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Pretty Polly Flighty Backseam Bow Tights

Pretty Polly Flighty Backseam Bow TightsThe first thing we noticed about these tights from the leading British brand Pretty Polly. Based in the heart of the traditional hosiery producing area of Derbyshire, there was that the small back label said in tiny print under the fibre composition “Made in Turkey”.

I don’t suppose we can be too critical of Pretty Polly for this. Many brands have no factories of their own, instead of contracting out batches of production or even the entire range to factories in Italy, China, and Turkey. It would, though, be nice to see prices coming down to reflect production in low wage economies rather than going up in response to increased raw material costs.

Previous tights styles we have seen from Turkish factories have been pretty good, so perhaps time to end the rant and look at the tights. Almost at once, we are back to griping… £10 for a pair of tights made in just one size! That one size is designed to fit up to a height of 5’10” (158cm) and hips up to 42” (107cm). Weight is mentioned too but is instead a redundant number given height and hip information.

First impressions of the tights are excellent. Soft to the touch and folded so that the gorgeous satin bow that will sit on your calf is on show. Take care unfolding, though. On our test pair, a rough edge on the bow had snagged the sheer material of the leg. A meticulous extraction was required to avoid damage. Raised seams and an unlined gusset in the panty, straight unshaped legs finished with non-reinforced toes. Quite a basic detailing but adequate.

A broad stripe seam in the contrasting thread from just behind the toe seam to the bow (about 40% of the way from toe seam to gusset). Pretty Polly is selling these tights short with the suggested sizing. You could easily get away with a couple of extra inches on the hips. A 34” leg (measured gusset to heel) was accommodated with ease. Even stretched beyond the suggested maximum size, colour density easily met the expectations of 30 denier and was perfectly even over the leg.

The panty incidentally is a different knit to the leg. The transition around 1” (2.5cm) below the gusset is quite apparent so take care wearing short skirts/shorts. Fit is excellent. The matt finish material follows the curve of the leg perfectly.

The seam runs perfectly straight with no problems at all, a great highlight to draw the eye to your calves. The satin bows are a lovely touch and make these natural fun party tights. The bow is positioned perfectly to sit just at the top of the calf, even on a long leg. Wear these tights for a few minutes, and all the minor grumbles and even the bigger grumbles melt away.

Warm, comfortable, stylish, flattering and fun, these are tights that you can fall in love with. Sure, there are areas where they could be improved. But we would pay £10 for them quite happily in the final analysis, and your wardrobe will be lacking without them.

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Pretty Polly Dotty Lace Tights

Pretty Polly Dotty Lace TightsThere are two descriptions to ascribe to these tights, fun fashion and one size. They are fun fashion, pretty evident from the picture, although what is not apparent is that it is pretty hard to get all those big dots to be round on your leg. Look carefully, and you will see that some are somewhat oval even in the carefully posed packet shot.

The lace features quite heavily in the design. Not only are the dots filled with a lace pattern, but the high leg panty is lacy too. The panty also features flat seams and a cotton-lined gusset. The only darker portion that is plain is the reinforced toe. The toes incidentally come a long way up the foot.

One size tights fill us with dread here they suggest a height range of 5’0-5’10 (152-178cm), a weight range of 44-72kg and a maximum hip size of 42” (107cm). For once, we had no problems with one size being too small, these tights will easily stretch to fit 44” hips and a 34” legs which is a lot of leg at 5’10. The fit was not great even when stretched beyond the suggested maximum. So if you are petite, you may find this style of tights too big for you.

For once, we have no quibble with Pretty Polly’s pricing. They put a lot of quality features into their Lace Spot Tights. Slightly more attention to sizing would have been excellent, but otherwise, these are great fun tights for the larger or taller lady.

I nearly forgot. These tights are made in England. At least our review pair was. Rather a shame that with a famous British brand like Pretty Polly, this is worth noting.

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Pretty Polly Absolute Legs Sheer Tights

Pretty Polly Absolute Legs Sheer Opaque TightsWhen we first saw the name of these tights, we were a little perplexed. How could tights be both sheer and opaque? Then we realised that Pretty Polly had made tights that look one way from the front and another from the back.

When you first open the packet, there is no clue that these tights are unusual; they are soft, matt finish tights with straight legs that look and feel around 40 denier. Only when you stretch a leg over your hand do you notice that one side is sheerer than the other. There is no label to let you know which is the front and which is the back, but both the picture and description suggest sheer to the front.

