Sizing is the most common reason tights get returned. European brands use height/weight or S/M/L, US brands often add dress sizes, and Japanese brands use height ranges. Below are two quick-reference tables plus real-world fit notes from our wear tests.
1. International size conversion
| EU / US | Height | Weight | UK | JP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS / S | 150–160 cm 4'11"–5'3" | 45–55 kg 100–120 lb | 6–8 | S | Petite fit, shorter leg |
| S / M | 158–168 cm 5'2"–5'6" | 52–62 kg 115–135 lb | 8–10 | M | Most common size |
| M / L | 165–175 cm 5'5"–5'9" | 60–72 kg 130–160 lb | 10–14 | L | Standard or curvier fit |
| L / XL | 170–180 cm 5'7"–5'11" | 70–85 kg 155–190 lb | 14–18 | LL | Tall or plus size |
| XL / XXL | 175–185 cm 5'9"–6'1" | 82–100 kg 180–220 lb | 18–22 | 3L | Tall plus / dedicated plus-size lines |
If you sit between two sizes, choose by height first. A tight that is too long will bunch at the ankle; one that is too short will pull at the crotch. You can size up for more room at the waist, but never size down on leg length.
2. What is denier?
| Denier | Opacity | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–15 D | Very sheer, skin-like | Evening, formal, summer | Wolford Individual 5, Falke Lunelle 8 |
| 20–40 D | Semi-sheer to semi-opaque | Office, daily wear, spring/autumn | Calzedonia 20, Wolford Neon 40 |
| 50–80 D | Mostly opaque | Autumn/winter, business casual | Falke Pure Matt 50, Wolford Velvet 66 |
| 100 D+ | Fully opaque, leggings-like | Cold winter, casual | Calzedonia Thermal, Uniqlo HEATTECH |
Lower denier means thinner, sheerer and more delicate. Higher denier means thicker, warmer and more durable. If you are new to tights, start at 30–40D: it balances looks and longevity.
Bottom line: height first, denier second
Pick your size by height and weight, then pick your denier by season and occasion. Avoid “one size” claims unless the brand explicitly lists a 160–175 cm range — many one-size tights are too long for petite wearers and too short for tall ones.
Japanese brands tend to run shorter in the leg than European brands. If you are under 160 cm / 5'3", a Japanese M may fit better than a European S.
3. Brand fit notes from our tests
Fit note
Wolford — Long in the leg, generous stretch
Austrian brand with a longer leg and higher waist than the size chart suggests. Under 160 cm / 5'3" choose petite or the smallest size. Over 170 cm / 5'7" you can usually take your normal size. See our Wolford Neon 40 review.
Fit note
Falke — Size by weight, size up if between sizes
German engineering shows in the sizing chart: it is accurate but the elastic is firm. If you are between sizes, go up — the waistband will not loosen during the day. See our Falke Lunelle 8 Dotted review.
Fit note
Calzedonia — True to size, watch "one size" styles
Italian fast-fashion brand with clear S/M/L breaks. Most styles fit true to size, but their "one size" range usually covers roughly 160–175 cm only.
