Our Review

Back in ancient history... well until the early 1980s at least... all tights were made of 100% nylon, today this is something of a rarity but the Karstadt department store chain in Germany still offer this 12 denier style.

It is clear as soon as you open the packet that the makers have not forgotten the art of knitting a stretch material out of a non-stretch fibre; or if you are less kind you could say these tights are a throwback to the 1970s.  

The detailing lets you know that these are no throwback, firstly they are sheer to waist, secondly they have a perfectly finished toe seam with a small reinforced toe detail, thirdly they feel far lighter and softer than hosiery from a bygone age.  There is an unlined gusset to help with fit, this is just a little heavier than the material of the legs. The seams in the panty are small and well finished but not flat, we did not expect flat seams at such a low price.

There is no size chart on the packet but this is a fair omission as the sizing follows the German standard and these tights are only sold in a single German department store chain. Our test pair was in size IV (44-46) which is the size we normally review and the sizing was on the generous side of accurate.

If you are used to tights with Lycra the fit of these tights will feel unusual as they are far more free to move against your skin but the fit is actually very good.  Colour is perfectly even and the finish is a soft matt, not quite the powder finish of some “make-up” tights but very close. 

We have no hesitation in recommending these tights, particularly for the summer. If you like the sound of them but are not in Germany then Falke Shelina are a more upmarket alternative and widely available.

14 July 2010