How to wear tights for guys starts with the pair most likely to fit on the first try. For a man 5'7" to 6'2" (170 to 188 cm) and 145 to 210 lbs (65 to 95 kg), that's our 10D Sheer Tights, a 10 denier pair woven with Lycra and our usual first recommendation inside that range. For a broader build, 175 to 300 lbs (80 to 136 kg) at the same heights, it's the Comfort Fit, a 3 denier sheer cut to fit more, Open front only. Both are sheer pantyhose made for men: a fine, sheer knit, not the thick athletic kind worn for a run.
Start with the 10D
The 10D Sheer Tights is a 10 denier knit on 1012 needles, woven with Lycra. Denier is the weight of the yarn, and needle count is the number of knitting needles. Among the sheer pairs we make, the 10D is the stretchiest and the most durable, and it resists runs. The finish is sheer, with a soft sheen up close.
The rise is high, so the waistband sits above the navel, on a soft, stretchy elastic band. It comes in Black and Beige.
Fit is 5'7" to 6'2" and 145 to 210 lbs. We size by height and weight, not waist. Inside that range, the 10D is our usual first recommendation.
Broader builds: the Comfort Fit
The Comfort Fit fits 5'7" to 6'2" and 175 to 300 lbs (80 to 136 kg), Open front only. This is the 3D sheer, rebuilt to fit more: a 3 denier knit on 640 needles, cut in panels and joined with a U-seam through the hip and seat. The rise is high, above the navel, with a soft, stretchy elastic waistband. It comes in Black or Beige.
Where the two ranges overlap, the size guide sets out the choice between the pairs.
Where the other pairs fit in
The 1D Seamless Sheer Tights is a 1 denier knit on 512 needles, the lightest pair we make, and the only matte one among the sheer pairs. The 1D reads as bare leg under trousers. It's also extremely delicate, so handle it with care: trim your nails, or wear the gloves when putting it on. If a bare-leg look is the point, the 1D is the pair, in Black or Sand.
The 3D Seamless Sheer Tight is a 3 denier knit on 640 needles, in Black. Of every pair we make, the 3D Seamless is the smoothest. The rise is low, below the navel, and the waistband is a firm mesh band that runs snugger at first. It's not a first pair. If that firm band has ever felt tight, the Comfort Fit is the pair, Open front only.
The 120D Opaque Tights covers the leg: 120 denier, an opaque knit, in a deep matte black that stays black when stretched at the calf. The 120D is the most opaque pair we make, made for colder days, under trousers or styled with a sweater or a blazer. Tall is its only size, 5'9" to 6'3" (175 to 190 cm) and 155 to 200 lbs (70 to 91 kg), and the pair is fully footed, with a knitted elastic waistband. It's neither a first pair nor a stand-in for the pairs above. The 120D is for when you want the leg fully covered.
How to wear tights for guys
Wear them under trousers. Black sits easily under dark trousers and the usual suit colors.
Nails and rough skin catch a sheer knit, so set up first:
- Trim your nails and take off rings and your watch.
- Put on the disposable gloves that come in every NYLO order. They keep nails and rough skin off the knit.
- Gather one leg down to the toe with both hands and slide your foot in.
- Roll it up the calf and thigh a little at a time instead of pulling from the waist, then do the other leg.
- Bring the waistband up to where it sits, above the navel on the 10D and the Comfort Fit, and smooth each leg.
- Put your trousers on as usual.
Check your size before you order
Opened, tried-on or worn hosiery is final sale, so the size check happens before you order, not after. These are the published ranges.
| Pair | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 10D Sheer Tights | 5'7" to 6'2" (170 to 188 cm) | 145 to 210 lbs (65 to 95 kg) |
| Comfort Fit | 5'7" to 6'2" (170 to 188 cm) | 175 to 300 lbs (80 to 136 kg) |
| Standard (3D Seamless, 1D) | 5'3" to 5'9" (160 to 175 cm) | 110 to 154 lbs (50 to 70 kg) |
| Tall (3D Seamless, 1D, 120D) | 5'9" to 6'3" (175 to 190 cm) | 155 to 200 lbs (70 to 91 kg) |
Sizes are a guide. Fit varies with leg length, torso and build. The size guide carries the same chart and the rules for choosing between the pairs. Outside every range here, or still unsure after the chart, send your height and weight through the contact page before you order, and we'll tell you whether a pair will fit.
Questions before a first order
Are these the same as the tights men wear for running?
No. Running tights are a thick athletic knit worn on their own. Ours are sheer, worn under trousers, and sized by height and weight.
How do I wash them?
By hand, in cold water, with no bleach. Air dry away from heat, and skip the dryer.
Can I send them back if the size is wrong?
Only unopened. Items in their original sealed packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Email support@nylo.us first, and read the refund policy. Once a pair is opened or tried on, it's final sale for hygiene.
What does the parcel look like?
Plain packaging, with nothing on the outside that names the product or the category. Your card statement reads NYLO.
Your next step
Measure once: height and weight. Inside 5'7" to 6'2" and 145 to 210 lbs, the 10D Sheer Tights is our usual first recommendation. For a broader build, 175 to 300 lbs at those heights, the Comfort Fit, Open front only. Outside both ranges, send us those two numbers through the contact page first.
