How to Prevent Tights from Sliding Down

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 1, 2021

Tights add a cute, flirty element to your outfit with a bonus of keeping your legs warm during chilly weather. However, it’s hard to focus on the cuteness of your outfit if you have to stop and pull your tights up every 5 minutes. By using a few simple guidelines, you can make sure your tights stay pulled up all day and avoid heading to the bathroom to readjust your tights every time you take a step.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Buying the Right Size

1
Measure your height and weight so you can find the best fit. Most size charts for tights are measured by your overall body height and weight. Measure yourself with a measuring tape from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head while you stand up straight. Then, use a scale to figure out how much you weigh.^{[1]
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- Have a friend measure your height so you don’t have to bend over or contort yourself.
2
Consult the size chart on the package and go with that recommendation. If you are buying tights online, check out the size chart on the website. If you are in the store, look on the back of the package to find the size guide. Match your height and weight to a size using the guidelines.^{[2]
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- A size small usually ranges from 4’11" to 5’4" (149 to 162 cm) and 95 to 130 pounds (43 to 59 kg).
- A size medium usually ranges from 5’5" to 5’9 (165 to 175 cm) and 115 to 145 pounds (52 to 66 kg).
- A size large usually ranges from 5’10" to 6’0" (177 to 182 cm) and 120 to 160 pounds (54 to 73 kg).
- A size extra large usually ranges from 5’5" to 5’9' (165 to 175 cm) and 160 to 200 pounds (73 to 91 kg).
Tip: Sizes often vary widely between brands. Be sure to look at the size chart for the specific brand that you are buying.

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3
Go up a size if you are in between sizes. If you’re at the higher end of a size range of tights, you should probably buy ones that are the next size up. It’s better to choose tights that are slightly too big than slightly too small so they don’t pinch or pull your skin.^{[3]
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- Tights should be tight enough to stick on your legs when you wear them, but they shouldn’t hurt or cut off your circulation.
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Find plus-size tights if the traditional fit is uncomfortable for you. Tights that are made in plus-sizes often have waistbands that don’t pinch or slide down. If you’d like to, search for a pair of tights that is specifically made for plus-size people so they conform better to your body.^{[4]
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- Look for tights packages that say “plus-size” on them.
5
Go down a size if your tights sag at the ankles or waist. If you put on your tights and they are loose in any spots, they are probably too big for you. Try buying a pair the next size down to find ones that fit perfectly.^{[5]
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- Baggy tights will fall down easier than ones that fit you well.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wearing Extra Underwear

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Put on your underwear like you normally would. You can choose any type of underwear that you’d like to put on underneath your tights. Pull them on before you put on your tights for a layer of protection between your skin and the tights.^{[6]
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- Tights aren’t super breathable. Cotton underwear can help wick away sweat to keep your skin dry and healthy.
2
Pull on a pair of tights and make sure the waist is pulled all the way up. Slide your tights up over your feet and all the way up to your waist.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} Smooth out any lumps and make sure the crotch of the tights fit snugly against you.^{[8]
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- If it’s super hard to pull the tights up all the way, you may have a pair that is too small.
3
Slide on a pair of elastic-waisted underwear over your tights. Choose a pair of underwear that covers your bottom, like boy shorts or a bikini cut. Shimmy them on up over your tights and pull them up so they are snug against your crotch. Alternatively, you could wear spandex underneath or over your tights this would help keep them from sliding down.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.}
- High-waisted underwear will provide even more staying power.
- The second pair of underwear holds up your tights so they don't fall down.
- Try choosing underwear in a color that matches your tights for a more discreet look.
Variation: You can also wear bathing suit bottoms over your tights if that’s more comfortable.
4
Smooth down any lumps that are visible from behind you. An extra pair of underwear can add some bulk to your behind. Put on your skirt, dress, or shorts and take a look in the mirror to make sure you don’t have any lumps or bumps. Smooth them out with your hands before you go out.^{[10]
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- If there’s a lot of lumpiness that you can’t smooth out, try switching out your second pair of underwear for a thinner, less bulky pair.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my tights fit better?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

Make sure that your tights have a high rise so they're sitting about where your natural waist is, always. Also, invest in high-quality tights to prevent them from rolling.