As if we needed another excuse to delay our wardrobe clearout, the cyclical nature of fashion proves itself once again. Why? Because footless tights are in vogue, again.
The 80s-born, 00s-popularised tights are the height of statement hosiery. Adopting the form of traditional tights with a neat cut-off at the ankle, footless tights were never considered chic, but rather a kitsch partywear layer. Believe it or not, this is all changing. Whether you can support the revival or not? Well, that's your call.
Fashion will always be reluctant to let go of the past. In fact, we don’t believe it quite knows how to. The industry has a knack for recycling outdated trends. Take the current nostalgia for all things Nineties that has manifested in the form of baggy denim, diamante detailing and cargo cuts for example. Gen-Z can’t get enough.
The ongoing fervour for 90s fashion continues to split opinion, but nothing is quite as divisive as Noughties style. Hence our surprise at seeing that footless tights are on the rise.
Young audiences were first confronted by footless tights courtesy of Disney circa 2006. Teen stars such as Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Jeanette McCurdy and Ashley Tisdale hit the red carpet debuting the ankle-grazing hosiery, typically paired with ballet pumps, oversized belts and a splash of sequins somewhere or other.
But if the kitten heel is anything to go by, it seemed inevitable that the footless tight would crop back up sooner or later.
In the world of dance, footless tights are not so much a trend, but an active staple piece. Throughout their careers, dancers have donned footless tights to the studio to perfect their clean lines around the ankle area. They are especially popular among lyrical, contemporary and ballet dancers. So, when Balletcore was encompassed by luxury labels last year, footless tights came along for the ride, spotted on the runway.
Alaia’s recent spring/summer 2024 collection showcased stirrup renditions teamed with sculpted leather ensembles, while a season earlier Marc Jacob’s autumn/winter 2023 show saw sheer shin-grazers storm the hallways of the New York Public Library.
Nensi Dojaka offered up a whimsy-goth take on the once-cheugy garment, injecting her signature girlish charm into the lacy stockings. As a result, footless tights were granted a sprinkling of sex appeal, taking a dramatic step away from their disco-ready reputation.
Up your underwear game and step out in a pair of statement footless tights for all to reminisce and coo over this winter.
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M&S 180 Denier Heatgen Footless Tights
M&S’ 180 denier footless tights are designed with winter in mind. The insulating leg warmers offer premium technology to ensure the cosiest of experiences when braving the outdoors.
Not only do they store body heat, but they further feature a sculpting high-waisted silhouette and a neat ankle cut-off to lengthen the legs.
Buy now £15.00, M&S
Wolford + SIMKHAI stretch-mesh jacquard Leggings
Make a fashion statement with Wolford’s lace footless tights. The gothic lingerie can be styled under a sleek black leotard and masculine blazer for a whimsical evening out look. Slip into some towering stilettos and allow the compliments to roll in.
Buy now £200.00, Net-A-Porter
Free People Chained Down Footless Tights
Amp up your evening attire with a pair of chained footless tights that are embellished with all-over glitter. This edgy underlayer is adorned with rhinestones and offers an ultra-sheer accent to your chosen outfit. With a flared-out silhouette and sultry fishnet fabrication, you’ll be sure to capture attention with this style.
Buy now £68.00, Free People
Wolford Velvet 66 Capri Footless Tights
Capri pants come celebrity-approved, so naturally they are firmly on our radar. Wolford’s take on the cropped trousers is uber chic. Team with some kitten heels and a sculpting bandeau top for a trendy Gen Z concoction.
Buy now £35.00, Tights Tights Tights
Falke Pure Matt 50 DEN Women Leggings
Available in a myriad of tempting tones, Falke’s footless tights offer supreme fluidity on the dancefloor. The elegant matte tights are made from a sustainable yarn composition and boast a breathable fit. Finely knitted fibres and velvety flat seams kindly caress the body, outlining your figure under any exterior garments.
Buy now £24.99, Falke
Jaded Venice Lace Pedal Pushers
Pedal pushers are back and better than ever. Jaded’s hen-do-ready leggings are ubiquitous on social media, with TikTokers taking to their fairytale designs like ducks to water. Layered under a flippy mini skirt or handkerchief dress and you have yourself a fantastical winter aesthetic.
Buy now £25.00, Jaded
Gipsy Glitter Footless Tights
Tap into Balletcore with a pair of glistening footless tights. Not only will they sparkle under the studio lights, but they also allow for maximum grip against shiny flooring. Once the dancing day is over, pop them on for partying the night away.
Buy now £7.49, Tights Tights Tights
Bloch ContourSoft Footless Tights
Bloch has been dressing dancers for decades, so naturally the brand stocks a range of footless tights to browse. Revel in the superior softness of the ContourSoft footless tights which promise effortless movement and a streamlined look. A wide waistband supports the core while allowing for the leanest and cleanest lines.
Buy now £13.00, Bloch
Free People French Kiss Leggings
Whether worn for lounging during the day or living it up after dark, Free People’s lace-clad leggings are a refined choice for feminine dressers. The super-soft sheer fabric is adorned with disty florals in snakeskin, blossom pink or black colourways.
Buy now £44.00, Free People
