Opaque: What Does It Mean?

The term opaque is used in a variety of contexts, but judging by the over 100K searches of the word each month, it’s not clear to everyone what it means. Opaque can be used both to describe physical textiles and also interpersonal human scenarios when describing another person as not being transparent in their behavior. Of course, we’re going to be focusing on the former, and the intrigue of opaque fabrics both in functionality and their aesthetic appeal as they render clothing items not sheer.

As an undershort brand, the term opaque plays an important role in our design, as some pieces are almost completely opaque while others are much more sheer. Here’s our guide to all things opaque by taking a look at our products.

In the world of fashion and textiles, understanding the difference between opaque and sheer fabric is key to making wardrobe choices that suit your comfort level and intended look. From leggings that double as pants to slip shorts that serve both form and function, the level of opaqueness in your clothing affects how confident and covered you feel. For instance, many people specifically search for non-see-through leggings or modest bike shorts, which ultimately comes down to how opaque the material is.

Opaque Definition 

When a piece of clothing is opaque, it means that light can’t go through the item, making it non-transparent. The vast majority of clothing aims to be opaque, but there are some pieces that are intentionally sheer like hosiery, shapewear, lingerie and sheer tops. These designs utilize sheer or translucent fabrics that have a see-through quality either for fashion or function, which differ from opaque fabrics that possess a denser weave or composition to block visibility. Opaque clothing offers more modesty while sheer clothing offers the appearance of skin. There are many reasons why someone would choose opaque or sheer fabric. When it comes to hosiery in the winter, some people want to give the illusion of exposed legs in a sheer material without being cold. Others may opt for sheer material to show off a garment layered underneath.

Opaque fabric, by definition, contains fibers or layers that inhibit light from passing through, which ensures full coverage of the skin. This quality makes opaque textiles ideal for everyday wear, especially when modesty, sun protection, or temperature regulation are concerns. For example, opaque leggings are a go-to for people who want to bend and stretch without worrying about visibility, particularly during workouts or commutes.

Sheer and opaque is also an important concept at Thigh Society, as some of our shorts are slightly see-through while others offer complete coverage.

This transparency spectrum, from completely sheer to fully opaque, offers options for different needs and seasons. Sheer fabric may feel breathable and lightweight, but it may not offer the confidence many desire when moving freely in public. Opaque fabrics, meanwhile, provide peace of mind whether you’re wearing them solo or layered beneath skirts and dresses. The decision comes down to your intended use: do you want to stay cool and lightly covered, or secure and modest? That’s where understanding opaqueness becomes more than a fashion term — it becomes a personal comfort strategy.

Opaque Thigh Society Shorts

Our Original shorts are our thickest, and therefore most opaque, shorts in our darker colors like Black, Raisin, Sage, Lapis and Indigo. These shorts in those colors are the best ones to be worn outdoors with a T-shirt or sweater for a casual look. Biker shorts outfits are still super popular, so we have an array of outfit suggestions:

1. Button Down and Biker Shorts
Pair your shorts with a white button down for a sunny day stroll or to meet friends. The button down shirt gives the overall casual look a leveled-up vibe without having to try too hard, as well as some additional coverage in the back area.

2. Sweatshirt, Bucket Hat and Biker Shorts
The ultimate nod to the ‘90s — layer a sweatshirt over a T-shirt, paired with opaque biker shorts, for an effortlessly cool layered look on spring evenings.

3. Denim Shirt and Blue Shorts
Grab a pair of our Original shorts in Indigo and rock them with a light- or dark-wash denim shirt overtop. The color combination is timeless and cool.

Opaque shorts are versatile, comfy and can easily be worn at home or out on the street. Our many colors make it easy to style them according to your mood that day.

One of the biggest benefits of opaque shorts is their ability to double as outerwear without sacrificing modesty. Whether you're running errands, going on a hike, or simply lounging at home, opaque thigh shorts eliminate the worry of see-through mishaps. That extra coverage also means more protection from the sun — a bonus in hot climates or for those with sensitive skin.

For parents or those who are constantly on the move, opaque shorts provide full mobility without the need for constant readjustment. No tugging, no layering, just comfort. The durability of these dense weaves also means that opaque shorts tend to last longer and retain their shape better after multiple washes.

Sheer Thigh Society Shorts

Aside from our Original shorts in the colors listed above, most of our shorts are sheer to semi-sheer, meaning you may not want to wear them as a standalone item unless you’re lounging at home (although if you do, we love that for you).

Our sheerest shorts are The Cooling shorts, made from high-tech performance fabric that absorbs excess sweat (bye-bye butt sweat!) and prevents thigh chafing. The material feels cool against the skin and actually helps lower body temperature by up to one degree. Our Cooling shorts are perfect for hot and sunny days when you’re walking around and exploring a city, or just want to stay cool while lounging or sleeping at home. They’ll keep you sweat- and chafe-free from morning to evening.

Not quite as sheer and a little thicker are The Staple shorts, which are super soft and velvety to the touch. These shorts are also incredibly comfortable, all while preventing chafe and butt sweat.

Sheer fabrics allow us to do a number of things — in hosiery, they show our legs and skin, in our Cooling shorts, the thin performance fabric layer helps prevent chafing and keeps us cool, and in fashion a sheer blouse can add a moment of intrigue, for example, revealing a lacy bra under a sheer blouse.

While opaque material is the fundamental baseline of clothing that helps us stay covered up on a daily basis, sheer materials have a place in the wardrobe too, adding a touch of sexiness or cooling functionality to a beautiful, timeless wardrobe.

What makes sheer shorts desirable is their barely-there feeling especially under dresses in the summer. When worn as a base layer, they help reduce friction and absorb moisture while staying invisible under lighter fabrics. This invisibility is what many wearers seek, especially when sheer shorts offer benefits like anti-chafing, without the visual bulk of thicker materials.

Think of sheer as breathable and practical; think of opaque as protective and structured. 

Depending on your day’s activities, be it dancing, commuting, or lounging, alternating between these options gives your wardrobe a sense of functionality as well as fashion. With both opaque and sheer shorts in your closet, you’re covered (literally) for any scenario.