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10 Best Ballet Tights in the UK 2023

Ballet tights are worn by dancers during performances and rehearsal time to provide the most streamlined movement, an elegant aesthetic, and comfort for your legs and feet. Choosing a pair isn’t always easy as you’ll need to consider the number of deniers, the stretch of the fabric, and the colour too, as well as deciding whether you want footed or convertible tights.

Brands like Katz, Manzi and Capezio all offer soft, supple hosiery perfect for different aged ballerinas - from toddlers to adults. John Lewis, Amazon and Roch Valley offer great value options, too. Their products are all included on our list of the top ballet tights to buy online in the UK this year. Our ranking takes into account footless and transition ballet tights that are pink, black, white and brown to suit darker skin, as well as pairs suitable for men. Let’s dance!
Last updated 14/07/2023
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How to Choose Ballet Tights in the UK – Buying Guide

Simply grabbing the first pair of ballet tights you see isn’t always the best way to find a comfortable, breathable pair that are really worth the cost. It pays to think carefully about the style you prefer, as well as the fabric, price and other key factors.

1

Ballet Tights Can Be for Men or Women

Ballet Tights Can Be for Men or Women
The first thing to decide is whether you want men’s or women’s ballet tights, as each is designed for slightly different body shapes.


Ballet tights for women are far more common online, so you'll have plenty of choice. Women’s ballet tights are usually light, stretchy and durable and come in slightly smaller sizes, often catering to young girls as well. 


Fear not though, men, tights for you are also available from top quality brands. Ballet tights aimed at men will generally be greater in length and width to fit your larger frame, so you're able to pick a type that best suits your dance preferences and body shape. 

2

Each Fabric Used for Ballet Tights Has Different Benefits for Dancers

The next thing you’ll want to consider when buying a pair of ballet tights is the fabric or mix of fibres they’re made from. Think about their stretchiness, breathability and durability before you commit to buying, as some fabrics are cheaper but may not last; costlier fibres tend to endure.

Higher Quality Stretch Fabrics Like Polyamide and Elastane Will Last Well and Fit Snugly

Higher Quality Stretch Fabrics Like Polyamide and Elastane Will Last Well and Fit Snugly
Often paired together in tight fabrics are polyamide and elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra. These two synthetic fibres are common in hosiery as they provide high levels of stretch and softness.


The artificial polyamide usually used in hosiery mimics naturally occurring polyamides like silk and wool, meaning it is durable while still allowing tights to expand comfortably around your body.

Nylon Tights Aren’t the Most Breathable Choice, but Are Cheaper and Combine Well With Other Fibres

Nylon Tights Aren’t the Most Breathable Choice, but Are Cheaper and Combine Well With Other Fibres
You may also come across tights containing nylon, which unfortunately aren’t the best for keeping cool when you’re getting hot and sweaty. 

If value is your main priority, however, they are generally more cost-effective. It could also be worth considering tights that mix nylon with another, more breathable fibre such as polyamide or elastane to keep costs down.

3

Consider Foot Type; It Makes All the Difference to Comfort and Efficiency

When choosing a pair of ballet tights, the type of foot they have will affect how comfortable they are to wear and how versatile they are for other forms of dance. There are three main types of ballet tights and we'll help you pick the one for you.

Footed Ballet Tights Are Generally Cheaper, Footless Pairs Suit Rehearsals

Footed Ballet Tights Are Generally Cheaper, Footless Pairs Suit Rehearsals
Footed tights are your standard pair with fully covered feet and toes, and although not the typical choice for pro ballet dancers they will suit a modest budget and look just as smart with ballet pumps on.


Footless tights are not such an obvious choice for ballet as they don’t fit the traditional aesthetic, but may work for male ballet dancers or those who want a comfortable, streamlined pair of tights for rehearsal time. They can also be worn for other styles of dance like jazz or tap.

Tights With Stirrups Are Better Suited to Jazz, but Are Versatile and Give the Security You Need

Tights With Stirrups Are Better Suited to Jazz, but Are Versatile and Give the Security You Need
Ballet tights with stirrups can be worn for both jazz and ballet, and while they’re not appropriate for ballet performances, they could work for rehearsals.


They’re essentially footless tights with a strap that hooks under the foot to keep them taught, making them easy to slip off when changing dance shoes, and secure enough to dance comfortably.

Transition Tights Are Practical and Professional, Making Changing Shoes Easy

Transition Tights Are Practical and Professional, Making Changing Shoes Easy
The ultimate choice for ballet dancers is transition tights, also known as convertible tights. These are pairs with a small finished hole in the sole of the foot which can be pulled up over your feet to create footless tights — great for adjusting shoes.


They cost more but are ideal for professionals or any ballerina regularly performing on stage.

4

Look at the Number of Denier as This Affects Transparency and Risk of Laddering

Look at the Number of Denier as This Affects Transparency and Risk of Laddering
The number of denier in a pair of tights denotes the thickness of the yarns used to knit them. Tights with a very high denier such as 60 or 70 are usually thick and completely opaque, a term sometimes used to describe them if the denier isn’t mentioned.


