10 Best Ballet Tights in the UK 2024
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!
Quick List - Top Ballet Tights
Manzi
Get Multiple Top-Quality Tights at an Affordable Price
Katz Dancewear
The Superb Stretch of These Tights Gives You the Freedom You Need
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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.
Ballet Tights Can Be for Men or Women
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.
Each Fabric Used for Ballet Tights Has Different Benefits for Dancers
Higher Quality Stretch Fabrics Like Polyamide and Elastane Will Last Well and Fit Snugly
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
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.
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
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
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
They cost more but are ideal for professionals or any ballerina regularly performing on stage.
Look at the Number of Denier as This Affects Transparency and Risk of Laddering
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.
Different Skin Tones and Costumes May Influence Your Colour Choice
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.
Top 10 Best Ballet Tights in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Manzi 3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights | | Get Multiple Top-Quality Tights at an Affordable Price | |
2 | Katz Dancewear Ladies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights | | The Superb Stretch of These Tights Gives You the Freedom You Need | |
3 | DanceYou Convertible Ballet Dance Tights | | Super Thick & Silky Tights With a Professional Look | |
4 | Silky Dance Shimmer Stirrup Tights | | A Semi-Opaque Pair With Stirrups | |
5 | John Lewis & Partners Girls’ Opaque Tights｜Pack of 2 | | Girls Will Love These Tights, and So Will Mums and Dads | |
6 | Capezio Men’s Footed Ballet Tights | | Our Top Pick for Male Dancers | |
7 | Roch Valley Economy Women’s Ballet Tights | | Seamless Tights on a Budget | |
8 | Katz Dancewear Footless Ballet Tights | | Versatile Dance Tights That Aren't Just for Ballet Class | |
9 | Bezioner Footed Ballet Tights | | These Footed Tights Come in a Huge Range of Shades | |
10 | Silky High Performance Footed Ballet Tights | | Get a Soft Feel at a Great Price |
Manzi3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights
Get Multiple Top-Quality Tights at an Affordable Price
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.
Katz DancewearLadies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights
The Superb Stretch of These Tights Gives You the Freedom You Need
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!
Super Thick & Silky Tights With a Professional Look
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.
A Semi-Opaque Pair With Stirrups
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!
John Lewis & PartnersGirls’ Opaque Tights ｜ Pack of 2
Girls Will Love These Tights, and So Will Mums and Dads
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.
Our Top Pick for Male Dancers
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.
Seamless Tights on a Budget
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.
Versatile Dance Tights That Aren't Just for Ballet Class
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.
These Footed Tights Come in a Huge Range of Shades
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.
Get a Soft Feel at a Great Price
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
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
Author: Annie Hopkins
Top 5 Ballet Tights
No. 1: Manzi｜3-in-1 Women’s and Girls’ Basic Convertible Ballet Dance Tights
No. 2: Katz Dancewear｜Ladies’ and Girls’ Convertible Ballet Dance Tights
No. 3: DanceYou｜Convertible Ballet Dance Tights
No. 4: Silky｜Dance Shimmer Stirrup Tights
No. 5: John Lewis & Partners｜Girls’ Opaque Tights｜Pack of 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.