- 03:14:00
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Paris Fashion Week is over and it has left us amazing styles. We always keep an eye on the new collections to tell you what’s hitting the catwalks. We want you to be informed with our style guides and season must-have product lists. When we were looking at the Autumn Winter 2017 styles, we have found a few amazing legwear styles we had to share with you. When we say amazing, we mean something like this…
Cool, right? If you have visited Paris, you may have noticed hosiery is vital for many Parisians. Although Parisians wear hosiery all year round, winter is the best time of the year to discover amazing tights styles. Paris street style is always covered by fashion magazines and featured on Instagram and fashion blogs. Do you want to bring Paris street style to your place? We have four tips to style your tights like a Parisian.
How To Style Your Fishnet Tights Like A Parisian
Fishnet tights are the top hosiery trend in 2017. How to style your fishnets when it’s cold? Steal this quick tip as seen on Paris Street Style. Layer it up; wear black semi-opaque tights with matching fishnet tights. Still cold? Add a pair of cosy socks like the picture above for a chic look.
Get the look: Our best-selling Trasparenze Fishnet Tights over these Jonathan Aston 40 Denier Semi Opaque Tights and matching socks, like the Oroblu Nives Natural Fibres Knee Socks.
How To Style Your Patterned Tights Like A Parisian
Diamond patterned tights have been a very popular trend this winter and they are not going away so easily. Geometric patterns are staying on trend next season, too! This pattern not only make your legs look longer. Besides, it’s very easy to combine. It puts together your look and turns a boring look into a winning outfit!
How To Style Your Whale Fishnets Like A Parisian
What happens when you put together fishnets and geometric patterns? Tights with holes, micronets and whale nets together in a style and, like the picture above, fishnets with round and hexagonal holes! We know this style is not for everyone, but who doesn’t like a challenge? This is one of those styles that steal the whole look, so make sure you pair it with a minimal outfit.
Get the look: Pierre Mantoux Sibilla Net Tights.
How To Style Your Polka Dot Tights Like A Parisian
Last but not least, one of our favourite styles of the season: polka dot tights! Parisians are wearing dotty tights with smart outfits and we just can’t have enough of it. Being a minimal pattern, dots perfectly match with any other patterns, such as the tartan coat in the picture above. Don’t be afraid to wear polka dot tights with your occasion wear in spring for a sophisticated Parisian look.
Get the look: Falke Dot Tights.
What’s your favourite Paris Street Leg Style? Leave your thoughts in a comment below.
Picture source: ELLE UK (http://www.elleuk.com/fashion/street-style)
- 07:50:00
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At this time of year, it’s impossible to think about shoes without also thinking about hosiery.
I wish it wasn’t so. Unlike many of you, I’ve never been much of a fan of the colder weather, or the opportunity to ‘layer up’, but if I want to continue wearing dresses and skirts during the winter months, tights are really the only option, and luckily there’s no shortage of options in that department.
For many years now, opaque tights have reigned supreme as the tights-of-choice for almost everyone. Over the last few years, however – and thanks in part to the influence of women like Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge – sheer hose has been making a bit of a comeback. I say a “comeback”: nude tights never actually went anywhere, and have continued to be worn by plenty of people. For a long time, however, they haven’t been considered particularly fashionable, and many would deem the shiny-legged, re-inforced toe look positively frumpy.
Times are changing, however, and while they’re still not exactly at the cutting edge of fashion, sheer hosiery is starting to be seen more often again. I for one am pretty happy about this, because while I do own and wear opaque tights when the occasion demands them, I can’t claim to love them, they way so many people do. I actually find that opaques can detract from the shoes or outfit worn with them, especially if either of the two are the same colour as the tights – black, most often. Black shoes tend to blend into black opaque tights, which will, in turn, blend into a black dress. That look can work for some people, but if you want your shoes to stand out (and let’s face it, if you’re reading this site, you probably DO…), it’s not ideal.
Can nude tights ever look truly natural, though, especially on someone with skin as pale as mine? UK Tights sent me a selection of nude and sheer styles, so I could find out for myself. Here’s how I got on…
Levante Micronet Tights in ‘Natural’
Although these are described as “net” tights, it’s a net texture/pattern, as opposed to the actual net weave you get with fishnet styles. That might make these a good choice for those of you looking for tights for work, say, and thinking the full fishnet effect might be a little bit much. These will give you a bit of texture, and the appearance of nude tights, but with more coverage than you’d get from a sheer or a fishnet. The ‘natural’ colour was a bit too dark for my pale skin, however, so they weren’t quite ideal for me.