Pretty Polly has used a two size system with just your hip size determining whether you wear the S/M size or the M/L size. The sizing is accurate and is if anything, just a little generous. The fit on the leg is very good with perfectly even colour both on the matt opaque back and the more shiny sheer front.

The detailing is perhaps just a little disappointing. The 40 denier material covers the whole sole of your foot and extends over the toes to look to a very heavily reinforced toe from the front. You would want to be sure your shoes cover this. The panty is not the same weight and finish. The back part of the legs is an ordinary opaque boxer style brief with a good quality seam and gusset.

The idea works, and the design on the leg is well-executed, stylish and eye-catching. It just goes a bit flat at the top of the thigh; maybe they worked to a price point. We have seen the best made of the Absolute Legs range but perhaps just a £1 from greatness.

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Pretty Polly Absolute Legs Mock Hold-Up Tights

Pretty Polly Absolute Legs Mock Hold-Up Tights

This is the first style we have looked at from the “Absolute Legs” range launched by Pretty Polly at the end of the summer of 2009. As with all the recent new designs from Pretty Polly, they persist with the two size policy. S/M if you have hips up to 42” (107 cm) and M/L if you are bigger. Both sizes cater for heights 5’0” to 5’10” (152 to 178 cm).

When you first open the packet, there is no real hint that these are other than standard 40 denier tights. Except perhaps they feel a little lighter. It is only when you unfold your black opaque tights and see sheer “nude” material that you realise where the lost weight went.

We haven’t seen any tights like these before. The 40 denier opaque leg is completely straight and finished with a non-reinforced toe. A few inches below the gusset, there is a step change to the more sheer (20 denier) nude material. Close inspection reveals that the inside of the lower leg is a mix of black and nude, so clearly, there is a clever knitting pattern at work here where the nude and black are knitted together with only the black showing on the outside. The black stops to give the transition the nude top without any need for a seam. A similar process appears to have been used to create the lace panty design.

The panty has an outstanding quality flat seam, but much to our surprise, given the care put into the design elsewhere, there is no gusset. These are gorgeously soft tights that are a delight to handle, put on and wear. There is a definite sheen to the finish from top to bottom. Despite the limited range of sizing, you should have no problems getting a pair to fit. There is plenty of stretch.

The fit is good, too, although a small gusset maybe would have made it better; perhaps the gusset was omitted to maintain the impression that the panty design is a pair of panties. There is no doubt that the design does succeed in creating the look of hold-ups and panties in a pair of tights, some lace design at the top of the mock hold up part would have added to the illusion and perhaps made this design a classic.

Trasparenze use the same manufacturing technique to make their Trasparenze Mantegna Tights. These do have the design at the top of the leg but are a bit over the top in other areas. We do prefer the shaping of the panty detail on this design.

Our one gripe about what is otherwise a very clever idea well executed is that our test pair had two obvious manufacturing faults, one so bad that you didn’t even need to stretch the material to see it. These smart and sexy tights should be a must-have for this season and every other season. If only Pretty Polly can get the quality 100% right, 100% of the time.

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Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 70 Tights

Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 70 Tights

We know that Pierre Mantoux make some sublime fashion hosiery and gorgeous, delicate sheers, including the sexiest seamless tights that we have ever seen. But can they impress as much with opaque tights?

Indeed, there is a feeling of quality to these tights when you handle them, and we applaud Pierre Mantoux for including instructions on how to put them on the card, although these are less important with opaques than sheers. Detailing is better than getting on the run of the mill opaque tights. The toes are not reinforced, and there is a hint of shaping at the heels. The panty features a cotton-lined gusset in sizes 1-3 and a comfort gusset in size 4. All sizes have high-quality flat seams and a soft waistband.

The size chart provided sizing for all the various European countries plus sizing based on height, weight and hip size for the USA. As the European systems all use the same notation but mean different sizes. The measurement information is handy. As reviewed, the largest sizes were intended to fit up to 6’0” tall, 225lb weight and 54” hips (183cm, 100kg, 137cm).

The large size fits only to within 1” (2.5cm) of height, so unless you need the extra hip space, that size would be the better choice to get the cotton-lined gusset. Our testing confirms our initial thoughts on sizing, the largest size will easily cope with a 34” leg (87cm), so unless you are incredibly leggy and full in the hips, the large size will fit. Sizing is on the generous side of accurate for length.

Fit is excellent, and the colour density is ideal even for the hip to toe. Entirely sheer to the waist, these tights can be worn with the shortest fashions. For once, a comfort gusset deserves the name. Somehow Pierre Mantoux has managed to avoid the usual problems inherent in gaining hip space in this way; perhaps it is the leg length allowing the seat to be free of downward pull.

