Tights are a wardrobe staple for many women. They provide coverage, warmth, and a polished look under dresses, skirts, and other outfits. With so many tights options on the market, it can be hard to decide which brand and style is best for your needs and budget. Two popular brands known for their ultra-durable tights are Sheertex and Sheertex Classic.
But what’s the difference, and which is better?
This comprehensive guide will compare Sheertex Essential versus Classic tights in detail so you can determine which is the right choice for you. We’ll look at the key features of each, do a side-by-side comparison, and outline the pros and cons of both products.
Read on for the complete lowdown on Sheertex Essential and Classic tights!
Key Differences Between Sheertex Essential And Classic Tights
Sheertex Essential and Classic tights have a lot in common, but there are some key differences between the two styles:
Sheertex Essential
- More affordable price point -Available in petite, regular, and tall inseams
- Opaque coverage (not sheer or translucent fabric)
- Matte finish
- fewer color choices
Sheertex Classic
- Higher price point
- Only available in regular inseam
- Sheer translucent fabric
- Glossy shine
- More color choices
Both Sheertex Essential and Classic tights are knit from the brand’s proprietary UnbreakableTM yarn, making them ultra durable and snag-resistant. However, the fabrics differ, with Essential providing opaque coverage and Classic featuring a sheer translucent look.
Below is a comparison table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Sheertex Essential | Sheertex Classic |
| Inseam options | Petite, regular, tall | Regular only |
| Coverage | Opaque | Sheer |
| Finish | Matte | Glossy |
| Color choices | Limited | More options |
| Fabric | UnbreakableTM yarn | UnbreakableTM yarn |
| Durability | Ultra-durable, snag-resistant | Ultra-durable, snag-resistant |
Now that we’ve compared the key characteristics of Sheertex Essential and Classic tights, let’s take a more detailed look at each style.
Sheertex Essential Tights: Benefits and Features
Sheertex Essential tights provide opaque coverage with a matte finish. They are designed to be ultra-durable everyday tights that can withstand snags and tears. Here are the main benefits and features of Sheertex Essential tights:
- Affordable Price
Sheertex Essentials are the most affordable option from the brand. They retail for around $$ per pair, making them accessible for most budgets. The price is less than half of the Classic tights. If you want Sheertex’s unbreakable quality but don’t want to splurge, the Essentials are a great choice.
- Opaque Coverage
The fabric of the Essentials is opaque, not sheer. You don’t have to worry about them being see-through. The dense knit provides excellent coverage and warmth from this winter wardrobe essential.
- Matte Finish
Sheertex Essentials have a matte look, unlike the glossy shine of the Classic tights. The matte finish is smooth and subtle. For those who don’t want the bold glossy shine of the Classics, the Essentials offer a more understated, neutral aesthetic.
- Petite and Tall Sizing
One of the biggest benefits of the Essentials is that they come in petite, regular, and tall inseam lengths. It can be difficult for petite and tall women to find tights with lengths that fit them properly, leading to sagging, bagging, or uncomfortable tightness. With the Essentials, you can get a custom inseam length for optimal fit.
- Unbreakable Durability
Like all Sheertex tights, the Essentials are knit from the brand’s proprietary Unbreakable yarn. This yarn is stronger than steel and withstands snags and tears better than any other tight on the market. While they don’t have the sheer glossy look of the Classics, the Essentials are just as durable.
- Everyday Wear
Sheertex Essentials are designed for everyday wear. Unlike the delicate Classics, the Essential’s opaque matte fabric holds up well to daily use. The dense knit also provides insulation and warmth for cold weather. Perfect for wearing to the office, running errands, and other daily activities.
Drawbacks
- Limited color selection – the Essentials only come in a handful of basic neutral and black shades.
- Not as glossy and sexy – some prefer the sheerer, ultra-glossy look of the Classic tights.
Overall, Sheertex Essential tights offer exceptional durability and affordable pricing in an opaque, matte finish. They’re designed for daily wear and available in a full range of inseam lengths. While color choices are limited, the neutral shades are versatile for everyday outfits.
Sheertex Classic Tights: Benefits and Features
Now let’s examine the key benefits and features of Sheertex Classic tights:
- Luxurious Sheer Fabric
The biggest difference between the Essentials and Classics is the fabric.
While Essentials are opaque, Classics feature an ultra-sheer knit that is almost completely transparent.
The transparency provides a sexy, elegant look.
- Glossy Shine
In addition to the sheer appearance, Classic tights have a high-gloss shine.
The lustrous look enhances the legline and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.
- Regular Inseam Only
Unlike the Essentials, Classic tights only come in a regular inseam. There is no option for petite or tall lengths. This may make getting the ideal fit more difficult for women who need a shorter or longer inseam.
