Your Biggest Tights Problems -- Solved (2024)

Your Biggest Tights Problems -- Solved (1)

Admit it: Finding a pair of tights that doesn't drive you crazy can be difficult. After years of testing tights, both in the Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab and on real women testers, we have seen and heard about all sorts of pantyhose issues. And while you may not believe it, some smarter shopping moves can help you avoid some of the biggest headaches.

Problem #1: Your waistband rolls down.
If you struggle with a waistband that just won't stay up, chances are you bought the wrong size. While the sizing chart on the packaging is a good way to estimate, they don't always take into account different body shapes.

The fix: If waistband rolling is a problem for you or if you're on the border between two different sizes, it's best to size up.

Problem #2: You're always getting snags, runs, and holes.
We've all been there: You put on a pair of new tights only to notice an aggravating rip hours later — or maybe even before you get them on completely.

The fix: A thick pair of tights is much sturdier than a sheer pair. Look for a pair with 90% nylon or more, and this might be obvious, but always use caution when putting on and wearing tights. Remove jewelry with sharp edges and make sure your hands and nails are smooth before handling your tights. When wearing, try to avoid rough surfaces. (Tights worse enemy? Velcro.)

Problem #3: Your legs are always freezing.
As soon as the temperatures drop, many of us reach for hosiery because it's just too cold to go bare-legged in dresses and skirts. Unfortunately, some flimsy pairs might not keep you warm at all.

The fix: If you're going to be outside in winter's elements, fleece-lined tights provide extra warmth and are gaining popularity — you can usually find them wherever you'd normally buy tights — and they aren't much more expensive. We like the Cozy Hose Tights from Berkshire ($14, essentialapparel.com).

Problem #4: You can't find the right opacity.
When tights are in their packaging, it's not always easy to picture how they'll look on your legs. Sometimes you'll find they end up too sheer and other times too opaque.

The fix: The denier of the tights, which is often listed on the packaging and indicates a fabric's weight, lets you know how thick they'll be: The higher the denier, the more opaque the tights. Generally, anything under 30 denier is sheer, between 30 and 70 denier is opaque, and over 70 denier is super opaque.

Problem #5: You don't know which way is front.
Believe it or not, one of the biggest complaints we have from consumer testers is not being able to distinguish the front from the back on a pair of tights.

The fix: When there isn't a tag to indicate the front, the first step is to check the shape of the foot. If that's not clear, look to see if there's a long seam that sticks out higher in the back of the waistband, which indicates that it's the back. If you still can't tell, it means there's no difference and the tights can be worn either way.

TELL US: What are your biggest complains about tights?

Lexie Sachs is a textiles product analyst for the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

NEXT: 7 Cozy Style Trends for Fall »

Photo credit: Getty Images

Your Biggest Tights Problems -- Solved (3)

Lexie Sachs

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Your Biggest Tights Problems -- Solved (2024)

FAQs

Do the two lines on tights front or back? ›

Problem #5: You don't know which way is front.

If that's not clear, look to see if there's a long seam that sticks out higher in the back of the waistband, which indicates that it's the back. If you still can't tell, it means there's no difference and the tights can be worn either way.

What was the purpose of tights? ›

Pantyhose (also known as tights) are sheer close fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet, most frequently worn by women. Like stockings they are usually made of nylon. The one-piece pantyhose garment appeared in the 1960s and provided a convenient alternative to stockings (nylons).

How many times can you Rewear tights? ›

On a positive note, we recommend you DON'T wash tights after every wear. Instead, you can wash sheer tights once every two wears, and thicker tights after every three wears. It's also safe to hand wash several pairs of tights together and at the same time. As usual, just be gentle and wash similar colours together.

What to do when your tights run? ›

Use petroleum jelly, an anti-chafing cream or an anti-chafing stick to prevent chafing in easily irritated areas. This tip may be especially useful to help prevent and stop thigh chafing.

