Tights and socks: from 15 denier to fleece-lined tights

The denier measures the thickness of the thread in a women's tight: below 20 denier it is transparent, between 20 and 40 it is semi-opaque, from 40 or 50 onwards it is fully opaque, and beyond 80 it is a winter tight. The size, it, is found on a chart crossing height and weight, never just based on shoe size.

The denier of women's tights, from sheer to winter

The three types of tights and socks can all be understood starting from this reference, which directly translates into usage. Sheer, under 20 denier, is for dressy outfits and mild seasons: it dresses the leg without covering it. Semi-opaque still reveals the skin and is suitable for mid-season. Opaque, starting at 40 or 50 denier, acts like a full garment and can be worn with a short skirt without a second thought. The fleece or thermal tights, finally, add a brushed interior that makes all the difference in the cold, at the cost of a matte and thick appearance that you need to embrace.

The size of women’s tights is found on a height and weight chart

Unlike the rest of lingerie, the size of a women's tight is identified on a chart intersecting height and weight, sometimes including height. A tight that is too small constantly slips down at the crotch and breaks at the first snag, while a tight that is too large wrinkles at the ankles. In case of uncertainty between two sizes, the larger size is almost always the right choice: it significantly extends the lifespan of the tight. Plus-size tights are not just stretched versions; they have a redesigned waistband and inseam length.

Which women's tights are snag-resistant?

No tights are snag-proof, but durability is determined by identifiable factors. The type of knit first: a tightly knitted fabric, known as snag-free, stops the run instead of letting it go up the leg. The composition next: a sufficient percentage of elastane, around 10 to 20%, allows the fabric to regain its shape instead of yielding. Finally, thickness, with 40 denier being significantly more durable than 15 denier by nature fragile. Two actions genuinely extend lifespan: putting on tights by rolling them from the toe rather than pulling, and washing them in a cold mesh bag.

The colour of tights that elongates the leg

The rule is simple and counterintuitive: it’s uniformity that slims, not the colour in itself. An opaque black or anthracite tight creates a continuous line from the waist to the shoe and visually lengthens the leg, especially when worn with shoes of the same shade. A sheer nude tight, on the other hand, cuts the silhouette at the ankle and shortens. The finish matters too: a matte tight absorbs light and slims, while a shiny or satin finish catches light and broadens. Deep shades like plum, burgundy, and dark green produce the same effect as black while adding colour.

Stockings, stay-ups, and suspender belts: bare legs without knickers

Stockings differ from tights in that they lack a body: they stop at the top of the thigh. Stay-ups hold on their own thanks to a silicone band, without accessories, making them the most commonly worn style today. Classic stockings, however, are held up with a suspender belt and thus require a complementary piece. The point to watch on a stay-up is the width of the band: the wider it is, the better it distributes tension and the less it digs into the thigh.

Women’s and men’s socks, from cotton to merino

Women's socks and men's socks are first selected based on material. Combed cotton is suitable for everyday use, merino wool regulates temperature without itching, and Scottish yarn offers a refinement perfect for wearing in town under loafers. The height follows the use: no-show under trainers, crew socks under trousers, and knee-highs for winter. Warm socks and those made from boucle wool cover the cold season, and fancy socks have long moved beyond the gift category to become a full-fledged accessory. Both families overlap more than one might think: a sock-effect tight visually layers the two without adding bulk, a fancy women's sock tight plays the same illusion in reverse, and tights and socks coordinated in the same material have once again become common in winter.

Brands specialising in tights and socks

The leg is an area where a few brands concentrate expertise, and a specialist tights brand is recognised by the finesse of the yarn and the durability of the stitches after washing. Our selection of tights and socks is based on brands for whom this is the main business, with complete ranges of deniers and sizes rather than just a handful of seasonal references. This is essential to finding the same model in the same thickness from one season to the next. Fishnet stockings and fancy tights, too, are equally part of sexy lingerie as well as technical legwear.