So to answer our opening question, yes, Pierre Mantoux can impress with opaque tights too. Veloutine 70 fits beautifully, feel great to wear, flatter the legs and look expensive. Well worth the premium over lesser brands.

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Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 30 Tights

Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 30 TightsThe fashion at present is for the bare-legged look provided by ultra-sheer tights, but with the summer bank holiday in the UK at the end of this week. The autumn will soon be on us, and we will be looking towards heavier hosiery.

30 denier is a very versatile weight, a little warmer than a sheer but not so heavy as a winter opaque. Interestingly, these tights follow the recent trend of using microfibre in lighter hosiery. The first thing that struck us about these tights was the waistband, deep and textured and most reminiscent of the type used on seamless tights. Not a massive surprise as Pierre Mantoux make two seamless styles.

The panty below the deep waistband features the T type reinforcement of a finger band and strengthening either side of the central seam and around the cotton gusset; all vert narrow, just enough to improve durability without spoiling the sheer to waist effect. Note that the largest size has a comfortable rear panel rather than the cotton-lined gusset. The legs are straight and finished with a reinforced toe detail.

Stretching the material for a close inspection, you are struck by the velvety softness, the strength and the stretch. The stretch is just as well as for large tights our test pair looked small. The card on which the tights arrive very helpfully contains instructions on how to put them on. In an era when many women are coming to lighter weight hosiery for the first time is very sensible.

Follow these instructions, and you will find that the sizing is accurate, the fit is like a second skin, and these are very comfortable tights indeed. 

Our main complaint about microfibre hosiery has been getting the colour even on your legs. An issue with all weights but most noticeable with the more sheer styles. Hallelujah, Pierre Mantoux has made microfibre tights that look fantastic, just perfect even matt colour from hip to toe.

The semi-opaque weight is very flattering, scarcely any heavier than some sheers. It gives much better coverage of any blemishes on your legs. Beautifully made tights at a very sensible price. Stock up now before everyone starts buying them!

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Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 15 Tights

Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 15 Denier TightsHaving thoroughly enjoyed the Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 30 Tights, we had high hopes for their more sheer sister style. And we were not disappointed. Very superior sheer tights, the feel from the packet is light, soft and very inviting. The texture of the material is very much like that which you get with premium seamless tights.

Detailing is what you would expect from a premium sheer tight. Sheer to waist, flat seams in the panty and just the lightest of reinforced strips on either side of the seam and beneath the waistband to add strength and durability. Slightly unexpected was the reinforced toe detail. But it makes sense on such soft and sheer tights, and once on the toe is hard to see anyway.

Our test pair came in the largest size (IV or XL), which Pierre Mantoux claim will fit up to a height of 6’0” and a weight of 225lbs. Looking at the tights, it is hard to believe that they will stretch to anything like that size. But there is 40% Lycra in the yarn, and they stretch and stretch quickly, reaching their intended maximum size. The fit is like a second skin, and the flawless matt finish is more like make-up than hosiery.

Sizes I-III feature a standard gusset, but size IV has the V-shaped comfort gusset. On the whole, we try to avoid this detail, but the combination of the light fabric and 40% Lycra meant that in this case, comfort and fit were not compromised.

Lots of stretch is all well and good. But not if the tights sag or creep down during the day or if the stretch does not spring back when you take them off. No problems here. Pierre Mantoux has managed to make tights that stretch and fit perfectly without feeling tight yet, which return to near their original size when you take them off.

Almost £16 is a lot to pay for 15 denier tights. But although sheer, they are durable too – a whole day in the office and not a hint of distress. Utterly gorgeous sheer tights that you have to try.

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Pierre Mantoux Setificato 40 Tights

Pierre Mantoux Setificato 40 TightsWe don’t see a lot of hosiery from Pierre Mantoux. But when we see a pair of their tights arrive for review, it always brightens up our day. They put us in mind of another northern Italian company that makes exciting is sometimes fragile products. If Falke is Mercedes, then Pierre Mantoux is Maserati.

These soft, smooth, entirely shaped sheer to waist tights don’t only look and feel gorgeous. They give that feeling of strength and quality that only quality hosiery can. The detailing is very good with a small, lightly reinforced toe detail, a shaped heel and flat seams in the panty. Smaller sizes have a cotton-lined gusset, but the XL size has a comfort gusset/rear panel. You need to pay close attention to the sizing as XL is size IV, wherein for most brands, size 4 is large. The only real difference between sizes III and IV is the extra hip measurement that the comfort gusset caters for.