The advantages of choosing tights with high deniers are that they’ll be much more durable, less likely to ladder and will keep your legs and stomach super secure as you dance.


On the other hand, tights with a very low denier of 30 are often cheaper, but they may ladder or lose their elasticity quickly so perhaps aren’t such a bargain long term. While they may be more breathable, they don’t give as much support, so tend not to be favoured by professionals.

5

Different Skin Tones and Costumes May Influence Your Colour Choice

Different Skin Tones and Costumes May Influence Your Colour Choice
Think about which colour of tights you need and look out for a pair you can buy in several different shades. There is unfortunately still a very limited range of ballet tights for darker skin tones; though some ballet tights come in shades of brown, the variety is still pitifully small.


For most ballet performances, dancers are expected to wear pink or white tights. If you want tights closer to your skin colour, look for pairs that come in tans, browns and golds.


Black tights may be appropriate for certain costumes or serve as a practical choice for dress rehearsals. A brand that offers the same tights in multiple shades is a good option if you aim to build a varied dance wardrobe.

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Top 10 Best Ballet Tights in the UK

Keeping these simple tips in mind, take a look at our countdown of the top 10 ballet tights we’ve found online across sites like Amazon and John Lewis. The tights on our list are affordable, high quality and great value; we think they set the ‘barre’ pretty high.
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1

Manzi

3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

Manzi 3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights 1枚目

Get Multiple Top-Quality Tights at an Affordable Price

2

Katz Dancewear

Ladies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

Katz Dancewear Ladies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights 1枚目

The Superb Stretch of These Tights Gives You the Freedom You Need

3

DanceYou

Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

DanceYou Convertible Ballet Dance Tights 1枚目

Super Thick & Silky Tights With a Professional Look

4

Silky

Dance Shimmer Stirrup Tights

Silky Dance Shimmer Stirrup Tights 1枚目

A Semi-Opaque Pair With Stirrups

5

John Lewis & Partners

Girls’ Opaque TightsPack of 2

John Lewis & Partners Girls’ Opaque Tights 1枚目

Girls Will Love These Tights, and So Will Mums and Dads

6

Capezio

Men’s Footed Ballet Tights

Capezio Men’s Footed Ballet Tights 1枚目

Our Top Pick for Male Dancers

7

Roch Valley

Economy Women’s Ballet Tights

Roch Valley Economy Women’s Ballet Tights 1枚目

Seamless Tights on a Budget

8

Katz

Dancewear Footless Ballet Tights

Katz  Dancewear Footless Ballet Tights 1枚目

Versatile Dance Tights That Aren't Just for Ballet Class

9

Bezioner

Footed Ballet Tights

Bezioner Footed Ballet Tights 1枚目

These Footed Tights Come in a Huge Range of Shades

10

Silky

High Performance Footed Ballet Tights

Silky High Performance Footed Ballet Tights 1枚目

Get a Soft Feel at a Great Price

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Manzi3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.99
Reference price
£12.99

Get Multiple Top-Quality Tights at an Affordable Price

These tights sit at the top of our list because they combine the optimum balance of fibres, they transition easily and what’s more, they are available in a comprehensive range of colours; black, white, pink and nude.

They are 40 denier too, which means they are nice and thick, more or less opaque, but won’t be overwhelmingly thick or bulky on your legs. The fact they come in a 3 pack also means they’re pretty great value for money and will mean that you have enough spares if you do numerous classes a week. 
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No.2

Katz DancewearLadies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

Ladies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.75
Reference price
£4.75

The Superb Stretch of These Tights Gives You the Freedom You Need

A highly rated pair of tights with lots of 4 and 5 star reviews on eCommerce sites, these tights come at a brilliant price and can easily transition between footed and footless – just great for those speedy changes in the wings mid-show.

60 denier is probably the optimum number as they’re lovely and thick, totally opaque and extremely supportive for each movement, without letting you overheat or feel uncomfortable. They come in the standard powder pink used in traditional ballet costumes; ideal!
No.3

DanceYouConvertible Ballet Dance Tights

Convertible Ballet Dance Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.19
Reference price
£7.19

Super Thick & Silky Tights With a Professional Look

These transition tights mix bargainous nylon with flexible elastane for a great balance of affordability and durability. They can easily be slipped on and off to allow speedy shoe changes mid-performance with minimal fuss.

The fact they’re 70 denier makes them ultra snug and supportive, as well as being 100% opaque. They’re available in a wide range of shades including two pinks, white and two shades of tan brown. The neatly finished hole in the toe has great stretch too.
No.4

SilkyDance Shimmer Stirrup Tights

Dance Shimmer Stirrup Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.79
Reference price
£4.79

A Semi-Opaque Pair With Stirrups

With a beautifully breathable mix of elastane and polyamide, these stirrup-footed tights are a wonderful pick to pair with your stage costume or to wear in rehearsals. These tights have an exceptionally soft texture and give your legs a glossy layer of reflective shine.

