Christmas Tights: 8 Glitter, Sparkle & Polka Dot Pairs to Wear (or Gift) This Year
Chloe ZChristmas tights are our favourite way to welcome December, right about the time the fairy lights go up, the mince pies come out and the Christmas playlist goes on repeat. A plain black dress turns party-ready with a pair of glitter tights, and a cosy jumper dress suddenly feels like Christmas morning with a flash of stars or polka dots.
So we've rounded up eight of our favourite Christmas tights for this season, from sparkle tights for the office party to playful prints for markets, mulled wine and long walks home under the lights. Every pair is 80 denier, so they're opaque and properly warm for a British winter, and they make a lovely Christmas gift too.
Glitter tights and sparkle tights for Christmas parties
Glitter tights (also called sparkle or shimmer tights) have a reflective finish that catches the light when you move. That makes them the simplest way to dress up a little black dress, a velvet skirt or even a tailored shorts suit for the Christmas party season.
1. Christmas Deer Shinning Tights
If you only buy one pair of Christmas tights this year, make it these. A playful reindeer pattern meets an all-over glitter shine, so they look festive close up and sparkle from across the room. Wear them with a red or bottle-green dress for Christmas Day, or with black for a party look that still says "it's December".
Shop the Christmas Deer Shinning Tights
2. Peony Butterfly Shinning Tights
These sparkle tights are adorned with rhinestones in a peony and butterfly design, so they shimmer like butterflies in sunlight. They are a less obviously "Christmassy" choice, which means you can wear them for New Year's Eve, birthday dinners and weddings long after the decorations come down.
Shop the Peony Butterfly Shinning Tights
3. Lotus Shinning Tights
For a softer kind of sparkle, the Lotus Shinning Tights have a vintage-inspired shimmer with a hint of retro glamour. Pair them with a satin slip skirt and a chunky cardigan for a festive dinner, or with a 1960s-style shift dress and Mary Janes.
Shop the Lotus Shinning Tights
Styling tip: let glitter tights be the statement. Keep the rest of the outfit in one or two solid colours and choose simple black or metallic shoes. For more ideas on wearing bold legwear, see our Ultimate Guide to Women's Tights.
Polka dot tights and playful prints for everyday festive style
Not every December plan involves sequins. For Christmas shopping, markets, office days and family visits, printed tights add festive fun without the full party sparkle.
4. Apple Dots Women Tights
Polka dot tights are a timeless classic, and this pair adds a twist with a dotted pattern inspired by apples. They are subtle enough for daily wear and sweet enough to finish a Lolita-inspired outfit (see more in our cute tights collection). Wear them with a red pinafore dress and you have an easy, cheerful Christmas look.
Shop the Apple Dots Women Tights
5. Blue Starring Tights
Stars are a natural fit for the festive season. Made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane, they're stretchy, opaque and cosy enough for cold winter evenings. One size fits UK 6 to 12 and heights from 155 cm to 172 cm (5'1" to 5'8"). Try them with a navy or grey knit dress and silver accessories for a "starry night" outfit.
6. Striped Lolita Tights
Bold stripes bring instant personality and a cheeky, elf-like charm that suits the season perfectly. Pair them with a skirt, a dress or layered knits for a vintage-inspired look. If you love this kind of statement legwear, you'll also like our best funky tights and goth tights.
Shop the Striped Lolita Tights
7. Pink Plaid Tights
Plaid is a British winter favourite, and this version swaps traditional tartan reds for soft pink tones with little heart accents. They look lovely with a cream Christmas jumper and a mini skirt. Explore more checks in our tartan and plaid tights picks.
8. White Bow Tights
White tights create a "winter wonderland" feel, especially with a red, burgundy or velvet dress. The delicate bow detail adds a sweet finishing touch, and the soft, stretchy fabric moves with you. They are also a pretty option for winter weddings; see our wedding tights guide for more.
Why Christmas tights make a great Christmas gift
- Easy sizing: our women's tights are one size, so there's no need to guess her dress size. The Blue Starring Tights, for example, fit UK 6 to 12.
- Easy to give: they work as a Secret Santa present, a stocking filler or a little extra alongside a bigger gift.
- Personal: choose sparkle for the party lover, polka dots or bows for a sweet style, and stripes or plaid for someone who loves bold fashion.
- Useful all winter: unlike a novelty gift, a good pair of tights gets worn again and again.
Want to build a bundle? Pair the tights with fun socks from our women's crew sock trends edit, or add a pair of knee-high socks for layering (here's how to wear knee high socks with tights).
How to care for glitter and sparkle tights
Hand wash, or use a delicate cycle inside a washing bag. Do not tumble dry or iron, and dry them flat. This keeps glitter, shimmer and rhinestone details looking their best for next Christmas too.
Christmas tights FAQs
What are the best tights to wear at Christmas?
Glitter or sparkle tights are the best choice for Christmas parties and Christmas Day. For everyday festive outfits, choose printed tights such as polka dots, stars, stripes or plaid. Opaque 80 denier tights are the warmest option for the UK winter.
What is the difference between glitter tights and sparkle tights?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Glitter tights usually have an all-over shimmering finish, while sparkle tights may also include rhinestones or embellishments, like our Peony Butterfly Shinning Tights.
Are 80 denier tights warm enough for winter?
Yes. 80 denier tights are fully opaque and noticeably warmer than sheer or semi-opaque styles, making them a practical choice for cold UK days from late autumn through winter.
How thick are Grainvity's Christmas tights?
All eight pairs in this guide are 80 denier, which means they're fully opaque and warm enough for winter, whether you choose glitter, sparkle or a printed style.
Are tights a good Christmas gift?
Yes. Patterned tights are affordable, easy to size and something she will actually wear. Grainvity tights make easy Secret Santa presents and stocking fillers.
What should I wear with polka dot tights?
Pair polka dot tights with a solid-coloured dress or skirt, ideally picking up one colour from the dots. Red, black and navy all work well for a festive look.
Does Grainvity ship Christmas tights outside the UK?
Yes. Grainvity ships from the UK to the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Singapore and the Gulf states. Order early in December to allow for festive postal delays.
Ready to add some sparkle? Browse the full Grainvity women's tights collection and find your perfect pair of Christmas tights.
Related guides
- The Ultimate Guide to Women's Tights
- Best Funky Tights and Goth Tights: Our Top 4 Picks
- Tartan and Plaid Tights: 5 Picks for Scottish and British Heritage Style
- Paisley Tights: How to Style the Vintage Print
- Wedding Tights: What to Wear as a Bride, Bridesmaid or Guest
- How to Wear Knee High Socks