Guide to the types of tights - what you need to know to choose

DRESS Magazine > Choice > Guide to the types of tights - what you need to know to choose
Modern women's wardrobe is not possible without tights. We tell you about all kinds of tights, so you can properly navigate in them and always choose exactly the right model.
04/17/2022
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What are tights and when you need them

Tights are a type of underwear, which are stockings connected to panties.

Fashion for this item of clothing went in the 40s of the last century, but until the 60s it was not widespread. Everything changed with the advent of mini skirts, when previously used stockings were already problematic to wear - due to the insufficient length of the skirt, the top of the sock product was visible.

What are tights?

@conteofficial

In modern fashion, tights are a multifunctional tool that can act to solve various problems - from modeling the figure, to placing accents in the image.

About what types there are and where they are appropriate, we will tell further, but for now, a few arguments for what tights are needed:

  • Aesthetics. Flesh-colored kapron tights are a mandatory requirement of the dress code of many companies, even in summer. This is due to the fact that they hide defects on the skin of the legs - bruises, scratches, strongly noticeable veins, and also make the business image complete - strict and formal;
  • Warmth. Of course, wearing thin kapron tights for warming is not the best idea, but the benefit is not limited to such a choice. Properly selected tights will help retain heat and prevent a cold during a walk on a winter evening;
  • Original images. When interesting tights appear in the wardrobe - with drawings, unusual color or texture, bright and stylish outfits are provided. You can create a sexy and daring outfit with a product in the net, or a bright baby doll with a pink model. It's easy to add spice to grunge or make it even more distinctive and original to the street style. Options for use are limited only by imagination.
Why do we need tights?

@conteofficial

Types of tights are determined by different comparison criteria. There is, for example, a classification by sex and age. Here are the highlights:

  • Male;
  • Female;
  • Baby.

Models are also divided by purpose:

  • Household – any tights that you use for everyday wear;
  • Sports - a specific type for practicing different sports - ballet, for example, or figure skating;
  • Medical are compression stockings and tights that are worn to normalize blood circulation and distribute pressure.

Today we are talking about women's household tights, and then look for comprehensive information on the types and tips for choosing a suitable product.

Dimension

The first and most important classification in terms of comfort and appearance is, of course, the size of the tights. Traditionally, the size of women is determined by the height and weight of the girl - you probably saw a size chart with this data on the back of the package.

Usually, the size is determined by numbers or letters.

  • The number from 1 to 8 is the Russian size grid. It is also used by some European manufacturers;
  • Letter designations are used by manufacturers from the USA and China. The letters are used the same as for clothing - from XS to XXL.

Most often, tights contain both letter and numerical markings, for example, 3M or 2S. Due to the fact that they are made with the addition of elastic fibers and tend to stretch both in length and in width, the same size is suitable for girls with different parameters. So, for example, the size of 2S will equally well sit on a girl with a height of 150 cm and a weight of 60 kilograms, and on a woman with indicators of 170 cm and 55 kg.

The size grid of tights is presented below in the form of a table.

How to choose the size of tights:

  1. Measure growth;
  2. Weigh yourself to determine the weight;
  3. Find your height in the first column and correlate it with the weight in the top row;
  4. See where your parameters fall into the table range.

Size chart

Note that this is an average table. For some manufacturers, the ratio of weight to height may shift slightly along the size grid. This is due to the amount of elastic fibers present in the composition, as well as the material of production - this changes the degree of stretching of tights, which ultimately affects their use for different types of figures.

To buy tights exactly in size, be sure to study the size grid of a particular manufacturer - it is placed on the back of the package or in the product card of the online store.

Materials

For the production of tights are used:

  • Spandex;
  • Lycra 3D;
  • Polyamide;
  • Microfiber;
  • Taktel;
  • Cotton and linen;
  • Knitwear;
  • Wool;
  • Silk.

Spandex

Spandex is a type of synthetic fabric that is obtained from polyurethane fibers - their amount in the material can reach 85%. The remaining interest is taken by nylon or acetate.

Spandex has increased elasticity and extensibility by 3-4 times. Pantyhose made of spandex are not prone to wear, and also do not crumple. The surface of the material is shiny, and the product itself is light, but durable.

Spandex

One of the main advantages of spandex is its ability to return to its original state. For this reason, the tights do not stretch, that is, they hold the original furma for a long time.

Among other advantages of spandex:

  • Tighten the figure - make the legs visually slimmer and longer;
  • Resistant to the formation of puffs and arrows - within reasonable limits;
  • Calmly tolerate washing, without deforming.
Interesting fact: spandex is also lycra, elastane, dorlasten and other materials. Their names are assigned to companies from different countries that create their materials based on the standard spandex formula.

