Are Lace Tights in Style in 2026? How to Wear the Year's Prettiest Hosiery Trend

Fashion Tight UK — black lace tights with a midi skirt and loafers

Why Lace Tights Are Everywhere in 2026

The hosiery revival that brought back fishnets and sheer patterned tights has a softer side: lace. Where fishnet reads edgy, lace reads romantic — and stylists have been using it all year to soften tailoring, dress up knitwear and give simple black dresses a finishing touch. On a sheer 10–15 denier base, a lace pattern adds texture that people notice on the second glance rather than the first, which is exactly why it works for the office as well as the evening.

The Three Lace Looks to Know

Classic black lace. The starting point, and the easiest to wear. An ascending lace design like the Penti Chic Lace tights keeps the pattern on the lower leg, so it peeks out of midi skirts and cropped trousers without taking over the outfit.

Floral lace-look patterns. All-over designs — the rose pattern of the Italiana Rose-Bikini tights, the shiny floral Rossie and Diana styles — make the tights the centrepiece. Keep everything else plain and let the legs do the talking.

Lace details and accents. Side details like the Italiana Cleopatra tights, or the silver lacy hold-up effect of the Penti Melange, give the suggestion of lace with maximum wearability — the version to choose if you want subtle.

How to Style Lace Tights

For evening: black lace tights with Mary Jane heels

The rule that keeps lace elegant is the same one that governs all statement hosiery: one statement at a time. A plain black dress or an oversized knit with black lace tights is a complete outfit. For daytime, pair them with loafers or Mary Janes and a midi skirt; for evening, heels and a simple slip dress. If the lace is bold and floral, keep colours muted — black-on-black is the fail-safe.

Autumn layering, London-style: lace tights with an oversized knit and chunky loafers

British weather is the other reason lace tights earn their keep: they bridge the gap between bare legs and opaque winter tights, adding warmth without weight through autumn. Most lace styles are sheer 10–15 denier — if you're unsure what that means for coverage, our denier guide explains the full scale.

Lace Tights for Weddings and Occasions

Sheer lace tights in black or nude are a wedding-guest classic, and for bridal looks the traditional choice is a lace-top hold-up — see our stockings and hold-ups collection for silicone-top lace styles that stay up on their own. Prefer the look at the ankle only? Lace ankle socks give the same delicate effect with loafers and heels — our lace ankle socks styling guide covers it.

Where to Start

Browse the full lace tights collection — black lace, floral and lace-look designs from Penti and Italiana, from £8.49, with free worldwide delivery and same-day dispatch on working-day orders before 2pm. Want more pattern beyond lace? The complete patterned tights collection has polka dot, leopard, tartan and geometric styles to match.

Lace Tights FAQs

Are lace tights in style in 2026?

Yes — lace tights are one of 2026's defining hosiery trends, worn with everything from slip dresses to tailored shorts. Sheer black lace is the most wearable version; floral lace-look patterns make a bigger statement.

What do you wear lace tights with?

Keep the rest of the outfit simple: a plain black dress, an oversized knit, or a midi skirt with loafers. For evening, black lace tights with heels is the classic combination.

Are lace tights warm enough for autumn?

Most lace tights are sheer 10–15 denier, so they add a light layer rather than real warmth — ideal for autumn layering. For colder days, look at thicker patterned styles of 60 denier and above.

Can you wear lace tights to a wedding?

Absolutely — sheer lace tights in black or nude are a wedding-guest classic, and lace-top hold-ups are the traditional bridal choice.