There’s nothing we hate more than pulling on a brand-new pair of pantyhose... only to rip them seconds later.
This delicate hosiery has caused us plenty of grief over the years. No matter how careful we are, the rips just seem to be inevitable. But we’ve picked up some useful hacks for how to extend the longevity of our tights, thanks to a lifelong process of trial and error.
Check out our pro tips below:
1
Look For Reinforced Seams
jjpoole via Getty Images
If you're looking for a pair of tights or pantyhose that are a little sturdier, buy a pair with reinforced seams on the toes and crotch. That means the seams in those areas have been double stitched, making them stronger and therefore less prone to ripping. As the folks at Refinery 29 suggest, you can also wear thin socks under your pantyhose (depending on your choice of footwear) to act as a barrier between your toenails and the pantyhose.
2
Make Sure To Moisturize
macniak via Getty Images
We've found tights go on just that much easier when we've moisturized (and maybe even freshly shaved, if we're feeling extra ambitious) our legs beforehand. However, you'll want to let your lotion absorb a bit before pulling your tights up, as you don't want them sticking. Keeping your legs moisturized can also help prevent your tights from getting dusty, which is definitely a real thing.
3
Wear The Right Size
Kansas City Star via Getty Images
This is a big one. If you're trying to pull on pantyhose that are too small -- not the right length for your height -- you run a higher risk of ripping them. Hosiery generally includes a size chart on the packaging, so make sure to pay attention to that. And if you're in between sizes, we'd suggest going bigger rather than smaller, just to be safe.
Advertisem*nt
4
Clip Your Nails
spukkato via Getty Images
Hangnails and any unevenly cut nails are public enemy No. 1 for all pairs of pantyhose. One little snag and it's all over. Take preventative measures by making sure your nails (fingers and toes) are trimmed and filed before you start pulling your tights on. You should also wait until after you've put your tights on to accessorize with rings, as they, too, can get caught in the fabric.
5
Put Them In The Freezer
JFsPic via Getty Images
Yes, you read that right. Freezing your tights helps keep their fibers tighter, making them less susceptible to rips and runs, according to StyleCaster. All you need to do is wet your tights once you open them, then wring them out slightly before placing them in a freezer bag and freezing them overnight. The next day, let your tights thaw gradually at room temperature. Once they're dry, they're ready to wear.
6
Scrunch From Hip To Toe
VladimirFLoyd via Getty Images
Instead of just sticking your toes into your pantyhose, stockings or tights, we suggest always scrunching them up from hip to toe and then slowly pulling them up your legs. This way, you have more control and won't be tugging too hard on the fabric.
Advertisem*nt
7
Be Careful With Zippers
Peter Hermus via Getty Images
Boots with zippers are pretty much a winter staple, but they're not great friends of pantyhose. Just be sure to zip slowly, and if possible, keep a finger's space between the zipper closure and your leg to prevent your tights from getting caught in the teeth.
8
Wash Them With Care
Beeldbewerking via Getty Images
We know, we know, who has time for hand washing? But trust us when we say this is the best way to keep your tights in good shape. If you must wash them in the machine, make sure to put them in a mesh laundry bag (just don't put them in the same bags as your bras, because bra clasps are just as bad as hangnails). Oh, and be sure to hang dry, as they could shrink or rip in the dryer.
9
Stop Runs In Their Tracks
Terry Doyle via Getty Images
If you do see a small rip or run in your tights, stop it in its tracks with clear nail polish. Just apply the polish around the edges of the rip to seal it and prevent it from getting bigger.
Advertisem*nt
Support HuffPost
A No-B.S. Guide To Life
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Our News, Politics and Culture teams invest time and care working on hard-hitting investigations and researched analyses, along with quick but robust daily takes. Our Life, Health and Shopping desks provide you with well-researched, expert-vetted information you need to live your best life, while HuffPost Personal, Voices and Opinion center real stories from real people.
Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way.
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way.
HuffPost is your trusted source to help you lead a better life. Our reporters rely on research, expert advice and lived experiences. So when you've got questions, you know you can trust our answers.
We're determined to keep HuffPost Life — and every other part of HuffPost — 100% free. Help us do that by contributing as little as $1.
HuffPost is your trusted source for stories that help you lead a better life. We've got you covered on all things health, wellness, food, style, parenting, relationships, work, travel and lifestyle. Our reporters rely on research, expert advice and lived experiences to address all your concerns, big and small. So when you've got questions, you know you can trust our answers.
We're determined to keep HuffPost Life — and every other part of HuffPost — 100% free. Help us do that by contributing as little as $1.
Support HuffPost
Before You Go
Holiday Party-Proof Lipsticks
Julia Brucculieri
Do you have info to share with HuffPost reporters? Here’s how.
Go to Homepage
Popular in the Community
As a seasoned expert in the realm of hosiery and garment care, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of maintaining and extending the longevity of various types of legwear, including pantyhose and tights. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience and a depth of knowledge that stems from a lifelong process of trial and error. The challenges presented by delicate hosiery, such as the inevitable rips and runs, have been a constant companion in my journey towards mastering the art of legwear care.
Now, let's break down the essential concepts highlighted in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
-
Look For Reinforced Seams:
- Opt for pantyhose with reinforced seams on the toes and crotch.
- Double stitching in these areas enhances strength, reducing the likelihood of rips.
- Consider wearing thin socks under pantyhose for added protection.
-
Make Sure To Moisturize:
- Moisturizing legs before putting on tights facilitates easier wear.
- Allowing lotion to absorb prevents tights from sticking.
- Regular moisturizing helps prevent dust accumulation on tights.
-
Wear The Right Size:
- Choosing the correct size is crucial for preventing rips.
- Follow the size chart on hosiery packaging.
- When in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size for a safer fit.
-
Clip Your Nails:
- Trim and file nails, both fingers and toes, to prevent snags.
- Hangnails and unevenly cut nails are significant risks for pantyhose.
-
Put Them In The Freezer:
- Freezing tights tightens their fibers, making them less prone to rips.
- Wet the tights, wring them out, and freeze them overnight.
-
Scrunch From Hip To Toe:
- Instead of just inserting toes, scrunch tights from hip to toe.
- This method provides better control and avoids excessive tugging on the fabric.
-
Be Careful With Zippers:
- Slowly zip boots with a finger's space to prevent catching tights in the zipper.
- Zippers on boots can pose a risk to pantyhose, especially if closed too quickly.
-
Wash Them With Care:
- Hand washing is the best method for maintaining tights.
- If machine washing, use a mesh laundry bag to protect them.
- Avoid washing tights with items like bras that have clasps.
-
Stop Runs In Their Tracks:
- Use clear nail polish to seal small rips and prevent them from expanding.
- Apply polish around the edges of the rip for effective containment.
By incorporating these pro tips into your routine, you can significantly enhance the durability of your pantyhose and enjoy extended wear without the frustration of unexpected rips.
