Patterned tights have a way of slipping in and out of fashion, but they never quite vanish.
Once a necessity, they’ve also long served as a canvas for playful self-expression – whether it be the daring openwork lace hosiery worn by the Victorians and Edwardians, the bold and brightly-hued geometrics of the 1960s, or even the argyle and ribbed knits that found their way into school uniforms. Each decade has reinvented them, leaving behind a trail of motifs that linger in memory as much as in wardrobes.
Their most recent renaissance can be traced back to the Indie Twee movement of the late 2000s and early 2010s. I’m talking of Zooey Deschanel in 500 Days of Summer, Belle & Sebastian on repeat, and an entire generation turning to Tumblr for outfit inspiration. Alongside Peter Pan collars, brogues and satchels came argyle print tights, ditsy florals, and star-spangled sheers.
While the Twee moment has passed, its influence still colours how patterned tights are worn today – slightly less costume-like, with some nostalgic flare. Designers have also played a part in softening their reputation. Labels such as Gucci, Wolford and Falke have reimagined historical patterned hosiery with tone-on-tone logos, delicate lace, and subtle jacquards that lend polish rather than whimsy.
High street hosiery, meanwhile, continues to revel in polka dots, florals and lace variations that are accessible, fun, and far more versatile than they’re often given credit for.
The appeal lies in range. A sheer black pair of tights dusted with tiny polka dots can arguably be as classic as pearls. Cable knit tights, meanwhile, anchor winter dressing with texture and warmth.
Fishnets, whether peeking under denim or layered beneath skirts, still carry a charge of subversion. And bolder motifs, from florals to geometrics, add unique embellishment to any ensemble, if chosen carefully.
Pattern tights continue to capture our sartorial imaginations because they straddle nostalgia and novelty. They can recall a past era while refreshing the present, turning a simple outfit into something that feels considered. For autumn/winter 2025, argyle appears to be reigning supreme, as opposed to last season’s obsession with bows and lace.
As they make their return on catwalks and city streets alike, it is worth asking not whether to wear them, but which pair to choose.
I’ve curated a selection of the best below.
Shop now
Swedish Stockings Franka Check Tights
Sustainably made in recycled nylon, these Franka tights reinterpret a classic heritage check in a satisfyingly autumnal palette. Swedish Stockings specialise in eco-conscious hosiery that doesn’t compromise on design, and this pair brings a subtle touch of pattern to cold weather outfits.
Buy now £18.00, Swedish Stockings
Falke Check Mate 60 DEN Women Tights
Falke’s opaque Check Mate tights are crafted in 60 denier with a bold, graphic grid. The heavier knit ensures warmth without sacrificing stretch, making them an ideal cold-weather upgrade on plain black.
Buy now £29.00, Falke
Heist The Floral Lace Patterned Tights
Heist’s take on lace hosiery add just enough romance to a slip dress or oversized blazer without tipping into vintage fancy dress. Made with their signature seamless waistband, these tights are comfortable enough for all-day wear while the floral lace motif adds an elegant layer of texture to evening dressing.
Buy now £35.00, Heist
Wolford Multicolored Dot Tights
Polka dots have been fashion’s perennial flirtation, and Wolford’s multicoloured take feels refreshingly playful. The sheer base is scattered with tiny spots in jewel tones, making them an instant conversation starter under an LBD.
Buy now £40.00, Wolford
Thom Browne argyle mesh tights
Featuring bold, contrasting argyle patterns on either leg, these semi-sheer navy tights from Thom Browne’s latest collection are set to bring subtle drama to your day-to-day ensembles.
Buy now £170.00, Farfetch
Agent Provocateur AP Diamond Tights
Bold and seductive, Agent Provocateur’s diamond tights feature an oversized lattice pattern on sheer black mesh. Crafted in stretch nylon, they strike the line between lingerie and statement hosiery.
Buy now £95.00, Agent Provocateur
Calzedonia Diamond-Patterned Fishnet Tights
Fishnets are no longer shorthand for rebellion, but Calzedonia’s diamond version still carries a subtle charge. Affordable, lightweight and endlessly versatile, they toughen up tea dresses or add edge to tailoring.
Buy now £19.99, Calzedonia
Victoria Beckham Flower Detail Hold-Ups In Black
These floral hold-ups from Victoria Beckham offer a minimalist riff on embellishment. Sheer black hosiery is detailed with subtle flowers that climb the leg, finished with silicone bands for secure wear.
Buy now £95.00, Victoria Beckham
Marine Serre Moonogram-flocked mesh tights
Marine Serre’s cult crescent moon motif is flocked onto sheer, plum-coloured mesh, transforming a pair of tights into a statement piece. Made in stretch nylon, they’re instantly recognisable and designed for those who want their hosiery to do the talking.
Buy now £285.00, Farfetch
Falke Powder Check 40 Den Women Tights
Featured here in a rose-blush checked pattern, these fashion-forward stockings from the iconic German hosiery Falke have been crafted using innovative 3D knitting technology.
Buy now £26.45, Amazon
Better Dotty Bamboo Tights
Proof that basics don’t need to be boring. Made from breathable bamboo, these tights are softer and more sustainable than standard nylon. The delicate dotting brings charm, while the fabric ensures they survive more than one wash. They’re wonderfully size inclusive.
Buy now £15.00, Better
