Normally, tights season kicks off around late October. However, this year, everything has changed.
The terrible weather—dark mornings, strong winds, and heavy rain—has caused hosiery sales in Britain to surge earlier in 2024 compared to 2023. Retailers like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer shared this with The Telegraph.
“Our customers began shopping for thicker deniers and more opaque styles as early as August, even while the weather was still mild,” says Claire Breslin, managing director at British hosiery brand Heist. The brand saw a 50% increase in September sales compared to the same time last year. “The 80 denier collection, our thickest, is outselling all other styles,” she adds.
Tights are already a common sight on commuter trains and in restaurants. Celebrities have also embraced them throughout September. Alexa Chung first wore hers on September 10, likely still sporting a summer tan from her trip to Kea, Greece. Just a few days later, Jerry Hall paired hers with a heavy winter coat. Typically, we expect a final stretch of bare legs at the start of autumn, but unfortunately, an Indian summer didn’t happen this year.
This year, tights trends are shifting. Beyond basic black, patterned fishnets and sheer 15 denier styles are popular choices for pairing with little black dresses. Even colorful tights are making a comeback. Heist’s top seller is a rich opaque “dark plum,” while on the high street, you’ll find a range of shades from steel grey at Falke to scarlet at Woolford.
“Tights are a must-have that can also add a playful twist to a winter outfit,” says Amy Jukes, hosiery buyer at John Lewis. Surprisingly, a £7 pair of candy pink tights has become a bestseller in recent weeks as customers transition their wardrobes for winter. It seems some aren’t quite ready for the heavy 80 denier black opaques just yet. This shade pairs beautifully with grey coats and tailored looks. “We’ve noticed a surge in customers wanting to experiment with their hosiery, exploring more colors and patterns,” Jukes adds.
Beyond the weather, the growing interest in playful tights may reflect a broader shift in fashion. Statement tights align with key trends for the season, such as Saint Laurent’s seductive French aesthetic and the return of mini and pencil skirts. With prices as low as £8 for a pack of three colored tights at Marks & Spencer, it’s also one of the most affordable ways to refresh your autumn look.
“Hosiery has quickly gone from zero to hero this season, becoming the must-have fashion accessory for autumn looks,” says Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design at M&S. “Bold styles like oversized nets, spots, bows, and lace are trending, while sheer and semi-sheer tights offer a flattering and elegant base for shorter hemlines.”
“Red is our color of choice,” she adds. When opting for bolder styles, shoe selection is key. For instance, look to Chung’s and Hall’s classic black courts when wearing black hosiery. Black slingbacks also pair beautifully with a statement pattern that highlights your heels.