They’re available in toast or light toast (essentially shades of tan) and are described as semi opaque which means they’re unlikely to ladder quickly, even if you’re kneeling, doing the splits or performing other floorwork. Stirrups keep the tights secure on your legs but give your toes some wiggle room too!
No.5

John Lewis & PartnersGirls’ Opaque TightsPack of 2

Girls’ Opaque Tights Image 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£5.00
Reference price
£5.00

Girls Will Love These Tights, and So Will Mums and Dads

These tights are high on our list as they’re made from the stretchiest, silkiest possible combination of fibres; polyamide with elastane. They are a popular choice online, most likely down to their touchable texture and affordable price tag.

These tights are listed as ‘opaque’ and have a dense, thick appearance when worn. They’re also extra comfortable and highly supportive, great for intense leg stretches and broad arabesques. A bargain pick for kids and adults alike.
No.6

CapezioMen’s Footed Ballet Tights

Men’s Footed Ballet Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£32.99
Reference price
£32.99

Our Top Pick for Male Dancers

As a male ballet dancer, it can be a little harder to find specialist wear online. These great footed tights by Capezio are an excellent choice. They’re with a small percentage of elastane so they’ve got beautiful elasticity and softness rolled into one.

They’re footed, so though they don’t let you switch shoes easily, they will fit snugly inside a ballet pump. These semi-opaque tights come in a stylish shade of black or white for a brighter option. 
No.7

Roch ValleyEconomy Women’s Ballet Tights

Economy Women’s Ballet Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.70
Reference price
£4.70

Seamless Tights on a Budget

These tights are our top choice for ballet dancers with limited funds. Though they combine an un-specified balance of nylon and elastane, the combination is a good sign for a little more stretch and movement as you move. These affordable tights are highly rated by online shoppers.

Though there is no specific number of denier given, the tights are described as semi-transparent, so they’re more about getting that beautiful ballet aesthetic than keeping you safe and secure as you move. Brilliant for a budget, available in black, white and pink.
No.8

Katz Dancewear Footless Ballet Tights

Dancewear Footless Ballet Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.75
Reference price
£4.75

Versatile Dance Tights That Aren't Just for Ballet Class

Number 8 on our list is this versatile pair of footless dance leggings that are very popular with customers who repeatedly reference the comfort and quality of the product. They are by trusted dancewear company Katz, so you know they’re good!

The fact they’re footless and only available in black means they won’t suit on-stage ballet recitals, but they’ll certainly be ideal for rehearsals and can be used for jazz, tap or modern dance classes too. A 60 denier knit also means great thickness and long-lasting stretch.
No.9

BezionerFooted Ballet Tights

Footed Ballet Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.99
Reference price
£6.99

These Footed Tights Come in a Huge Range of Shades

The number one reason to pick these touchable tights is the fact they come in a great range of colours, from black and a golden tan colour to the more traditional ballet shades of pretty pink and elegant white. No denier is given but reviewers describe them as ‘thick’ and ‘opaque’.

The tights are made with 85% nylon, which is not always as resilient to use as other polyamides. It is however balanced with a little elastane which should give it a reliable stretch. The pairs have a full foot, so can’t transition to footless, but they look smart and feel secure.
No.10

SilkyHigh Performance Footed Ballet Tights

High Performance Footed Ballet Tights Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.39
Reference price
£5.39

Get a Soft Feel at a Great Price

The best thing about these silky-soft tights is the fact they come in a lovely thick 70 denier knit, meaning you’ll feel super secure while dancing and that they’ll last plenty of time without holes, ladders and fraying. They are soft to the touch and comfortable to wear.

Though they’re made predominantly from nylon, they do use elastane for a little more strength as they stretch. These tights are full-footed, so they’re unlikely to be a top pick for pro dancers, but will work great if ballet is simply your hobby. They come in a dreamy candyfloss pink.

Become a Better Dancer by Working on Your Strength and Fitness

Become a Better Dancer by Working on Your Strength and Fitness

Dance is known for being incredibly strenuous and requiring a high level of fitness, particularly if it's something you do multiple times a week. If dance is one of your passions, you'll know how helpful it is to do other exercises and workouts that strengthen and condition your body. Have a look at some of our guides for the best kit so you can get fit. 

Summary

And that concludes our rundown of the top ten best ballet tights you can buy online this year. We hope our buying guide and product suggestions help you find yourself a breathable, practical pair of tights so you can dance perfect pliés and optimal arabesques in comfort and style.


Author: Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Ballet Tights

No. 1: Manzi3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

No. 2: Katz DancewearLadies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights

No. 3: DanceYouConvertible Ballet Dance Tights

No. 4: SilkyDance Shimmer Stirrup Tights

No. 5: John Lewis & PartnersGirls’ Opaque TightsPack of 2

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When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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