What does 2X mean in tights? ›

Leggings Size Chart
SizeWaist
XXL20-2240.5" - 42.75"
XXXL24-2645" - 47.25"
1X16W-18W39" - 41"
2X20W-22W43.5" - 45.5"
6 more rows

Why did people wear tights back then? ›

Originally derived from the hose worn by European men several centuries ago, tights were made as close fitting as possible for practical reasons when riding horseback.

What do Americans call tights? ›

Tights. What can we say? A tight fitting hosiery garment which sheathes the legs, hence the name. Americans know anything up to 40 denier as pantyhose, higher deniers become known as tights. Tights have been worn for centuries, originally by men, and now mainly by women and girls.

Why do girls wear tights instead of pants? ›

Unlike most pants, they are stretchy and skin-tight and leave not a bump or contour to the imagination. Unlike pants, they used to be worn with a dress on top. Today they are often worn the way they are in the gym, with tops that don't even pretend to cover the butt.

What are tights with socks called? ›

Definitions of hosiery. socks and stockings and tights collectively (the British include underwear) synonyms: hose.

What month should I stop wearing tights? ›

1. Tights are for winter only. Come rain or shine, tights should not be worn until 1 October, and they need to come off the minute April arrives.

Am I too old to wear tights? ›

There is no age cutoff limit. There is nothing out there that says if you're over 40, you cannot wear leggings anymore.

Can tights go in the dryer? ›

Pantyhose or tights: The mesh material that makes up pantyhose and lightweight tights will likely shrink when exposed to the heat in your dryer, so it's a better idea to just hang these items to dry.

Is it OK to wear tights every day? ›

While tights may not be the worst thing for your body or even your feet, they are something that few people consider at all. And yet they are worn all the time, usually throughout a person's lifetime. While it is okay to wear tights, it is best to avoid wearing them all the time.

Should you wash tights after every wear? ›

Many women will throw their tights in the wash with their underwear after one use. However, some tights should only be washed after the second or third use. Some may even last up to the fifth or sixth time of being worn.

Should guys run in tights? ›

Running tights are becoming an increasingly common kind of running apparel for both men and women. They offer several key benefits - including comfort, warmth in winter and muscle compression qualities which may improve results from your workouts.

What size does a 300 pound woman wear? ›

Size Chart
SizeWeightHeight
2X180 - 230 lbs5'1" - 5'7"
3X215 - 265 lbs5'4" - 5'10"
4X250 - 300 lbs5'7" - 6'
5X300 - 335 lbs5'4" - 5'9"
3 more rows

What does D mean in tights? ›

Denier is the amount of transparency a certain pair of tights will have, which is directly related to its thickness. Denier ranges from 5 to 100. Transparent sheer tights can be found at the lower end of the spectrum, 5 - 50, while anything over 50 are considered opaque tights.

What does 40 mean on tights? ›

40 Denier - Near Sheer, Almost Opaque

Classified as semi-sheer or semi-opaque, 40 denier tights are taking things up a notch warmth-wise, so they are thicker and more durable than a 20 denier pair of tights but still show just a hint of skin.

Why are tights so attractive? ›

Tights show your curves much better than anything else apart from perhaps a waist cincher or corset under your dress. They're often figure-forming if you go for compression tights, but even if they are not then the way they draw your gaze means that your curves are easier to show off.

Can you wear the same tights twice? ›

The universal rule: What you must wash

There's no hard and fast rule for how many times you can wear clothing again, but experts say there are a few types that should be washed after every use: underwear, socks, tights, leggings and activewear.

Why did men stop wearing tights? ›

However, men continued to wear the Capris pants and tights until about the middle of the 1800's when the hems of men's trousers were lowered to cover just below men's ankles. Therefore, men no longer needed the tights.

What are girls tights called? ›

Leggings are a type of skin-tight garment that covers the legs and that may be worn by both men and women. Tights are a kind of cloth garment, most often sheathing the body from the waist to the toe tips with a tight fit, hence the name. Types.