- More Color Variety
From basic nudes to bold jewel tones, Sheertex Classic tights are available in over 20 color options. This extensive color range allows you to find the perfect shade to match your outfit and mood.
- Delicate Fabric
The ultra-sheer fabric of the Classics is more delicate and prone to snags than the Essentials. There is a tradeoff between the sexy sheer look and everyday durability. Handle Classics with care.
- Higher Price Point
The luxurious fabric and expanded color choices of the Classic tights come at a price – literally. Classics retail for $$$ per pair, over double the cost of the Essentials. For the sheer indulgence, expect to pay a premium.
- Special Occasion Wear
Sheertex Classics are best reserved for special occasions rather than everyday wear. While still durable, the delicate sheer knit requires gentler care than the Essentials. Classic tights add glamour when you want to dress to impress.
The Sheertex Classic tights offer an indulgent sheer appearance and lustrous shine. The extensive color selection provides many options for matching your outfits. Just take care when wearing to avoid snags in the delicate fabric.
Also Read: Comparison of Period Company And Thinx Period Underwear.
Which Should You Choose?
Now that we’ve covered the key differences, benefits, drawbacks, and features of Sheertex Essential and Classic tights, let’s summarize the main factors to consider when deciding which style is best for you:
- Budget
If price is a concern, the Essentials offer similar unbreakable durability for less than half the cost of the Classics. Go with the Essentials if you want Sheertex quality at a more affordable price point.
- Opaque vs. Sheer
Do you prefer opaque tights or sheer transparent ones? The Essentials provide opaque coverage with a matte finish, while the Classics are ultra-sheer and glossy. Choose based on the appearance you like.
- Petite or Tall?
Need a custom inseam length? The Essentials come in petite and tall sizes in addition to regular. The Classics only offer a regular inseam.
- Everyday Wear vs. Special Occasion
Essentials are designed for daily wear while Classics are more delicate and better reserved for special occasions. Consider which you need tights for most when deciding.
- Color Selection
Like having lots of color choices? Classics offer over 20 shades from bold brights to pale nudes. Essentials only come in a handful of basic neutrals and black.
Here is a quick recap:
- Sheertex Essentials – affordable opaque tights for daily wear with petite/tall sizing
- Sheertex Classics – indulgent sheer tights with more colors but higher price and delicate fabric
Both provide the same unbreakable durability. Choose Essentials for everyday value or Classics for a luxurious special occasion tight.
- Sheertex Sizing and Fit
Understanding how Sheertex tights fit is important for choosing the right size. Here are some key tips on Sheertex sizing and achieving the ideal fit:
- For Classic tights, order your actual pant size. Classics have a firm compression fit. Size up if between sizes.
- Size up in Essentials for a comfortable stretch fit with room to move. Size down if you prefer a tighter compression feel.
- Use the petite inseams if you are 5’4” or under. Tall inseams are best for heights 5’8” and above.
- Sheertex tights are designed with an adjustable waistband to customize fit. Make sure to adjust the waist snugness.
- These tights should feel tight when first putting on. The compression helps hold their shape. The yarn will relax after 30 minutes of wear.
- Wash in cold water and line dry to maintain fit. Heat from machine drying can cause shrinking.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect stretch and compression. Both Sheertex styles mold to your shape when properly sized.
Also Read: Comparison of Thinx And Unders By Proof Period Underwear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are that Classic Sheertex tights are sheer and glossy while Essential Sheertex are opaque with a matte finish. Classics also come in more color choices but only offer a regular inseam length. Essentials provide petite and tall sizing options. Classics have a higher price point as well.
For Classic tights, it’s best to order your actual pant size and size up if between sizes. For Essentials, consider sizing up for a looser stretch fit or down for more compression. Adjust the waistband as needed too.
Sheertex tights are knit from the brand’s patented Unbreakable yarn, made of sustainable plant-based fibers. This yarn is stronger than steel and woven in a unique way that redistributes force to avoid snags and tears. The result is tights far more durable than regular hosiery.
It depends on your preferences! Opaque tights provide more coverage for a modest look, while sheer tights give a sexier, elegant appearance. Sheer tights tend to be more delicate while opaque tights hold up better to daily wear. Choose based on when and how you plan to wear them.
Final Thoughts
After comparing the key differences, pros and cons, and features of Sheertex Essentials and Classics, you hopefully have a clearer picture of which style is right for your needs.
Both offer the unparalleled durability that Sheertex is famous for. Essentials provide exceptional value for daily wear while Classics offer luxurious sheer indulgence.
Consider your budget, sizing needs, preferences for opaque vs. sheer, and how often you plan to wear the tights. This will point you towards the best Sheertex style for your wardrobe. With the right fit and care, Sheertex tights should last for years to come.
