Tights Denier Guide: What Denier Should I Wear?

Quick answer: denier is the thickness of the yarn, so the higher the number, the thicker, warmer and more opaque the tights. 5–20 denier is sheer, 30 is semi-sheer, 40–60 is opaque in daylight, 80–100 is fully opaque for winter, and 150–200 denier or thermal is for the coldest days.

The denier scale at a glance

• 5–10 denier — ultra sheer, looks like bare legs. Most delicate; best for summer weddings and evenings.
• 15 denier — the classic sheer for work, weddings and dresses. Light coverage that evens skin tone.
• 20 denier — looks the same as 15 but survives more wears. Our most popular sheer.
• 30 denier — semi-sheer. The base for most patterned tights, so the pattern shows but the leg is softened.
• 40 denier — the start of opaque. Solid colour in daylight, still fine enough for the office. The best-selling Penti Micro 40 lives here.
• 60–80 denier — fully opaque and the standard for a British winter.
• 100–120 denier — opaque with real warmth; wet-look and glossy finishes sit here.
• 150–200 denier and thermal — fleece-lined or cotton-rich pairs thick enough to replace leggings.

Which denier for which occasion?

• Office: 15–20 denier sheer black or nude, or 40 denier opaque from October.
• Weddings and evenings: 10–15 denier sheer, lace-top hold-ups, or sheer patterned tights.
• Winter with skirts: 80–100 denier. If you are always cold, 150–200 denier thermal.
• Under jeans or boots: 40–60 denier for warmth without bulk.

Does a higher denier last longer?

Generally yes — thicker yarn resists snags — but construction matters more than the number. Micro-fibre opaques (the “Micro” in Penti names) use a finer, higher-twist yarn, so a 40 denier micro looks smoother and outlasts a cheap 40 denier. A reinforced toe and cotton gusset add life to any denier.

Ready to choose? Browse sheer tights (20 denier and under), opaque tights (40 denier and up) or every black pair in one place. Need a size? See the size guide.