Our Review

In the picture supplied by the maker you really can’t see what these tights look like, and the packet has no notes either other than size (one size), denier and fibre mix.  If you are lucky enough to have the packet in your hand though you can clearly see through the polythene that there is a lot of shine on the ribs.  In the case of our test pair in the colour “Amaretto” the shine is a satin/metallic gold.

A note on sizing.  It says “one size fits all” on the packet, what this means is that one size covers both the sizes Emilio Cavallini offers in other styles, so a height range from 4’9” to 5’9” (150-180 cm) and weights from 94 lbs to 176 lbs (43-80 kg).  Those of you who are quick at mental arithmetic will have noticed that this means a metric woman can get 2” more stretch out of these tights, 180 cm being 5’11”.

It is no surprise that these 200 denier tights feel heavy and substantial, as heavy as some leggings.  They have a surprising softness and are smooth to a degree that they seem to be sliding between your fingers.

Construction is quite simple, but of good quality.  There is a very small smooth toe detail and then the ribbed design runs all the way up the unshaped legs to the waistband. The waistband is 3cm deep and quite plain.   The panty is finished with good quality flat seams and a cotton lined gusset.

You only fully appreciate these tights once you put them on, the ribbing gives a look more akin to sophisticated pin-striping, nothing like the ribbed tights you may have worn for school.  The look and feel are both of smooth satin... quite delicious.

The sizing is accurate, there is enough length to cope with a 34” leg.  The panty is styled quite short, almost a hipster fit, and not overly generous in width (42” hips would be the biggest accommodated with ease).

The fit is good but not fantastic... as with any such thick tights there is bound to be some creasing at knee and ankle when you bend your leg. 

You could wear these tights with a very shortest of skirts or shorts but the seaming and gusset detail and the hipster styling mean they are not suitable for wearing as leggings... that is you should not have them deliberately on show but they will cover your modesty if you give an accidental flash.

Perfect tights for the colder months, they should last all season.

20 September 2009

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