How to give tights as a gift

Tights are a genuinely useful gift — they get worn, they are easy to post, and they suit a wide range of budgets. The one thing that can ruin it is size. Get that right and almost anything else works.

Start with size, not style

Work out the recipient's height first, then their build. European brands size by height and weight; if you cannot find out discreetly, choose a brand with generous stretch rather than a firm-control shaping pair. Check our size guide for the height-to-size table.

If you genuinely cannot determine the size, buy from a retailer with free returns and include the receipt. A gift that can be exchanged is better than one that fits nobody.

Match the denier to the person

For someonewho wears skirts to work: 20–40 denier in black or nude. Practical, office-appropriate, gets used.

For someone who likes colour: burgundy, deep brown or forest green in 40–60 denier reads as considered rather than novelty.

For a special occasion: a seamed or subtly patterned pair. These are worn less often, which is part of the appeal.

When you know nothing about her style: opaque black 60–80 denier. It is the most forgiving option — warm, practical, and flatters more outfits than sheer.

A note on multipacks

A multipack is a great gift for someone who already wears tights daily, and a risky one for anyone else — it assumes both the size and the colour are right. If you are unsure, one good pair beats three average ones. See our multipack picks if you are confident.