The brands of tights and socks in our selection
Brands of tights and socks assessed on three measurable criteria: the fineness of the yarn at equal denier, the durability of the stitch after about ten washes, and the continuity of the references from one season to the next.
The legwear sector is one where a few brands focus on expertise. A specialist tights brand can be recognised by two things not visible in photos: the fineness of the denier thread, and the durability of the fabric after several washes.
What distinguishes a specialist tights brand
The first sign is the depth of the range. A company that specialises in this field offers the same item in various deniers and sizes, season after season: it's the only way to repurchase the model that suits you without starting from scratch. The second sign relates to construction details, such as flat seam stitching, sewn ribbed cuffs rather than simply knitted ones, and reinforced heels and toes. A generalist tights brand cuts corners on these three points, and this is where the lifespan difference becomes apparent.
The sock brands in our selection
We favour brands that use specific materials, such as merino wool, Scotland yarn, or combed cotton, rather than an unspecified blend. This requirement limits the number of brands we consider, but it is essential for ensuring that the promise of comfort lasts beyond the initial wears.
The sock brand in our selection
Falke is currently the only brand selected in this category, and this isn't a lack of variety: it's one of the few where sock-making has been the core business since 1895, featuring three-dimensional knitting and named materials like merino wool, Scotland yarn, or silk. The Falke tights maintain the same level of quality for legwear.
