Opaque Tights

Opaque tights are the pair you reach for from October to March: 40 denier and up, so the leg reads as a solid colour rather than a tint. This collection runs from Penti's best-selling Micro 40 (a fine matt opaque in more than a dozen colours) through 70, 80 and 100 denier everyday blacks to 150–200 denier thermal and cotton-rich tights for the coldest weeks. There is a wet-look 120 denier, an 80 denier maternity pair from Italiana, and a few opaque patterns (tartan, herringbone, leopard) for when plain black feels flat.

The number to remember is 40: below it tights are semi-sheer, at 40–60 they are opaque in daylight, and from 80 upward they are fully opaque and noticeably warmer. Micro-fibre opaques (the "Micro" in the name) are knitted from finer yarn than standard opaques, so a 40 denier micro looks smoother and lasts longer than a cheap 40 denier. Penti opaques are made in Turkey by Europe's largest hosiery manufacturer and come in sizes S to XL with a height-and-weight chart on every product page.

Prefer something lighter? See our sheer tights at 20 denier and under. For every black pair in one place, browse black tights. Free delivery on every order, UK and worldwide.

Opaque Tights FAQs

What denier is opaque?

40 denier is the starting point for opaque: the leg looks a solid colour in daylight. 60–80 denier is fully opaque and the standard for winter; 100 denier and above adds real warmth; 150–200 denier thermal and cotton tights are for freezing days and are thick enough to replace leggings.

Are 40 denier tights warm enough for winter?

For a British autumn and a mild winter, yes, especially with boots. For January and February, or if you feel the cold, go to 80 denier or a thermal 150–200 denier pair.

Which opaque tights are most durable?

Micro-fibre opaques with a reinforced toe and a cotton gusset last longest. Penti Micro 40, 80 and 100 are the pairs our customers re-order most often; wash them cool in a mesh bag and avoid the tumble dryer.