Sizing is most certainly on the snug side of accurate so pay close attention to the size chart. Certainly, don’t try to get away with size III to get a cotton gusset if you need size IV. The comfort gusset works in this style, and the generally slim styling means it fits well.

Once you have these tights on, you can see that the finger band (under-welt as Pierre Mantoux call it) carries a jacquard knit diamond pattern, it also takes a Pierre Mantoux motif on each hip, but it is not easy to see. The waistband is similar to the finger band (about 3cm) and is entirely plain.

Fit and finish are both excellent. Smooth to the touch, strong even colour. Our one issue is that these are described as glossy tights, and our test pair was most certainly matt. As matt semi-opaque tights, they are excellent, well made, strong, and a delight to wear if you are of a slimmer physique.

If these had been genuinely glossy, we would have been giving them a strong recommendation. As it is, we would suggest that you look at Pierre Mantoux Veloutine 30 for a slightly softer semi-opaque for the autumn. Both styles are top quality.

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Pierre Mantoux Precieuse 20 Tights

Pierre Mantoux legere 20 TightsSomewhat unfairly, we tend to compare any sheer tights to Falke. Falke has been our brand of choice for day to day wear for years, offering what we believe to be the best balance between price, quality, comfort and durability. For once we have a style that meets that challenge.

Silky smooth and soft but with an obvious strength, these tights are a treat from the first touch. The detailing is all we could ask for. With flat seams at the toe and in the panty, invisibly reinforced toes and shaped (carded) legs. The panty has a cotton-lined gusset in size I-III and a comfort gusset in size IV. For strength and durability, a reinforced strip on either side of the panty seam and around the gusset and a finger band transition to the deep soft waistband.

The size chart suggests that there are five sizes. The lack of comment about a gusset style in size IV makes us believe only four sizes are made as it happens UK Tights stock sizes I-III anyway. Size III should fit up to a height of 5’10” (178cm) and a weight of 165lb (75kg). Happily, the sizing is a little on the generous side, and there is plenty of stretches.

Size III is large and equivalent to a Falke size IV. It’s something of a shock, but these Italian tights are sized bigger than the German standard. On the leg, the look and feel are both equally good. Delightfully soft and smooth with a perfectly even matt finish. There are three skin-tone shades to choose from, plus coffee and black, so a shade for every time of day and every season.

A full day of wear about the office, and our tights came off looking as good as they went on. This is quality hosiery, doubly remarkable considering the issues with Pierre Mantoux tights when we first saw them some six years ago. We could almost be tempted to change at £2 a pair cheaper than Falke Pure Matt 20 Tights.

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Pierre Mantoux Lorine Tights

Pierre Mantoux Lorine TightsThe day we picked up these tights, we also collected some suspender tights designs from Trasparenze. A casual look at the packet for this style made us think this was a style of the same ilk from Pierre Mantoux. When we read the packet notes, we realised they are full tights with a mock stocking design.

Pierre Mantoux makes this style in a full range of four sizes, from small to extra large. If you want any colour other than black, you are out of luck. One point to note on sizing is that it is out of step with some other quality brands you may be familiar with. So that size IV (German 44-46), which is Large in many brands, is XL here. Take care when ordering. We picked up size III (Large) when size IV (X Large) was what we wanted.

The feel of these tights is more like lace than patterned tights. Until that is, you get to the upper thigh where there is a band of 15 denier sheer material crossed by the suspender straps, four per leg.

The lace runs from the simple toe seam around the shaped heel and to the stocking top. The panty area is plain, about 50 denier and styled as a high leg high waist panty with integral suspenders. Flat seams in the panty, of course, and a cotton-lined gusset. The whole is topped off with a plain waistband.

Sizing is accurate, and the 14% Lycra provides a good amount of stretch, but you need to use this with care. The lace legs feel robust and will take assertive handling but don’t get carried away and try the same thing with the sheer part at the top of the leg. It will respond just like any other sheer material. Fit is excellent from hip to toe.

The look on the legs is very flattering and ideal as a partner for that little black dress. If your dress is clingy, then don’t worry about VPL. The panty is opaque enough to make additional underwear unnecessary for all but the most modest of ladies.

Looking at our test pair and comparing it with the picture above, we suspect there may be both a black on black (as tested) and black on nude colour choice (as pictured above). At the time of writing, we have only seen black on black.

Pierre Mantoux does make top class hosiery, and this is one of the best styles we have seen from them. Classy, sophisticated, beautifully made and in the current market with one size “designer tights” at £15.00, an excellent value too.

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