For those who prefer the ‘glossy leg’ look, these are 15 denier, with a lot of sheen. They seem hard-wearing and super-stretchy, but, again, the ‘natural’ colour was much too dark for my skin tone, so would only be suitable for someone less ghostly than I am!
These are 20 denier, but actually feel more delicate than the 15 denier pair mentioned above. They also have a slight sheen, but the appearance is much more natural, and the colour, although darker than my natural legs, is much closer to my skintone, creating a ‘barely there’ effect. If these were just slightly paler, they’d be perfect!
My favourite of the bunch, these are a traditional fishnet, with a small weave, and a natural colour. This is exactly the kind of tights I wear most often: again, the colour is darker than my skintone, but I find it easier to get away with that with a fishnet style, as the effect is one of texture rather than colour, if that makes sense. I love this kind of style because they’re worlds away from the un-natural-looking shiny, American tan look, but they’re also far removed from what most people think of as “fishnets”, so they’re appropriate to wear just about anywhere.
These are toeless tights, designed to be worn with open-toed shoes. I’ve never tried a pair of these before, purely because my thinking is that if it’s warm enough to wear open shoes, it’s also warm enough not to need tights. The theory here, however, is that these will provide all of the leg-smoothing effect of hose, while still allowing you to wear peep toes, and I guess if you work in an environment in which bare legs would be a no-no, or you just don’t feel comfortable about baring all, these could come in really handy. The toe section is in two parts, so there’s a section for your big toe, and another for the rest: I’m not sure how comfortable this would prove to be (I’m quite fussy about having things touching my toes), but the tights themselves are almost invisible on the leg (if you’re wondering if these were ALSO a bit too dark, yes, they were, but they were probably the closest match of all of these pairs, and I’d definitely be able to get away with wearing them), and also felt nice and cool against my skin, so I think they’d be comfortable enough on a warm-ish day, too.
What do you think of nude tights? Would you wear them, or is it opaques all the way, as far as you’re concerned?
www.shoeperwoman.com
www.shoeperwoman.com
- 09:01:00
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There is nothing more irritating than heading out to work and snagging your black tights. Quite frankly, it can ruin your whole day and make you feel like a child in an adults’ world.
Our delicate hosiery can be ruined by the inside of our boots, a heel on the other foot as we nudge off a shoe, the zip on a coat, a long necklace and more often than not a broken finger nail.
Many companies promise to solve our woes with 'ladder resistant' tights. But can any item so delicate as hosiery really be immune to the dreaded ladder?
Blogger Megan Taylor and writer Siofra Brennan put seven brands to the test to find out. Each pair was torn at with fingernails; snagged with jewellery; rubbed with Velcro; poked with the heel of a shoe and cut with scissors and all underwent the same process.
Boots Ladder Resist
80 denier: £8
My initial thoughts are that they are a lot more expensive than the other pairs and being a higher denier I am expecting them to resist any laddering whatsoever.
They are wonderfully soft on the body but with a little stretch and a tug they seem to have a weird tiger print woven in.
Is this something to do with their ladder resistant technology?
I tried to make a hole or a ladder with the heel of my shoes and some jewellery but could not break through the yarn.
Megan put Boots £8 Ladder Resist Tights to the test and found them wonderfully soft. Due to the 80 denier she wasn't expecting them to ladder, but initially thought they were a bit pricey
I decided to attack them with a pair of scissors, then give the fabric a tug, still nothing. I then cut a hole on a thinner bit of the fabric and still nothing.
All I was left with were holes that I myself had created with a pair of scissors.
These tights really do what they say on the packet and possibly more.
Verdict:10/10
Marks & Spencer Autograph - Ladder Resist
10 denier: £4
I know I'm not supposed to be judging the colour here but these are labelled as 'nearly black' yet they were positively pale grey.
These tights were lovely and soft and my broken nail didn't snag the tights at all whilst pulling them on.
With a lot of scratching with the bottom of my shoes the tights only snagged a little. Even when I stuck my star shaped necklace into them there were still no laddering or holes created.
Whilst taking photographs my dog wanted to help me test the tights and her claws didn’t snag these tights at all.
I snipped a little hole with my scissors and it unfortunately immediately laddered very easily.
This being said, it was very difficult to create a hole in the first place therefore I would still give them a good rating.
Verdict: 7/10
Charnos Run resist
10 denier: £4.99
I really struggled to break through the fabric of these tights, so I got my scissors and sliced a couple of holes. Neither hole laddered.
The hole did get a bit bigger with a pull but there was no laddering at all.
