by Gail Morgan | 28 Oct 2022
Although wearing tights (or stockings) have probably taken a back seat over the last couple of years, with the return to work it is good to have a reminder of how to choose the right ones for you.
Tights offer us support, coverage and warmth. We can buy them with integral underwear, they can make you look taller &/or slimmer, change a look from day to night time and add interest to an outfit.
So make them your friend and rediscover your dresses and skirts this winter. You could even wear them under your trousers to keep you super warm!
- For opaque’s you need to be looking at 40+ denier.
- In the depths of winter you may need a thicker denier. Anything from 70 up to 90 is perfect.
- To avoid the potential itchiness of woolly tights, get yourself some thick opaques (denier 100+)
- Don’t forget to have some sheer tights for the party season. You can get matte, shine or shimmer options!
- Colour and pattern can be good; to add some fun to your outfit but be careful this doesn’t shorten your legs!
- Use tights with control pants or panels (these hold you in like Spanx, but they allow you to breathe!) Perfect to wear under a dress to smooth out any lumps and bumps!
Are you still baffled by words like denier, sheer and opaque? Here is a quick guide…..
How to choose tights – Let’s start with deniers
- The denier relates to the weight or thickness of the tights. So the lower the denier the sheerer the appearance and more importantly the more delicate the tight!
- If you buy a pair of 7 denier tights, please buy two pairs in case you get a run or ladder. These ultra-sheer tights still give your legs coverage and can iron out the blemishes; however, they are absolutely no good if you are due a leg wax! You will need to increase your denier to 10+.
- A 15 denier is a good everyday tight – less likely to run but still sheer enough to see your leg.
- 20 – 30 denier tights were traditionally support tights to help disguise and relieve your varicose veins.
- Anything 40+ in denier would be considered opaque, while woollen look tights will probably be 80 denier and above!
- What about the finish? Do you want the finish to be shiny (glam) or matte (every day)? The choice of finish can really change your look.
- Also think about toes – if you are going to wear an open toed shoe, you can buy tights with a ‘sandal toe’.
Wander around a good hosiery department – you’ll be surprised what’s on offer! The choice is incredible – I remember working in the John Lewis hosiery department one summer whilst at University and there were very few options beyond 10, 20 and 30 denier tights, so enjoy the variety!
Brands to try:
Heist – fabulous fitting tights with a revolutionary design: https://www.heist-studios.com/
Wolford – an oldie but still a goodie! https://www.wolfordshop.co.uk/
Marks and Spencer + John Lewis for variety
UK Tights for variety online: https://www.uktights.com/
Other blogs you may find interesting…
The Jumpsuit
Ahhh the jumpsuit…. This is one item of clothing that has been worn in various ways for decades! They were worn by glamorous Hollywood starlets in black and white 1930s films. There were utilitarian versions worn during the second world war. Or the flared and...
What to Wear on Christmas Day
Oooh that’s a bit of a conundrum isn’t it, wondering what to wear on Christmas Day?? To a certain extent it obviously depends on what you are doing. If you are staying home all day with your nearest and dearest then you may be able to get away with pyjamas, onesies or...
Beach Wear
What beach wear to choose? As Brits I think we often neglect our beachwear. We agonise over our bikini or swimsuit choices and then panic when we realise that we have to get from our room to the pool/beach! So we just stick on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt... All...
Greetings, hosiery enthusiasts! As someone deeply entrenched in the world of legwear, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the intricate realm of tights. Over the years, I've explored the nuances of deniers, finishes, and styles, making me your go-to source for all things leg fashion.
Let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article:
-
Denier: The denier of tights refers to their weight or thickness. As an expert, I can affirm that the lower the denier, the sheerer the appearance and the more delicate the tight. The article rightly points out that 7 denier tights are ultra-sheer, offering coverage while being delicate. If you opt for such delicate tights, it's advisable to buy a spare pair in case of runs or ladders.
- 15 denier: Recommended for everyday wear, offering a good balance between sheerness and durability.
- 20-30 denier: Traditionally designed as support tights to conceal varicose veins.
- 40+ denier: Considered opaque, providing more coverage. In winter, thicker deniers like 70 to 90 are suitable.
-
Finishes: The article highlights the importance of choosing between shiny (glam) or matte (everyday) finishes. This decision significantly impacts your overall look. Expert tip: consider the occasion and your outfit when deciding on the finish of your tights.
-
Toe Options: The choice of toe style is crucial, especially if you plan to wear open-toed shoes. Tights with a 'sandal toe' are specifically designed for such footwear, ensuring a seamless and stylish appearance.
-
Control Features: The mention of control pants or panels is crucial advice for those seeking a sleek silhouette. These features, akin to Spanx, offer support without sacrificing comfort. They are ideal for wearing under dresses to smooth out any imperfections.
-
Brands: The article recommends several reputable brands for quality tights, including Heist, known for their fabulous fitting tights with a revolutionary design, and Wolford, a long-standing favorite in the hosiery industry. Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, and UK Tights are also suggested as reliable sources for a diverse selection.
In conclusion, as a seasoned expert in the world of legwear, I encourage you to embrace the variety and possibilities that the hosiery department offers. Whether you're looking for everyday essentials or statement pieces for the party season, the choices are vast, and the world of tights is yours to explore.