Lycra 3D

Lycra 3D is one of the latest achievements of the American company DuPont. The material was presented in 1994 and since then something fundamentally better has not been invented.

Lycra 3D from the usual Lycra differs in the type of weaving:

  • The usual lycra has a polyamide thread in the first row, and a lycra covered with polyamide in the second row. This is a classic method of weaving, used almost from the first tights;
  • Lycra 3D is woven only from Lycra covered with polyamide - ordinary polyamide threads are not used here.

Lycra 3D

The new method of weaving has made tights even more elastic and viscous, as well as durable - puffs and hooks on such products remain less frequent.

Lycra makes tights shiny, but in modern fashion, shiny tights are better not to use - this is a sign of bad taste. The exception will be tights that you wear under jeans - there their shine is still not seen. For self-wear, choose models with a matte surface.

Polyamide

If you are interested in what kapron tights are made of, then know that capron is one of the representatives of polyamide. Most kapron models on the market are made using polyamide, as it is elastic, dries quickly and is inexpensive.

Polyamide

But there is a downside to such products - they are prone to stretching and tightening, and yet - do not tolerate streaks, as they lose their shape. To make things more durable and resistant, elastane is added to the polyamide.

Microfiber

Microfiber is another synthetic fabric made from polyester fibers. Due to the special production technology, the material has thick bristles. Tights made of microfiber retain heat well, pleasant to the touch. Their surface is matte or slightly shiny.

Microfibers are used for warm tights - winter or demi-season.

Taktel

Taktel is a material based on polyamide fiber. Ultra-thin, soft and smooth. It retains heat well, so it is used for warm products.

Cotton and linen

Natural cotton and linen are the perfect solution for any time of the year. In summer, they will not be hot, and in winter they will help retain heat and prevent freezing. Of course, to ensure elasticity, elastic fibers are added to cotton or linen - polyamide and elastane. The percentage of cotton in such products ranges from 50 to 80%.

Cotton

Of the disadvantages - a tendency to deformation, especially after washing, as well as the ability to retain odors.

Knitwear

Knitted tights sometimes refer to natural fabrics, but the knitted fabric itself can be both natural and synthetic - different fibers in different combinations are used for production. Therefore, we will highlight it separately.

Knitted tights

The properties of the final product depend on which fibers were used in the composition. If there are few elastic fibers in tights, knitted models will quickly lose their shape.

Wool

Wool tights are a salvation for a cold winter, especially if the percentage of natural wool in the product is high. As in the case of cotton, elastic fibers are added to the wool so that things keep their shape and do not deform when washed.

Wool tights

@calzedonia

Most often, tights are made of sheep or camel wool.

Silk

Silk tights are a real rarity on store shelves. They are expensive, since expensive silk fiber is used for production, extracted by hand. Silk products have a noble shine, very smooth and pleasant to the touch.

They are produced by single brands - one of the most popular is the French company Cervin.

In addition to thin silk models, there are also winter ones - there silk fibers are combined with wool or synthetic threads.

Density and quantity of DEN

DEN is a unit of fiber density called denier. Density is determined by the ratio of the mass of fibers and threads to length. For one day, a mass of 0.05 g per 450 m is taken.

Tights density@conteofficial Types of women's tights by density:

  • Ultra-thin – less than 10 dens;
  • Thin - from 10 to 15 dens;
  • Average – 20-40 dens;
  • Dense - above 40 den.

Ultra-thin

Ultra-thin tights can be 5, 8, 10 dens. These are barely noticeable tights that are worn for:

  • Skin tone comparisons;
  • Image completion;
  • Prevent clothes from sticking to the body, especially in the heat.

Due to the thinness - this is not the most durable model, but it is also relatively cheaper than denser options.

Ultra-thin tights

@conteofficial

Thin

Thin tights have indicators of 10, 12 or 15 dens. On the legs, they are slightly more noticeable than ultra-thin, but they pursue all the same tasks - to even out the skin tone and make the image complete, more formal and accurate.

Thin kapron tights are perfect for evening dresses - they will not attract attention and will correctly complement the outfit.

Average

Tights with a density of 20, 25, 30 and 40 dens are the most common option. On the legs, they are already more noticeable, so they perfectly correct problem legs - with bruises or abrasions. It is medium-thick tights that are used for business style and are often prescribed as an obligatory part of the dress code of companies.

Tights 40 den

@gattaofficial

Dense

All tights that have an indicator of more than 40 dens are dense models. In the thickest models, there can be 100 and even 200 dens - the denser, the warmer. Tight tights completely overlap the color of the legs. For the office, they are rarely used - usually this is part of casual outfits.

Tight tights

@conteofficial

Different parts of tights can have different densities. So, for example, the "shorts" and the sock are often made denser, since these are wear-prone places.