What do British people call pants? ›

Trousers

Who wore tights first? ›

And who wore them? It appears that tights were originally worn by men- yes, you read right…men. Said tights were called “hose” and were a staple item in a male's wardrobe. European men used to wear them all the way through the middle-ages while horseback riding.

Why do guys like girls in leggings? ›

Yoga pants accentuate this low waist to hip ratio incredibly well. Being skintight, they hug a woman's figure, showing off the shape of her body including her hips, butt and legs. An attractive woman wearing a tight pair of yoga pants signals to men (as well as other women) that they are fit, healthy and fertile.

Why do girls wear crop tops? ›

They help show off your beautiful curves or abs, making you feel more confident in yourself. The fact that all shapes and sizes can pull of a crop top is why crop tops are so popular.

Why do girls leggings have no pockets? ›

Researchers believe that this trend stemmed from the growing disparity between the social roles of men and women. Men increasingly worked outside the home and women worked in the household. Because women had less independence and fewer out-of-home responsibilities, designers simply didn't think they needed pockets.

What are mama tights? ›

The Mama Supporting Tights have an over-the-bump fit and provide support during and after pregnancy. The tights are made with seamless stretchable fabric, so your baby has room to grow. These tights have a semi-opaque look (80 den), and a seamless finish for an undetectable look.

Are pantyhose just tights? ›

Pantyhose are considered a type of underwear. They are sometimes also called tights, though tights are usually thicker than pantyhose (but still not opaque, like leggings.) Pantyhose usually encapsulate the feet, unlike leggings, which end at the ankle (or above).

Why do people wear socks over their tights? ›

Well as splitting an opinion as it might be, pulling your socks over your leggings, or joggers is a popular way of bringing that fashiony-feel to your conditioning 'fits. Yes... we know not everyone wants to make a fashion statement with their workout 'fit, but if you do, then look no further!

Is it OK to wear tights with a dress? ›

While we're all used to putting on tights when we wear our short party dresses out all through the winter, opting for a longer midi dress is another fresh option. For a cool layered look, add a chic overcoat, and for some texture, opt for subtly patterned tights.

Is it OK to wear tights to bed? ›

Wearing running tights - or even compression tights - to sleep should not be a problem. As long as your friends are sleeping well, what they wear to bed is not a huge issue.

Are bare legs OK in winter? ›

Let's face it, no matter what you do, bare legs look hot in the winter, but it's still cold outside. You've gotta shield your exposed skin with a stylish long coat, that *bonus* will look amazing when paired with a shorter hem underneath. Yes, knee length or higher is acceptable here!

Can a 70 year old wear leggings? ›

The best news is, leggings are an ageless staple that look great on everyone, as long as what you see in the mirror sparks joy. For women over 65, fashion stylists have some tips that can keep your leggings looking attractive, on-trend, and put-together (and, of course, comfy!). Read on for the best ways to wear 'em.

Do tights make you look thinner? ›

Full-length leggings are the way to go – as they will make your legs look longer whereas shorter ones draw attention to visible skin areas and can tend to make them look wider. Heels! Yes, high heeled shoes and leggings will make your legs look thinner for sure.

Can a 55 year old wear leggings? ›

Let's make it clear; you can still wear bright colored legging well into your fifties. The best thing about being over fifty is that you have probably gotten comfortable in your skin. That notwithstanding, dark colors such as navy blue, black, and dark gray are the best.

How many times can you wear tights without washing? ›

So, How Often Should You Wash Your Tights? There are varying ideas on whether or not your can actually wait two wears before washing your tights, but the consensus seems to be that between one and two is the magic time to put those babies in the sink.

Do you wash tights before wearing? ›

Tights should be washed before their first use and only as needed after that (usually every 2-3 wears or if they are obviously dirty). Since tights are so delicate, you don't want to wash them more than is necessary as washing can wear down the fabric.

Do tights help blood circulation? ›

Wearing gentle compression tights like Scholl Light Legs tights can help blood circulation in the legs, allowing your blood to flow more freely and provide your body to get the essential nutrients it needs.

