Tights are skin-tight articles of clothing used by both men and women to cover the legs and is worn from waist to feet. Tights are popular among girls and women and worn by infants and toddlers as well. They are also common among theater and dance performers, runners, and wrestlers. The tights used by athletes are usually footless and are made of thick spandex.

The origin of tights can be traced back to the Renaissance age. The wearing of tights became a fashion among the men, during the period of King Henry VIII of England. The men wore them to display their well-toned legs. These tight-fitting garments were originally developed as a costume for those riding on horseback. During the 16th and 17th centuries, European men popularly wore tights. The nobles wore tights made of silk or fine wool, while the common people wore tights made of coarser fabrics.

Today, tights are mainly made of nylon and lycra in a wide variety of modern blends. Some of the common types include stretchable, opaque, striped, and patterned tights.

A more modern form of tights has evolved which is known as pantyhose. The main difference between tights and pantyhose is in the thickness and weight of the yarn used. The thickness of the yarn used in pantyhose usually reaches only 40 denier, while that used for tights is much higher.

World-class companies including Calvin Klein and Donna Karen offer tights for all body sizes and shapes. Today, tights are available in a variety of colors and types, as well.