We’ve all been there: finally managed to put together a killer outfit, tights and all only to find them ripped at your destination. How?! Tights… tricky things if you ask us. Just bought a new pair of tights and immediately find a run? With these tips you’ll never have to worry about those rips again! Plus: How to make them last longer.
1. Buy one size larger
If you have a tough time pulling your pantihose over your knees, and you don’t want to be pulling it too hard, increasing the risk of laddering, always buy your pantihose a size (and up to two sizes) larger. Then you will get your pantihose on much safer, without it sagging down over your knees because it’s too big. Do you have long legs? If you do, choose a bigger size tights. The same goes for small, curvy gals. It’s important to have a good sense of your body type. From 1.70 m, we recommend size L/XL.
2. Pay attention to the denier
Denier indicates the thickness of tights, the higher the number to thicker the fabric is. Thicker tights lessen the chance of runs. Now we know those thick tights aren’t always the most fashionable thing ever. So should you want a thin tight don’t buy those from the supermarket ( yes we know, they’re convenient. ) but pick one that’s a little more expensive and high quality
3. In the freezer
We know, this may seem weird. But place your new tights in the freezer before wearing them! This will work miracles for it’s life span! Dip it in water, wring it out and place it in the freezer! ( in a bag of course ) and leave it overnight! This does require a bit of planning though, but if you keep your pantyhose in a plastic bag in the freezer, and you don’t forget to take them out the day before you wear them again, the material remains firmer and hopefully they won’t ladder so quickly.
4. Reinforce the seams
Check if your tights have a reinforced seam at the feet. A big toe sticking out of your tights is not a very charming sight and it feels very uncomfortable as well. When you are wearing extremely thin tights, you can prevent this by wearing footies underneath the tights. Make sure the footies are thin, or your shoes will be way too tight.
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5. How to put on your tights
The way you put on your tights is very important, as they will last longer if you put them on in the correct way.
Step 1: Don’t wear any jewellery like bracelets, rings or a watch. Jewellery may snag your tights and can easily damage them.
Step 2: Before you put on your tights, bunch up one of the legs until the toe section. Now you can easily slip the tip of your foot into the bunched-up leg. Roll your tights up carefully and pull them up until your ankle.
Step 3: Then pull your tights up over your knee. First one leg, then the other. While you are doing this, the fabric already carefully stretches. Finally, pull the tights up over your hips, until your waist.
6. Laundry advice
A beautiful pair of tights or stay ups can be the finishing touch to your outfit, but how do you keep them in a good shape? Wash your tights in a washing machine bag, just like your other lingerie. However, be careful to never put them in the same bag as your lingerie, as the hooks and the wired support may damage your hosiery. Stay ups, stockings and tights are washed at 30 degrees. Don’t tumble dry, iron or bleach them and don’t have them dry cleaned.
With these tips, you now know exactly how to make sure your pantyhose lasts longer. With the right pair of tights you can put the finishing touch to your outfit! Shop the latest hosiery now.