How many pairs of tights should you own? ›

Gym Bottoms

On average, most people do well with three to five pairs of workout leggings, shorts, or a combination of the two. More than how many sets of workout clothes you have, it's important to have comfortable, high-quality gym clothes in your closet that are suited to your workout routine.

Do pantyhose help with leg circulation? ›

Pantyhose cannot help circulation, but compression garments can.

How many times can you wear a pair of stockings? ›

It's best to wear them all the time, unless you are bathing or sleeping. Plan on replacing your stockings every 3 to 6 months. At first, putting on a pair of compression stockings can be tricky.

Do tights shrink in the wash? ›

Generally, you're advised to wash leggings in cold or cool water cycles (or to hand wash). Washing leggings in hot water can cause shrinkage in the fabric as high heat can cause shrinkage.

When should you wear tights? ›

When should you wear tights? You'll want to pull your tights out when wearing your dresses in the cold winter months. It's best to pair your tights with boots or booties, and in some cases, pointed toe heels. Opt for a sheer pair of black tights so you can see some skin underneath.

Can men wear women's tights in public? ›

So, we decided to check it out and discovered: Wearing leggings is completely acceptable for guys. They are comfortable and allow a full range of movement. Above all, the material and design of the tights make them an ideal pick for physical activities such as running and hiking.

What are leggings for guys called? ›

But, if you're into wearing slim or skinny stuff, worry not, as men's gym leggings—also popularly known as meggings—have been a thing for a while now. In fact, men's compression pants are a way healthier solution for men in the long run, compared to tight jeans.

How tight should tights be? ›

Leggings should be second-skin tight. This means no wrinkles or bagginess. If the leggings hang loose away from your body, they're not tight enough and you've probably gone too big. They don't feel like a hug.

Why are there lines on tights? ›

Tights are made of a thin knit fabric, created with a circular threading machine that uses a number of fine threads. Essentially, runs in your tights are caused when those threads get pulled, which can be triggered by just about anything.

Are back seam tights appropriate? ›

Back seam tights are a great alternative to your usual sheer tights, offering drama and sophistication without all the unwanted attention. The only pattern that you shouldn't wear to the office is fishnets. They give off a risqué impression and are usually considered inappropriate to wear for work.

How do you know if your tights are see through? ›

First, Leggings Should Not Be See-Through

They usually pull on and off (no zipper or other fastening) and while they may have pockets and other accents, most are unadorned with any pockets or seams beyond the seam that runs around the inner legs.

What does the hole in tights mean? ›

Ballet tights with holes on the bottom of the foot are known as convertible ballet tights or transition tights. Convertible ballet tights look like normal tights, but have a small hole on the bottom of the foot that you use to pull the tights over your ankle to convert them into footless tights.

What tights did they wear in 1920s? ›

Most women wore solid-colored stockings. With that said, there were also embroidered stockings and stockings that featured eye-catching patterns. Checkers and polka dots were a fun alternative to solid stockings. It was also possible to find stockings that featured stripes, bows, feathers, or flowers.

When did seamed stockings go out of fashion? ›

Right up until the mid 1960s all hosiery had a seam.

What not to wear with tights? ›

A shimmering top, a fancy blouse, or a baby doll dress simply don't go well with a stretchy, tight pair of leggings. Resist the temptation to be too adventurous with your style, as leggings are not sophisticated enough for dinner dates or other more formal events.

Are you supposed to wear anything under tights? ›

Layers and covering. Running tights are usually designed to be worn without underwear - it can be uncomfortable to wear an extra layer underneath an already close pair of tights. Of course, you can wear underwear if you find that more comfortable.

Should tights be tight or loose? ›

Leggings should be second-skin tight. This means no wrinkles or bagginess. If the leggings hang loose away from your body, they're not tight enough and you've probably gone too big. They don't feel like a hug.

How often should you change your tights? ›

Many women will throw their tights in the wash with their underwear after one use. However, some tights should only be washed after the second or third use. Some may even last up to the fifth or sixth time of being worn.

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