It's the height of winter here in Wellington, and chances are, if you haven't already, you're starting to think about buying tights. Until I started working in the hosiery department of my former workplace, I never realised that buying tights is more complicated than I had ever thought. So, for all those ladies-and gentlemen-who wish to but tights, here's my guide.
The higher the denier, the thicker the tight is the golden rule.
Sheer: 5-20 denier
Semi-opaque: 30-40 denier
Opaque: 50 and above
REALLY dark: 100 denier plus . There's not much difference really, and depends on how much it stretches. My recommendation for the completely opaque tights is Ambra 200 denier. Ok, they aren't much darker than 120 that Voodoo makes but they're much softer. And you want to be comfortable, right? I find they run large, but a trip around the tumble dryer will solve that. Just don't tumble dry your tights if they fit correctly, because they'll shrink.
A tip for sizing: There's always a sizing guide on the back. If you're on the borderline between sizes, go larger. Various companies have also started making 'hipster' tights, so if you don't like the constriction of traditionally cut tights, you have another option.
My thoughts on Sheers: Never if you can get away with it . They ARE good for summer or slightly more posh occasions. They rip easily; if you are in a job where you have to wear them, consider buying hosiery gloves. Not Monster Hunter recommended, unless you do like the ripped look. The heels of the tights will pill if your shoe rubs.
Thigh highs are a good option, too, for summer and if you can't even stand wearing things around your hips. Voodoo's stay ups are crap. Columbine 40 den. much better. If buying thigh highs with the adhesive strips, wash them after every time you wear them, and don't wear lotion, because the adhesive strips won't work.
Stockings with a garter belt: cheaper, but fiddly. Many garter belts can be quite bulky and look weird under tight clothes. Wear the belt under your knickers for ease when nature calls.
My thoughts on Patterned tights: If you have chunky calves, avoid horizontal stripes. White and black stripes = instant cult membership. They say: I listen to metal and read Neil Gaiman. Vertical stripes are great, for us ladies with walker's calves.
Final thoughts: As with everything, you get what you pay for. Nails are the enemy of tights. That's fingers AND toes. Fishnets: be careful. My humble opinion is that small holes are good, large ones...not so much. They send a certain message, that's all I'm saying. Unless you want to send 'that message' then, by all means, go ahead. Also: BUY A WASH BAG. Good for your tights and your nice underwear. They'll last longer.
Recommendations:
Ambra 200 den.
Columbine 50. Den opaques: Colourful and cheap.
Columbine premium wool tights
Columbine 40. den stay ups
Voodoo Kinky Knits
Columbine fishnets (wide range of colours, too)
Where to go: (Wellington specific)
Kirkcaldies and Stains
Farmers
Calico Jack's, for the more unique stuff
Blairette here; in the absence of a washbag, just toss stockings into a pillowcase, that seems to work okay.
ReplyDeleteAlso, beware of ordering Leg Avenue tights if you haven't had a look at the seams first - the quality's really variable.
Both Kirks and Frutti sell hand-printed tights.
Ah yes, the Imprint range. I think they're pretty, but kind of expensive for what they are (Columbine range opaques). That being said, I have two pairs :P
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