Under a skirt in autumn, you choose tights based on temperature, outfit and personal preference. A low denier is more transparent and lighter; a higher denier is more opaque and usually warmer. Black works with dark skirts and shoes, skin-tone tights with light outfits. You can match the tights to the skirt or shoes for a calm distribution of colour.
What does denier mean?
Denier indicates how thick the yarn of a pair of tights is. The higher the number, the thicker and more opaque the tights. A low denier looks lightly transparent and refined, a high denier is opaque, warmer and sturdier. A few different thicknesses give you more choice as temperatures change.
| Denier | Effect | When |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to 20 | Transparent, refined | Early autumn, office, dinner |
| 20 to 40 | Semi-transparent | October, everyday wear |
| 40 to 60 | Opaque | November, cold days |
| 60 and higher | Fully opaque, warm | Winter, with boots |
Which colour of tights do you choose?
- Black: the most versatile choice. Lengthens the leg with a black skirt and black shoes, and looks elegant with navy and grey.
- Skin tone: choose a shade as close as possible to your own skin with a matte finish. Ideal with light skirts and dresses.
- Navy or dark grey: a subtle alternative to black, lovely with navy or grey skirts.
- Chocolate brown: warm and autumnal, with brown and camel shades.
Tights in a similar colour to the skirt or shoes give less colour contrast. Black tights with white shoes or light tights with heavy black boots break that line instead.
Combination 1: office
The Rosa elegant knee-length skirt in black with black 20 denier tights and pumps or loafers. On top, the Josephine knitted polo with V-neck in black for an all-black look that appears calm and businesslike. If you want something softer, choose a cream or navy top. Whether a skirt is suitable for the office depends on your workplace and dress code.
Combination 2: warm and soft
The same black skirt with the Augusta open-knit polo in wool and cashmere in cream. The contrast between cream and black is classic and elegant, and the wool and cashmere add warmth to your upper body. Choose black tights of 30 to 40 denier here and ankle boots or loafers. You can read more about cashmere on our page about cashmere.
Combination 3: navy and black
The Liorah cable-knit polo with gold-coloured buttons in navy with the black skirt, black tights and black shoes. Navy and black together make a calm base; the gold-coloured buttons add a warm accent. Ideal for a lunch or an afternoon in the city.
Combination 4: the polo dress in autumn
You can combine the Marianne polo dress in white with tights and a cardigan on cooler days. Choose skin-tone tights for a fresh look, or black tights with black loafers and a dark cardigan for more contrast. A knitted cardigan or a cable-knit sweater over your shoulders makes the whole look autumnal. You will find more inspiration in the collection Dinner and Dates.
Which shoes with tights?
| Shoe | Tights | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Pumps | Fine, 15 to 30 denier | Elegant, lengthens the leg |
| Loafers | 20 to 60 denier | Classic and comfortable |
| Ankle boots | 40 denier and higher | Autumnal, warm |
| Knee-high boots | Opaque, 60 denier | Wintry, continuous line |
How to make tights last longer
- Put them on carefully. First roll the tights up to the toe and slide them up slowly. Take off rings and make sure your nails are smooth.
- Wash by hand or in a wash bag. Lukewarm water and a mild detergent are enough.
- Not in the dryer. Heat weakens the elastic fibres. Let the tights air dry.
- Store separately. A separate compartment or pouch stops the tights from catching on zips and hooks.
Tights and knitwear
Tights combine easily with knitwear in autumn outfits. The softness of a knitted top or polo suits the warmth that tights give your legs, and together the whole look feels truly autumnal. So combine skirts and dresses with knitted polos, cardigans and sweaters. With opaque tights, choose somewhat sturdier knitwear, and with fine tights a finer knit. This way you can combine different textures in one outfit. See our knitwear for women for more combinations.
Common mistakes
- Shiny tights during the day: matte tights look more polished and more modern.
- A skin tone that is too light: tights that are lighter than your skin look unnatural.
- Open shoes with tights: sandals and tights rarely go well together. Choose closed shoes.
- Ignoring a run: always keep a spare pair of tights in your bag or at the office.
The right size
Tights that are too small slip down at the crotch and pull at the knees, tights that are too big bunch around the ankles. When buying, look at the size chart on the packaging, which usually goes by your height and weight. If you hesitate between two sizes, follow the brand's size chart. A well-fitting pair of tights lies smoothly over your leg, without wrinkles and without slipping down as you sit, walk and cycle all day.
Shop the look
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, black
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, black
Augusta: open-knit polo in wool and cashmere, cream
Liorah: cable-knit polo with gold-coloured buttons, navy
Marianne: polo dress, white
Frequently asked questions
Which denier of tights is the most versatile?
Black tights of 20 to 40 denier. They are transparent enough for the office and dinner, but warm enough for most autumn days.
Can you wear black tights with a white dress?
Yes, provided you also wear dark shoes and possibly a dark cardigan. That creates a deliberate combination instead of a stray black line.
How do I prevent runs in my tights?
Put them on carefully without rings, wash them in a wash bag or by hand and store them away from zips and hooks.