Overall my favourite pair of tights for comfort, quality and resistance to laddering were definitely the pair of tights from Boots.
This being said I was actually really impressed by all of the tights.
They were all very difficult to actually try and break. With all my trying through doggy claws, necklaces and Velcro none of them laddered until I had opened the fabric with a pair of scissors.
Verdict: 8/10
Pretty Polly Legs On The Go Ladder Resist Tights
10 Denier £6.00
These light compression tights are designed to reduce swelling in the ankles and claim to be ideal for long periods of standing or sitting, as well as being tough wearing.
When I open the pack to reveal a pair of flimsy barely blacks, I feel certain these won’t stand up to the test. I make sure to stick my toes out and pull them on really roughly, put they don’t appear to sustain any damage.
So far, so good – but the colour is less appealing. They’re supposed to be barely black, but they give my legs a greyish brown hue.
They sail through a day of wearing, but they look exactly like the kind of tights that would easily snag on a ring or a bracelet.
So I load up with three rings and a heavy embossed silver bangle with a fastening chain that dangles from the side. I run my hand up and down inside the leg of the tights several times, but there’s not one spot of damage to be seen.
The Velcro test leaves a light impression on the nylon, but nothing noticeable. Even cutting them doesn’t create a ladder. Considering the reasonable price and the fact they’re only 10 denier, I’m really impressed.
Unfortunately the colour really lets them down, but they come in 60 denier, which I’d definitely be keen to try.
Verdict: 7/10
George at Asda Ultimate Ladder Resistant Tights
15 Denier £4.00
With two in a pack, these tights are a real bargain, but my past experience of cheap tights is that they never last beyond two or three wears, especially when they’re this sheer.
These newly launched tights contain LYCRA® Xtra Life to prevent ladders and have the added bonus of a sandal toe.
I’m pleasantly surprised when I put them on to find that they don’t look in any way cheap and shiny, and the colour is much more appealing than Asda's offering.
An attack with the heel of my shoe does nothing, and they survive an onslaught of jewellery and Velcro. And even when I snip a hole and pull on the material I still can’t ladder them.
Taking into account the price, quality and durability these were definitely my favourite.
Verdict: 10/10
Heist Tights Low Waistband
30 denier £19
Made from Italian double covered yarn with five times the spirals of regular tights, they’re completely seam free and claim to be ladder resistant. The toe seams tuck under so they’re invisible and they’re hand sewn for a better fit.
Crucially they come with both a high and low waistband – a godsend for us short folk who are used to hosiery that covers most of the rib cage.
But when I try mine on I find that I strangely miss the support of something covering my tummy and it feels a bit odd. On the second day of wearing though, I’m more used to it.
The instructions say that they should be handwashed, but I put them through the machine several times and don’t notice any difference.
They pass all the other tests with flying colours. I’d happily wear these again, but they do come with quite a high price tag – and they’re £21 for the high waistband version.
Verdict: 8/10
Spanx Luxe Leg Blackout tights
£35
These ultra-opaque tights and have a built-in shaper which flattens stomach and firms your bottom and thighs, and the combination of nylon and spandex promises to render them virtually ladder-resistant.
When I take these out of the packet they’re so sturdy I wonder if I’ve accidentally been sent a pair of leggings. The waistband looks so tiny that I wonder how they’ll ever go on.
A lot of pulling and tugging certainly puts the ladder resistance claims to the test, but once they’re on they’re actually quite comfortable.
Not surprisingly these sail through the day without sustaining and holes, ladders or pulls and they pass the Velcro, jewellery and nails tests easily.
When I cut a hole in them and give a good pull a small ladder forms. But you’d really have to be dragged through a thorn bush to rip these in real life, and even then they would probably still come out unscathed.
I can’t fault their resilience, but they’re just too heavy and feel more like leggings than tights you’d pair with a nice dress.
Verdict: 6/10
- 03:16:00
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Nude tights (and lingerie) are definitely not created equal — “nude” tends to be quite narrowly defined as a few fleshy shades that are on the paler side. Nubian Skin has been the pretty rare exception to the rule, creating lingerie and hosiery for women of all colors. Now, the indie brand is taking its inclusive M.O. to the next level, thanks to launch of its plus-sized line, Curve.
“It's something we've been thinking about since we first created the hosiery range,” a spokesperson for Nubian Skin tells Refinery29. “We knew standard sizing covered a limited portion of the market, so it was always the plan to expand the size range if we were able to.” The British brand branched into more extensive sizing based on the success of its straight-size tights. Customer feedback requesting plus-size offerings “helped reinforce the decision,” says the spokesperson. “We definitely always had larger sizes in mind, but it was really helpful to know that our customers really did want it.”
