Styles of Tights
There is a vast range of popular types and styles of ladies tights on the market, for example control top, seamless, support, footless, sheer, shiny, opaque, fishnet, patterned, coloured tights and suspender tights to mention but a few Most tights are mainly nylon or cotton, however lycra is often included in modern brands to improve fit and therefore visual appearance.
The sheerness of the garment is expressed as a numerical index or “denier” ranging from 3 (extremely rare, very thin, barely visible) to 15 (standard sheer) up to 30 (semi-opaque) and up to 70 (opaque). Needless to say the lower the denier the easier the tights can be damaged.
Control Top ladies tights have a reinforced panty giving the wearer a slimmer figure, however panty lines may appear when wearing high cut skirts. The opposite are Sheer to Waist tights — sheer from the toe to the waist ie. The panty portion is same denier and color as the leg portion, perfect for wearing with high slit gowns, mini skirts or lingerie.
As tights are made of interwoven fabric there are gaps in the fabric where modern manufacturers have been able to place other substances which supposed to benefit the skin, such as moisturisers and other skin creams. Some manufacturers have even produced caffeine tights which they claim can reduce cellulite.
The nylon fabric of tights is extremely prone to ladders (or “runs” in the United States). The wearer can even cause a run in the hose by catching a toenail or fingernail in the often fine fabric when she puts the hosiery on. A common solution used by women is clear nail polish, like an invisible sticky plaster, to prevent runs from growing especially in work or out in public.