Sheertex Tights Are the Best Tights We’ve Ever Worn — Here’s Why

Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give 'em a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)

The assignment…

To see if the Insta-famous, rip-resistant Sheertex tights ($59) really hold up. They claim to be “unbreakable” and made with a polymer that’s 10 times stronger than steel. We put ’em to the test with two editors — one of whom is a self-proclaimed “tights hater” — to see how strong they really are.

Straight A’s in…

• Durability. Each pair of Sheertex tights is made of super-strong polymers that are typically found in ballistics and climbing materials. Whoa. After much wear, we found they really do hold up and don’t easily rip or run. Bless. Our editors consistently wore these (rather carelessly for testing purposes, we might add). Long nails and sharp corner tables weren’t problems. When one of our editors got her ring caught in her tights, however, they did slightly snag, but didn’t ultimately rip or run, and she could tell the threading wouldn’t unravel. And if you do happen to have a snag? The brand has an easy solve: Just massage the fabric around the blemish until it disappears, and you’re golden. 

• Comfort. Not only does the 6.5-inch band make it easy to pull these tights on (we relied on it to yank them up), but it also ensures they stay in place. Unlike other tights on the market, these don’t noticeably roll down when you sit or move. Plus, the wide waistband has slight compression that feels more supportive than restrictive. Our tights-hating editor agreed these felt much more bearable than your run-of-the-mill pair.

• Sizing and varied options. Inclusive sizing FTW. These run from XS-3XL. Plus, the brand makes patterned options, colored ones, shapewear-inspired varieties, and more. There’s a plethora of styles to choose from. Win.

• Ease of care. You can machine wash them on cold with like colors and tumble dry on low to finish. For best results, you can also hand wash in cold water and air dry.

Room for growth…

• Price. At $59, they aren’t cheap. But when considering all the money we’d otherwise spend on new pairs of tights every few months after runs and rips, these are totally worth it. They’re extremely durable — and should last you a while.

• Length. Both of our testers were on the short side (coming in at 5’3” and 5’4” respectively) and didn’t have any issues with the length, though those who are taller may want to size up. We definitely recommend consulting the size chart either way.

Thing to know…

• Performance rating. Aka what Sheertex gives most of its tights to note the opacity, leg compression, and rip, snag, and burn resistance. Before purchasing, check to see which pair works best for your desired outfit. Our testers found out the hard way. (Ex: Despite its name, the Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights…aren’t that sheer after all.) Lesson learned.

Plays well with…

• Anyone who has long nails or pets with claws or nails that snag, or those who simply tend to be careless. Sharp edges are no problem — your tights (in our experience) will stay intact.

• Tights lovers who are looking to upgrade their cruddy grocery store pair for a longer-lasting, higher-quality option.

Gets extra credit for…

• A 90-day guarantee. If your pieces do happen to become irreparably damaged (we’re betting they won’t), you can send in a photo and Sheertex will send a replacement — if approved.

How we did our homework…

• Two Skimm HQ’rs tested Sheertex’s Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights and the brand’s Shaping Sheer Rip-Resist Tights over the course of a month. We paid particular attention to whether the waistband rolled and/or clumped when we sat down, how ‘unbreakable’ the tights really were, whether rings, zippers, and other hard edges ruined the tights, and how they held up in the wash. 

Footnotes…

• $59

• Mid-rise compression comfort waistband

• Reinforced toe 

• Available in several styles, opacities, and colorways