The tights, which are available in sizes XL, 2XL, and 3XL, use Lycra Xceptionelle, which provides “amazing stretch and recovery capability,” the spokesperson says, making them equally awesome for super tall as well as amply curvy wearers. ”[The material] eliminates the need for additional panels, which is traditionally how plus-size hosiery is made, so it offers more comfort and a better all around fit,” says the spokesperson.
As for the array of true-match skintones, they’re based on popular foundations by makeup brands like Nars and Bobbi Brown. (To wit: Nubian Skin’s Berry hue is recommended for someone whose makeup bag houses Laura Mercier Espresso).
Nubian Skin plans to continue widening its sizing options, this time above the waistline: “We're working on expanding our cup sizes, so that's the next focus area for us,” says the spokesperson. That’ll be yet another step toward more inclusive underpinnings.
- 05:08:00
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Fishnet tights - literally a tricky trend! The last time I was wearing fishnet tights was Halloween some years ago. I went as Lady Gaga and that says it all! However, inspired by my girl Stephi and the InStyle (obviously!) I decided to give fishnet tights a second chance and to address the question: How to wear fishnet tights with class? To me, there are three simple rules...
Set on muted, reserved colors
Obviously, you don't want to run the risk to be mistaken for a bad taste party visitor. Always remember:
White, Grey, Black, Beige, Dark Blue, Khaki = Friends
Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow and everything else flashy = Trash Queen
Include some geek elements
You're always save if your outfit includes some classy/nerdy pieces like blazers, vests, sleeveless sweaters or basic shirts. Plus - it adds some clever/sexy attitude which only becomes apparent at second glance (and is thus 100 times more exciting!)
Choose a fine fishnet
Your fishnet tights should reveal their nature only when looking closely. Avoid everything coarse mashed.
And now I'm more than curious to know your attitude towards fishnet tights! Are you going to give them a try?
- 09:51:00
- 0 Comments
Spending the working week surrounded by tights, I’ve amassed a fair chunk of knowledge over the years about all the different realms of the hosiery world, whether on the production side of things, technical terms, or even how to instantly spot different types of toe (yes, really!) With the colder autumn months looming, we thought it would be a great idea to put together a one stop guide that will hopefully answer the most common questions the MyTights team are asked. Haven’t found the answer to the question you’ve always wanted to know? Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer services team who will be happy to assist!
1. What is denier?
All tights are discussed in terms of denier, but what actually is it? Well, put simply, denier is the technical term used to describe how thick hosiery is. Referring to the weight of the yarn from which the hosiery is woven, 1 denier means that 9,000 metres of yarn weights 1 gram. Generally speaking, the lower the denier, the sheerer the appearance of the tights are. Likewise, the higher the denier, the more opaque the hosiery will be!
2. What’s the difference between sheer and opaque hosiery?
You might have noticed that hosiery is classified as being either sheer and opaque, the difference lying in the weight of the yarn used. Sheer hosiery (usually between 10-20 denier) is finer in appearance, and thin enough for your skin to show through. Opaque hosiery on the other hand is thicker in appearance, much warmer and altogether more durable. We define opaque hosiery as being above 40 denier, with tights lying between 30-40 denier considered to be semi-opaque
3. What is a matte finish?
The most versatile of hosiery tends to have a matte finish. This is characterised by tights that have a completely flat look without any reflection, generally knitted from multifilament yarns which don’t reflect light. What’s more, matte hosiery won’t draw any attention to your legs, so can be worn for just about any event, regardless of whether it’s a trip to the shops or a formal event. How’s that for versatility?
Falke Shelina Tights – one of our favourite bare leg styles!
4. What are the benefits of bare leg look hosiery?
You might think that wearing tights in exactly the same shade of your legs is futile, but wearing bare leg look hosiery has a host of hidden benefits. Like make up for your legs, skin tone styles give your pins a flawless finish, help in achieving an even colour and moisturised finish, and can even help you cheat your way to a sunkissed glow! What’s more, they offer some slight coverage should it be a chillier summer day, without taking away from a natural look.
5. Are footless tights the same as leggings?
Similar in appearance, the main difference between footless tights and leggings lies in the thickness. Although both are free from any material at the foot, leggings tend to be much warmer, and thick enough to be worn without the need for longer hemlines. Footless tights on the other hand tend to be less opaque, and would usually require a dress or tunic to cover up.
