Denier of Hosiery Explained

The term denier refers to the thickness that a material possesses. Tights and pantyhose are classified on the basis of their thickness.

When assessed scientifically, denier is a unit of measure to calculate the density of weave in tights, resulting in either an opaque or transparent nature. Tights are thin and transparent when their denier is low, and vice versa.

The scale for the denier of tights ranges from 3 to 100:
• 3 is given to the thinnest tights that are extremely delicate and need extra care and attention when in use, since a slight prick can damage them.
• 15 forms the standards level in tights. They are thick enough to provide a nice cover to the legs, but still not too visible.
• With a semi-opaque nature, 30 denier tights are recommended when needing to wear a dark colour.
• 100 denier tights are the thickest and highest denier produced, being complete opaque.

Which denier level you choose depends on the role the tights need to fulfil. The standard level is normally perfect if you want enough coverage, but the invisible appearance. The thicker versions are ideal for the cold months of winter, keeping you warm by becoming another layer under your clothes.

Keep in mind that the lower denier tights need you to exercise extra caution when using them, as tights generally are delicate and can snag or get ladders. Remember to take precautions, regardless of which denier your tights are.

So with the large variety available, and an understanding now of denier, you are sure to find the tights and pantyhose that fulfil your needs to the highest degree.

Tights Problems – Ladders and Waistbands

Tights of a low denier are of a delicate nature, meaning that you need to watch out for a number of problems that you most likely will encounter with them. Read on for a few tips to counter a couple of the common problems faced.

• How to prevent the waistband of your tights from rolling down?

The dilemma of the waistband of tights is quite infuriating. Too tight, and it causes discomfort. Too loose, and it could fall down. Its constant shifting means that it is highly unlikely to be at it original place by the day’s end.

One obvious way of prevention is to purchase the right size, which is harder than it sounds. Ones that fit in the leg could probably not fit the waist. However, ensuring that you find the right size will help in keeping the tights in place and having comfort.

• How to prevent snagging when putting on tights?

Due to their delicate nature, especially when using thin tights, there is a need to exercise caution when putting on or taking them off. One slight snag can end up in an un-repairable tights ladder, which is worse in feeling when the pair is new.

Having shorter nails that have been filed down is one of the best ways to prevent snagging your tights.

Should you wish to retain your long nails, then wear rubber gloves when putting on your tights. These help create a barrier between the two surfaces, while maintaining the ease of wearing the tights. Be prepared; keep an individual pair of gloves in your hosiery drawer for this purpose.

So, there are ways of preventing a couple of the common problems faced with wearing tights. Choose the right size and exercise care. Follow these tips, and you can keep your tights comfortable and snag-free for a long time.

Americans Say Pantyhose We Say Tights

Pantyhose and tights are often regarded as the same. However, the question arises if they are, and if not, what differs the two from each other?

Let’s have a look at the similarities. Both provide complete covering to the legs, from the waist to the toes. Both have nylon and Lycra in their contents, providing comfort and a nice fit. Both come in a variety of designs and deniers, including specialised types.

Developed in the US, the term “pantyhose” combined the two words panties and hosiery, to signify the thickness of the gussets which allow them to worn without any underwear.

The concept of tights was to develop something that provided a close body fit for horse riding. Since then, fashion has developed them to be a practical item of clothing, and their continued tight fit gave the rise to the name.

The use of tights and pantyhose is numerous; from the demands of outfits to the concealment of skin blemishes. Both can be worn with short outfits to maintain a level of decency, and are equally applicable in the summer and winter months.

When in America, it’s the thickness, measured in deniers, which differentiates tights from pantyhose. Anything up to 40 deniers is considered as pantyhose, as the lower denier makes the item thinner and transparent. Higher denier means more opaqueness in the item, thus being called tights.

However, in the UK, there is no such distinction as the word “tights” is used across the board, with “pantyhose” a very rare term in the market.

So, pantyhose and tights have the same use, share the delicateness in nature and can be damaged in the same way. The only difference it seems is on where you come from, not the garment itself!

Matching Tights to Your Skin Colour

With the large variety of shades available in tights, one can always find a pair that matches their skin colouring. A few tips always help in finding the perfect pair, so to make sure you do, read on.

A few factors need to be considered when looking for tights that match the colour of your skin. The most obvious one is your skin colour; as darker tones go with darker shades and paler tones with lighter ones.

Then there is the appearance that you want the tights to give. Even if you are wanting to hide the blemishes on your skin, summers call for a tan illusion, especially if you haven’t got one yet. What’s still important is keeping the look natural, and not going for any dark shade or high denier tights.

Seasons also play a role in the decision-making, as skin tones tend to go paler in the cold months, calling for a lighter shade of tights, and ensuring that they complement the rest of your body. For summers, a darker shade like your skin tone should do nicely.

However, regardless of the time of the year, tights of a low denier give the natural look by matching with your skin colour and giving a seamless blend with the rest of you. With thicker tights, go for ones that contrast your skin tone to get a better appearance.

A good option is to keep tights in a variety of shades, so that your use through the year is catered for, especially in context to the changing in skin tone with seasons.

Take a friend along when you shop for tights, so they can give an opinion on the shade. Or better yet, match the tights against your arm. If they go with the skin tone of your arm, they are more than likely to match your legs.

Follow the above advice, and with the variety available, you are bound to find the pair that matches your skin colouring to the highest degree!