Photo Courtesy of @meganskiendiel
Colourful and patterned tights are not a novelty, especially for those who are attuned to pop culture. K-Pop stages, for example, have always adored tights with a variety of patterns and colours. This acccessories fit not only the energetic dances, but also a strong stage presence that draws attention. You’d think only the celebrities can rock these, but they are more versatile than you’d imagined, especially as dopamine-dressing makes its way into our wardrobes.
These unique skin-hugging fabrics made their impact in the 60s fashion world through British designer Mary Quant, who was big on coloured tights and miniskirts, resulting in pop icon Twiggy rocking vibrant-coloured legs, and this fashion trend carried on from the swinging 60s until the groovy 70s.
The grunge movement then had its spin on tights during the 90s, creatively including rips, distressed, patterned, and fishnet tights. Personalised tights were an act of rebellion against societal norms, as distressing hosiery was their way of rejecting society’s views on tights being modest and strait-laced. Paired with Doc Martens combat boots and ripped jeans or frilly skirts, the grunge movement perfectly (or imperfectly) made these garments unique and individualised.
Prada Spring/Summer 2025. Photo courtesy of Prada.
Prada Spring/Summer 2025. Photo courtesy of Prada.
Rabanne Spring/Summer 2024. Photo courtesy of Rabanne.
Loewe Autumn/Winter 2026. Photo courtesy of Loewe.
Today, models strutting down the runways, such as those for Prada Spring/Summer 2025, Loewe Autumn/Winter 2026, and Rabanne Fall/Winter 2024, among others, clad in bright-hued tights, add a striking touch that pops of colour to their ensembles. On the Prada runway, the models were seen beautifully parading earthy tones: calm greens and beige, which makes the opposing vibrant purple or pink choices bold and eye-catching—and it is exactly that. Rabanne Spring/Summer 2025 runway gave the textured tights the spotlight they deserve. These designs brought to mind the 90s trend, where grunge tights were all the rage, paired with clashing patterns from head to toe.
Colourful Tights
These colourful and bright tights are the perfect playful addition to layer with skirts, shorts, heels, and boots. The vibrant colour elevates a monotone outfit like Yena’s into much more, providing it with a hint of whimsy. You could also play with two colours: Lesserafim’s Yunjin combined purple hues with black. AESPA’s Giselle has an eclectic take on colourful tights, pairing them with an asymmetrical skirt, opera gloves, and oversized sunglasses. Combining these tights with high heels gives the legs much more length, allowing these idols to strut the stage with confidence, an energy you could embody too. Pair colourful tights with skirts or shorts, highlighting your legs and making the fun colour the star of the show.
Patterned Tights
The fun doesn’t just stop at colours, as some idols rock different patterns on their legs. Tights with patterns and prints—polka dots, lace, and even plaid—can be intimidating to wear in your everyday life. Freen Sarocha is a great example of how you can start small with subtle prints that scatter naturally without stealing the light entirely. IVE’s Wonyoung, on the other hand, enhances the edge to her all-black outfit by wearing matching sheer black Chrome Hearts tights. But, if you’re feeling bold and confident, you could mix and clash patterns like AESPA’s Karina, who pairs polka dots with plaid. This mix-and-match stylistic choice makes her outfit very reminiscent of Sinead Gorey, for example, the dark blue plaid tights that made an appearance at the Autumn/Winter 2026 London Fashion Week. If anyone knows anything about fashionably standing out, it would be Sinead Gorey’s theatrical and avant-garde style.
Textured and Layered Tights
Let’s get even more funky and eccentric. Tights don’t just stop at one layer; stylists play around with texture and layering. Some of these trendsetters sported the bedazzled, ripped, and even multi-layered tights both on and off stage. Chaewon from Lesserafim is seen wearing an array of animal prints with mermaid-esque double-layered tights—vibrant blue and purple fishnet layered on top for their Easy Crazy Hot Tour encore concerts, which perfectly encapsulates her outfit: CRAZY HOT. You can try layering fishnets and tights of different colours atop each other to achieve this look, alongside print tops and bottoms. Bonus points if you have statement accessories like a hat to double the fun. And here’s our small tip for those who like to take matters into their own hands: recreate the distressed and tattered tights yourself at home by either rubbing sandpaper or a nail file to get the tiny frays and put them on with a structural black leather trench coat to achieve Chaewon’s intimidating look.
There is absolutely no way your outfit can be boring with fun tights. Who doesn’t want vibrant patterns on their legs? Let whimsy take the lead, and instead of treating the tights as an accessory, try planning a whole look around them.
Photo Courtesy of @supassra_sp
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