6. What’s the difference between hold ups and stay ups?
You may have seen both ‘hold ups’ and ‘stay ups’ used to describe the same style of hosiery, that is hosiery that offers a similar look to stockings, but with sticky pads rather than the inconvenience of a suspender belt. So, what is the difference? The answer is – there isn’t one! Both terms are used to describe the exact same thing – tomay-to, tomar-to!
7. Can I fix a snag in my tights before it becomes a ladder?
We’ve all been there – getting dressed in the morning to find our brand new tights have already snagged, it’s enough to put anyone in a bad mood! But to stop it developing into a ladder, a top yet very simple tip is to add a dab of clear nail varnish to the area. Or if you’re especially keen to prevent ladders from forming, check out our range of run resist hosiery, instead!
Pamela Mann Sheer Dotty Tights: A fab fashion style!
8. What makes fashion tights ‘fashion tights’?
Any regular visitors to the site will know that we separate some of our hosiery into a fashion category. This is generally the case when tights feature something that is considered to be a trend, be it a floral pattern, spots, diamonds, or even something as traditional as a backseams. Fashion styles will ensure you stand out from the style pack, and differ from plain opaques and sheers, which are considered to be more everyday wear.
9. Which hosiery brands will last me the longest?
At MyTights, we hand select our products to ensure that they all offer value for money, but there are some brands that tend to go the extra mile in terms of durability. As with all walks of life, you get what you pay for when it comes to hosiery, but my top tips for brands to invest in when you’re building a hosiery capsule are Wolford, Falke and Oroblu. That’s not to say that the brands in the more affordable end of the price bracket should be overlooked however, and I would also advise to take a look at our ladder resist styles, which are made with specialist yarns to prevent ladders from forming.
10. How often should I wash my tights?
We recommend to wash your hosiery after every wear, to keep it a) looking its best, and b) staying fresh. In an ideal world, washing hosiery by hand is the best solution to keeping it looking pristine, but alternatively, popping your tights in a hosiery bag and using a cool wash is an equally good method!
11. How should I dry my tights?
One of the worst things you can do to your hosiery is to leave it to dry near direct heat, such as a radiator. STOP IN YOUR TRACKS! Drying in extreme temperatures will damage the weave, and will likely leave your tights ready for the fashion scrapheap. The best way to dry tights is on the line, or on a drying rack placed away from any direct heat. Oh, and never iron, either!
12. Which denier weights are appropriate for which season?
We all know how quickly the weather can change from heatwave to washout, but generally speaking, different weights of hosiery will be more of use in specific seasons. In the winter, stick to thermal tights or opaque tights, occasionally wearing semi opaque hosiery should it be a milder day. The spring and autumn months are often subject to change, but typically you’d wear semi-opaque or sheer styles. In the summer, opt for sheer or for something extra natural –ultra sheer styles.
Aristoc Bodytoners Low Leg Toner Tights, one of our bestselling control top tights
13. Control tights vs. Support Tights – what’s the difference?
Control top tights and support tights are similar in that they both have hidden talents, and offer a lot more than meets the eye. The fundamental difference is that control top tights help to smooth over your figure using hidden shaping zones, whereas support tights alleviate tired legs by boosting circulation, thanks to a system called graduated compression. This works by applying pressure at your ankles, which gradually travels up the leg, getting lighter as it does so. Both equally as brilliant, however!
14. What’s the best type of toe to wear with different footwear?
If you’re a fan of chunkier footwear styles such as winter boots and trainers, I would recommend opting for a reinforced toe, which has a thicker weave to prevent any holes from forming in the often fragile toe area. Next up on the spectrum are sandal toes, which have barely visible reinforcement, where the weave is slightly stronger across the toe, but perfect for wearing with open toed shoes.
In the summer, sheer toes are invaluable, and are common in ultra sheer tights. Sheer toes should be worn with open toed footwear as strappy sandals, as can open toed styles, which you should choose if you want a super natural look, but still want to benefit from the even skin tone offered by sheers.
15. What’s the difference between gusset types?
Tights can not only differ in terms of denier and toe, but in the type of gusset they use too. Tights with a cotton gusset are designed to improve comfort, fit and hygiene, and can be recognised by a white circular patch in the section where the legs join. Similar to a cotton gusset, traditional gussets also help to improve comfort and fit, but won’t aid hygiene, as they aren’t made from breathable cotton.
Not all tights will have a gusset however, with some opting to have the same fabric on the crotch as in the rest of the leg. Finally, some styles may also have an open gusset, in which there is no fabric whatsoever on the crotch, and these are great for keeping cool and refreshed in the warmer weather.
- 03:43:00
- 2 Comments
