Top 10 Control-Top Tights for Every Budget, Body, and Season

Denier / Opacity: 35 denier (semi-opaque)

Size Range: S–XL

If you’ve ever peeled off a pair of tights mid-day because the waistband was cutting in—you know there’s no substitute for comfort. Commando’s signature raw-cut design sits flat against your waist with zero seams, zero digging. It doesn’t roll, doesn’t squeeze, just stays put. The 35-denier leg hits that perfect balance between opaque and sheer, giving you coverage without dulling your skin tone. Reviewers call them “buttery soft” and “shockingly durable,” which makes sense given Commando’s track record for longevity. A little pricey, yes, but the comfort-to-wear ratio makes it easy to justify.

Denier / Opacity: 80 denier (super opaque)

Size Range: S–XL (standard) and 1X–4X (plus)

You know that pair you grab “just to get by” and somehow keep reaching for all winter? Right here. They’re thick—truly opaque—with an 80-denier knit that feels smooth, not plasticky. The control top gives just enough support to hold everything in without that trapped feeling (you know the one). Reviewers say they hold up shockingly well for the price, even after several washes, though taller folks sometimes size up for extra length. No bells, no luxury label—just dependable, inexpensive tights that earn their spot in your drawer. Target runs regular promotions, so keep an eye on their sales section to see if you can snag a deal.

Denier / Opacity: 20 denier (sheer)

Size Range: XS–XL

These are what you reach for when you actually care what’s under the dress. Feather-light, perfectly sheer, and somehow still shaping—it’s that rare mix only Wolford seems to nail. The lace-detailed control top smooths your waist without looking like shapewear, and the fabric feels almost liquid against your skin. Reviewers say the quality justifies the price, especially if you save them for events (or days when you want to feel expensive). They’re delicate, yes, but the fit and finish? Gorgeous enough to convert even a tights skeptic.

Denier / Opacity: 40 denier (sheer-to-opaque)

Size Range: A–G (height/weight grid)

You won’t see these all over TikTok, but they’ve quietly been the go-to for anyone who stands all day—nurses, teachers, retail workers, you name it. The gentle compression keeps blood flowing and legs from throbbing after hours on your feet. The control top smooths things out without digging in, and that reinforced toe? It’s the reason they survive week after week of wear. They’re not fancy, just functional in the way that actually matters. Slip them off at night and you’ll notice it—your legs still feel… fine. Which, honestly, is kind of a miracle.

Denier / Opacity: 40 denier (semi-opaque)

Size Range: S–XL (Italian sizing—runs small)

Leave it to the Italians to make shapewear feel elegant. These do a little of everything—lift the seat, smooth the tummy, tighten the waist—without turning into full-on armor. The fabric has that silky, high-end feel that slides easily under dresses and doesn’t snag at the first brush of a zipper. Reviewers even joke about accidentally washing them with jeans and pulling them out perfectly fine. They run snug, sure, but in the good way—structured, supportive, and quietly flattering.

Denier / Opacity: 60–80 denier (opaque)

Size Range: XS–XL

There’s something quietly reassuring about these. No gimmicks, no viral claims—just solid, American-made tights that hold up season after season. The nylon-spandex blend gives them a dense, even finish that doesn’t stretch out or bag at the knees. They wash well, too, which is rare for anything this opaque. The control top is more “light smoothing” than sculpting, so you can actually breathe (and maybe even sit through a full workday without noticing them). Simple, classic, dependable. Use a J.Crew promo code to save on your whole outfit.

Denier / Opacity: 70 denier (opaque)

Size Range: A–E (height/weight grid)

Engineered for comfort and contour, these SPANX tights smooth from waist to mid-thigh without squeezing too hard. The fabric feels sturdy yet flexible, and reviewers love that they can wear them all day without digging or rolling. The mid-thigh shaping panel targets the exact areas most tights ignore—hips, thighs, and tummy—creating a more streamlined fit under dresses. They’re a great middle ground for anyone who wants shaping power without committing to full compression garments. Check out our SPANX coupons before checking out to save a little extra.

Denier / Opacity: 60–80 denier (thick matte)

Size Range: S–4XL

If you’ve ever torn a brand-new pair of tights before leaving the house, you’ll get why people love these. They’re practically unbreakable—seriously, reviewers have tried. The fabric has a heavier, more durable feel than your average shaping tight, but it’s still soft enough to wear all day without that sandpaper texture. They smooth the tummy and hips nicely, though most shoppers recommend sizing up since the compression runs tight. Not the prettiest pair, maybe, but when you’ve got a long day ahead (or a rough track record with ladders), they’re the ones you can trust not to betray you.

Denier / Opacity: 90 denier (fully opaque)

Size Range: S–XL (standard), 1X–3X (plus)

These have been around forever—and honestly, there’s a reason. They’re thick in the best way, that true matte black that actually covers, no weird sheen or streaky patches. The control top is snug enough to smooth things out but not so tight you’re counting down the minutes to take them off. And they last. Like, really last. People wash and re-wear them season after season, and somehow they don’t pill or stretch out. Nothing fancy, nothing viral—just the pair you end up wearing the most without even realizing it. Grab these babes with an Amazon promo code for the best deal.

Denier / Opacity: ~30 denier (semi-sheer)

Size Range: XXS–4X

This is what happens when shapewear meets tech. They look delicate, but they hold you in all the right places. The fabric comes from Sheertex’s near-indestructible polymer (yep, the same one that went viral for being “rip-proof”), so they’re surprisingly tough for something that feels like silk. The compression is noticeable but not punishing, smoothing your tummy, thighs, and hips just enough to make everything look sharper under clothes. The finish is sleek, sculpting, a little glossy—like the difference between a good outfit and a great one. They’re not the cheapest option, but for how well they work we think their totally worth it. You can keep an eye out for Skims discounts, too, to make sure you get a good deal.