Design

The design of all tights is the same, but their upper part is different - shorts. Depending on the model, shorts may partially cover the thighs or not at all. On the shorts, a sealed material is used, which provides wear resistance and a modeling effect.

Types of shorts on tights:

  • Elongated - just above the middle of the thigh. Such shorts have a pronounced tightening effect, so they help to correct problem hips and abdomen. Suitable for midi length dresses and skirts. Models from the knee and above, especially when cutting the sun, can be bully when moving;

Long shorts

  • Classic. Ordinary shorts ending at the level of the lower inguinal region. They also model the figure, but only in the upper thighs and in the abdomen;

Classic tights

  • Panties. The seal at the top of the pantyhose goes along the line of the panties. Such models look seductive and, importantly, are suitable for skirts and dresses of any length;
  • Openwork panties. Similar to the previous ones, but their edges are made with imitation of lace underwear;

Openwork panties

  • The letter T. The belt line is compacted, as well as the line perpendicular to it towards the groin;
  • No shorts. Only the belt line has a slight seal. Such tights are seamless and are designed to be worn with very tight-fitting outfits, where any seams and joints spoil the appearance.

Color

What are women's tights in color depends only on the imagination and courage of the manufacturer. Speaking in general terms, they can be:

  • Flesh - beige shades close to the color of the skin;
Flesh tights

@goldenladyofficial

  • Achromatic. These are models of black and white color, as well as different shades of gray;
Achromatic tights

@conteofficial

  • With prints. There are both kapron and dense knitted. Prints are different - from abstract and openwork patterns or imitation of tattoos, to peas and butterflies;
Tights with print

@gabriella_company

  • Colored. Models of non-standard colors. The choice is diverse - green, blue, red, purple;
Colored tights

@goldenladyofficial

  • With Lurex. Thin lurex threads make pantyhose shiny. Lurex can be placed chaotically - then the entire surface will seem to shine, or according to the pattern - diamonds, for example.

Tights with lurex

When choosing a color, it is customary to focus on shoes - for a black pair, dark tights, for light, respectively, light. Nevertheless, this rule is often compromised, especially when colored models of tights are used.

When choosing a color, keep in mind that too contrasting combinations of shoes and tights visually "cut" the legs, so you will seem more squat.

Specific types of tights

In addition to the main classification by size, material and color, types of women's tights include additional categories.

Modeling

Modeling, correcting or tightening tights are products designed to make visually slimmer, as well as hide imperfections of the figure. The effect is achieved by compacting the upper part, where more lycra or elastane is added.

In the form of stockings

A type of kapron tights imitating classic stockings. The effect is achieved by applying a pattern to the material. The main characteristic of such products is that in the middle of the thigh they have an imitation of a hosiery elastic band - openwork, curly or a sharp transition from the main color.

In the form of stockings

Into the grid

Models in the net are tights with squares of different sizes over the entire surface of the product - even the belt and shorts they usually have mesh. The mesh itself is empty, that is, in fact, tights are elastic threads intertwined in a network.

Tights in the net

@conteofficial

Massage

Tights with a special weave of threads, which improve blood flow and, according to manufacturers, even have an anti-cellulite effect, but this, of course, is more of a marketing ploy.

Thermal tights

In fact, these are the same ordinary tights, most often made of synthetic fabric, less often with the addition of wool. The essence of thermal tights is to create an air layer of warm air due to a special two-level weaving and at the same time contribute to the removal of moisture.

Rules for choosing the perfect tights

And now - 5 golden rules that you need to memorize and use when choosing tights:

  1. Choose pantyhose by size. Trying them on is usually not allowed, so focus on the size grid of the manufacturer and do not hide the extra couple of kilograms;
  2. Choose well-known brands. Yes, most likely models from Megan or Konte will be more expensive, but their service life is higher. And about external attractiveness, too, do not forget;
  3. Navigate different types of density. If you need tights for winter walks, look at models of about 100 dens. For an office 100 den is too hot, so look at the subtle options of 15-40 den. When tights are a formality, that is, it is important just to have them, you can do with ultra-thin models;
How to choose tights

@gabriella_company

  1. Pay attention to the design of shorts. Its manufacturers indicate on the packaging. If you have a lot of mini-skirts - your version of the tights without shorts or with a T-shaped top. To correct the figure, choose models with elongated or classic shorts;
  2. Study the composition. No matter how good cotton or linen is, no matter how warm the wool is and no matter how many odes are sung to silk, without elastic threads as part of the tights, they will collect on the knees and in the ankle area, and also go to the trash after the first wash. Optimally, if elastane or lycra in the composition will be about 15%.

How many types of tights in your wardrobe?

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