Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
All About Tights: The Styles and A Bit Of History!
A good pair of tights can take an otherwise chilly outfit and heat it up – in more ways than one!
Nothing quite nails a fabulous Meredith Blake-inspired outfit than a pair of sheer black tights. All you’re missing is two adorable twins and a hunky, vineyard-owing, Dennis Quaid type who’s twice your age.
Meredith comparisons aside, tights come in all shapes and sizes. Polka dot, fishnet, opaque, sheer, tummy control – how is a gal to choose?
Never fear. Grab a glass of Napa Valley’s finest reserve label and tuck in for all you need to know about tights!
Tights: A History
Depending on your region, people might refer to tights as nylons, hose, hosiery, or other terms. Yet, they all mean the same thing. Form-fitting undergarments.
Tights are as old as the hills. Indeed, during the reign of Henry VIII, they were all the rage and primarily worn by men, both rich and poor.
During those times, the more influential you were, the cuter your tights were. Fashionable tights were normally made of fine silks and wool and were cut to be as form-fitting as possible. Many young men of the nobility would provide themselves with a little extra padding in the calf muscles and genitalia.
Tights: The Styles
When it comes to women’s tights, there are a few on the market, to say the least. Let’s cover the most popular styles:
Bear in mind that most of these styles will have what’s known as a denier level. A denier level ranges from brand to brand, and is ranked from 0 to 100, and indicates how thick the fabric is.
- Opaque: Opaque tights are usually black, but can come in any color. Denier levels for opaque tights are usually 50 and above. Opaque tights are perfect for the winter and usually have a lower risk of snags, runs, and tearing.
- Sheer: We can imagine that a pair of sexy sheer tights are Meredith Blake’s favorite! Sheer tights are mostly sold in either black or nude, as these tights are meant to accentuate your skin color and smooth the shape of the leg. It’s not necessarily designed to attract, but to augment.
- Patterned/Multi-Colored: This category also includes an honorable mention for fishnet stockings. Pair a patterned or multi-color pair of tights with a funky outfit!
- Support/Control Top: You can find a support or control top in most of the aforementioned categories. Support and control top tights will smooth your legs and torso and help prevent inflammation. Great for days at the office where wearing pumps is a must!
- Leggings: But of course we include the versatile legging as a category! They might be a full 100 on the denier scale, but leggings are as much a style of tight as any (and also a pant! We endorse this!) Available in both fashion and sports fabrics, leggings are essential in every millennial’s closet. Pair them with a huge sweater or an oversized tee with cute slides or a pair of Blundstone’s and you’ve got a casual yet au courant outfit.
Tights can take a summer dress and easily transform it into a fall dress. They’re versatile, comfortable, and timeless!
Leave a Reply