As simple as they may seem, tights can be difficult to understand. Questions from pantyhose vs fashion tights, to the thickness of each style can be confused and quiteintimidating.
Since tights are taking the fashion world by storm, we are seeing more and more styles, colors, and even unisexensembles every single day.
As always, Les Belles is here to support all your pantyhose endeavors, regardless of gender, color, and size.If you’re new to the world of tights or want to upgrade your wardrobe this winter, we tackled the more basic to even complicated questions you may have in this easy to read Q&A about hosiery.
Q: What’s the difference between pantyhose& tights?
Tights are generally thicker than pantyhose with deniers ranging from 0-100. However, Les Belles sheers encompass all types of hosiery since our styles range from sheer to completely opaque. Pantyhose are normally used as undergarments while tights can be worn alone and as a single fashion piece. With our vast collectionof different kinds of hosiery, you can wear them however you’d like whenever you’d like. 
Q: How do I find my perfect fit?
Tights are weightless but making sure you have the right fit for your waist can be tricky. Unlike most retail stores that sell sheers in small, medium, and large, Les Belles caters to various sizes and offers a gender inclusive size chart on the website. The size chart focuses on both US jeans and skirt sizes along with your height, and your making it easy to navigate for all genders. Just match your pants or skirt size to our chart and we will send you the perfect fit. (As always, when in doubt, size up).
Q: What do deniers mean?
Denier is the amount of transparency a certain pair of tights will have. Essentially, deniers focus on how thick the sheers are. Looking forsuper transparent tights? Youcan find a range of styleson the spectrum of 5-20. However, if you’re looking for less sheer and more opaque, the spectrum can fall under 30-60.If you’re looking for the perfect medium, our 20 denier Sheer Collection tights will be your go-to. If you’re looking for a pair that is thicker and better for colder months, check out our Semi Bleu, Semi Noir, and of course our Opaque styles for ultimate warmth.
Q: How often should I wash my tights?
Ideally, you should try and wash your sheers after every wear. However, washing tights can be tricky—staying away from washing machines allows for longer lasting tights. Check out our guide on How To Wash Tights TheRight Way for more information.
Q: Can I wear tights with any kind of shoes?
Yes!! As we said, tights are taking the fashion world by storm. We are seeing the classic look of sheers with heels to even sneakers. With tights, the possibilities are endless—rock any style with your favorite pairs of sneakers, boots, and even thigh-highs! The power is yours.
Q: As a male, can I use tights to layer?
Les Belles strongly advocated for men in hosiery. If you’re thinking of incorporating tights into your wardrobe, layering is just one of the endless possibilities you can do with tights. Using sheers under a pair of shorts or ripped jeans are some of our favorite ways men can rock hosiery. Check out some of our favorite looks for inspiration below!
Q: Can I wear tights in the summer?
Who said you can’t! Tights can be the perfect addition to any and every look, regardless of the season. Whether you’re chilling at home in your birthday suit, adding a nude pair under a summer dress, or layering for warmth in the winter—you can’t go wrong.
Q: What is the best way to put on tights without ripping them?
Most retail-bought sheers can be thin and easily prone to ripping. With Les Belles’ material it might take a lot to actually rip them. However,ifyou’re looking for the easiest way to put them on, we recommend sitting down, starting at the toe-seam, and slowly pulling them up while making sure your feet are fitted first. Stay tuned for our video explaining step by step the best way to put on sheers!
I've spent years immersed in the world of hosiery, from understanding the nuances between pantyhose and tights to deciphering deniers and their impact on transparency. Here's a breakdown of the concepts within the article:
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Pantyhose vs. Tights:
- Pantyhose are generally thinner and often used as undergarments, while tights are thicker and can be standalone fashion pieces.
- Tights come in various deniers, ranging from sheer to completely opaque, offering versatility in style.
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Finding the Perfect Fit:
- Les Belles provides a comprehensive sizing chart, considering waist, height, and gender-inclusive measurements.
- Recommendations include matching pants or skirt sizes to the chart, suggesting sizing up when in doubt.
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Understanding Deniers:
- Denier indicates the level of transparency or thickness of the tights.
- Lower deniers (5-20) offer higher transparency, while higher deniers (30-60) provide more opacity.
- A 20 denier range, like Les Belles' Sheer Collection, offers a middle-ground option, while thicker deniers cater to colder months.
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Tights Care:
- Ideal practice suggests washing tights after each wear for longevity, with recommendations to avoid machine washing for durability.
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Pairing Tights with Shoes:
- Tights complement various footwear, from classic heels to sneakers and boots, allowing for versatile fashion statements.
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Men's Hosiery and Layering:
- Encouragement for men to incorporate tights into their wardrobe, suggesting layering with shorts or ripped jeans as an option.
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Tights in Different Seasons:
- Tights are versatile for any season, from layering in winter for warmth to wearing nude pairs under summer dresses.
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Putting on Tights Without Ripping:
- Tips include starting at the toe-seam while seated, slowly pulling them up, and ensuring a proper fit on the feet.
Understanding these elements allows for a comprehensive grasp of the world of hosiery, showcasing its versatility, care tips, and inclusivity across genders and seasons.
