).

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The Nude

Using data science and insights from 100,000 women, we created tights in seven representative shades of nude. Our iconic 15-denier Nude tights are flawless, natural and invisible.

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The Polka Dot

Patterned with polka dots, these super-soft, sheer tights make a stylish point – literally. They’re sustainable, too, crafted from recycled yarns. And, of course, they come equipped with our uniquely adaptive, hand-sewn waistband – for the perfect fit.

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Looking for more style inspiration? Check out the rest of our blog for the latest foundationwear news, interviews, and more.

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In a world overflowing with choice, finding styles that truly suit you (and feel amazing) can be a challenge. The same goes for tights. Tights can be worn in many ways. You can layer them under clothes or wear them as a statement piece. They come in every shape, color, and style you can think of. So, how do you know which ones will look best and when to wear them?

While we can’t make the decision for you, we can share a few tips to help you find your perfect pair, and how to make the most of your Heist Tights.

Sheer to Opaque: How a Plain Black Tight Can Save the Day

Classic and timeless for a reason, a black tight is the ultimate wardrobe essential. Perfect under skirts or trousers for warmth and comfort, or paired with a mini skirt and boots for a night out, black tights are the unsung heroes of any outfit.

Heist Tights are known for their lasting wear and flawless finish. No digging, rolling, snagging, bobbling, or sagging - just smooth, sculpting comfort, whatever the denier.

When to Wear Sheer Tights

Sheer tights are perfect for warmer days or evenings out. When the weather’s mild - think autumn days with clouds and light showers - try The Fifteen or The Thirty-Five for a touch of coverage without overheating.

For a natural, second-skin look, The Nude, The Bare Nude or The Contour Nude add just enough warmth and confidence for in-between days. For nights out, pair your sheer tights with a mini dress or skirt for a sleek, elegant look (and a little extra warmth on the way home).

When to Wear Opaque Tights

When temperatures drop, opaque tights are your best friend. Ideal for work events, monochrome outfits, or those freezing mornings when you need an extra layer, our go-tos are The Sixty, The Eighty, and The 125. They deliver warmth, coverage, and polish in equal measure.

Stylist and long-time Heist friend Aimée Croysdill says:

“I always love a monochrome look - it feels chic and fashion-forward. Sticking to a single shade makes a simple but strong statement.”

How to Wear Colours and Patterns

Whether you’re drawn to bold prints, subtle textures, or unexpected hues, colour and patterned tights instantly elevate an outfit and add depth to your look. From timeless classics to modern statement pieces, Heist Tights make experimenting with colour and pattern effortless and endlessly wearable.

Lace Tights

Once seen as daring, floral tights have become a staple. They’re perfect for nights out or layered under long skirts. We love styling them like socks - peeking out from ballet flats or pumps - or making them the star of the show with a mini skirt and heels. Go classic in Black, or bold in Vintage Ivory - especially chic for brides-to-be.

Polka Dot Tights

A timeless favourite. Our Polka Dot (or Spot Tights) have been top of the hosiery drawer for years. Simple, reliable, and endlessly versatile, they come in multiple colours to suit every outfit and occasion. Available in classic Black, or refreshed in rich Burgundy or Vintage Ivory.

Simplistic but Bold Patterns

Transitioning from plain tights to patterns doesn’t need to be intimidating. With tights now recognised as both a practical essential and a fashion statement, we’ve designed pairs that make the switch effortless.

The Fine Line – Empowered yet subtle. A delicate upgrade from your usual sheer tights, offering a hint of difference that’s wearable for every day.
The Oversized Leopard – Bold and fashion-forward. Designed in collaboration with Aimée Croysdill, this reimagines a classic leopard print into something chic and sophisticated. Aimée recommends pairing it with your favourite LBD for coverage with a stylish edge.
The Overknee – The mini skirt’s best friend. Understated yet playful, this design adds a twist to a simple outfit—best paired with heels.
The Fishnet – A true classic. Season after season, The Fishnet remains a go-to for adding texture and interest to dark, monochrome looks. Try it in Chocolate Brown for an on-trend alternative to black.

Building an Outfit Around Tights

We’ve all had those moments when you love one piece but can’t build the outfit around it. Tights can be the solution. Pairing boots with dresses and tights is one of our favourite go-to formulas - it’s easy, stylish, and endlessly adaptable.

Chocolate Brown Tights and Bodysuits

Neutral tones and soft “colourful neutrals” have taken centre stage in recent years. Right now, rich browns and hot chocolate hues are trending as chic alternatives to black. This autumn, we’ve been pairing a Chocolate Brown Secondskin bodysuit with black suit trousers, jeans, and skirts.

Burgundy Tights

Another colour we can’t resist? Burgundy. Worn beautifully by Isabella Wei at our launch dinner for The Perfect 10 Collection (in collaboration with stylist, Aimée Croysdill), burgundy tights can be either a standout feature or a subtle accent. We love The Sixty for everyday wear, and The Eighty as temperatures drop.

An unexpected but beautiful combination we’ve been loving is powder blue and burgundy.

“Burgundy pairs well with black, grey, white, or tonal colours - but this season’s hero pairing is burgundy with baby blue,” says Croysdill. “Ground it with black or white so it stays fresh and cool - not too sweet.”

So, How Do You Choose?

Start with the basics. If there’s a colour or trend you’re curious to try, tights are the perfect (and affordable) way to experiment. Your favourite all-black outfit can instantly feel new with a pop of burgundy, chocolate brown, or powder blue.

If you’re dressing for functionality, work backwards from your needs. Ask yourself:

How formal is the occasion?

Will sheer or opaque tights suit best?

Will you be inside or outside?

Do you want a pop of colour, or to keep it simple?

The options are endless - but that’s part of the fun. Tights are a chance to refresh your wardrobe with layers that feel good and look amazing, no matter the season.