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All Reviews Red Or Dead

Red Or Dead Bonnie Tights

Red or Dead Bonnie TightsAn eye-catching design perfect for Hogmanay or Burns Night, available in 4 colours supplied by UK Tights. The colours are right on trend for the season, black, brown, petrol and prune. All the designs in the range have the same size chart on the packet. Indeed all the packets are the same. Just the closing sticker carries the style name, colour and size. In this case, the size chart is not appropriate as this is a “One Size” style.

You can see the tights through a window on the packet. So visually, there are no surprises when you open the packet. When you open the tights out, you can see that the argyle pattern is restricted just to the legs. The long line panty and the reinforced toes are just in plain colour. There is no gusset, and the seams in the panty are well made but not flat. At £8.99, we might have expected more.

Patterned tights like these often struggle where the design has to meet up, the straight tube legs certainly help with this, but the designer has been clever. The pattern does align pretty well, but rather than let it meet. There is a deliberate gap up the inside and outside of each leg. This not only disguises any slight misalignment but provides a slimming focal line too.

Our first impressions of these tights were not that favourable, somehow they just did not set us on fire, but then we asked Stacey to work some of her magic and come up with some outfits to show off the black and petrol colours. As you can see from the pictures with a little bit of thought, they can be transformed into a funky fashion item with not a thought of Scottish holidays.

One size tights are often not a good fit on taller girls, but what we found here was that if you have long slim legs, they will not only fit, but the pattern stays in proportion. Sizing is not generous, but as befits a design of this style, one that tends to make legs look bigger than they are, the proportions are well suited to the tall and slim as much as to the average build.

We would have liked the pattern to extend to the waist, but that is a minor complaint. As part of a bold, fun outfit, these tights are real winners.

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Red Or Dead Billy Tights

Red or Dead Billy Tights

A pair of tights that gives the impression of a pair of Capri length leggings worn over sheer tights are certainly not a new idea, but we would not in any way call it a vintage look. Actual Capri pants for women have not been around long enough yet to be vintage. However long the look has been around, we have loved it from the beginning. Many brands have adopted the concept, and it seems a universal success.

Red or Dead Billy Tights come in 3 sizes to fit heights and weights up to 6‘1” (185cm) and 198 lbs (90 kg), although not both at the same time. Black is the usual colour for this style. But Red or Dead have broken the mould by giving the option of lilac. These are very much tights of two parts. The lower legs are entirely sheer and around 20 denier. There is no shaping and no reinforcement at the toe. The main body of the tights is matt opaque. Aside from a strengthened strip on either side of the flat seams in the panty and around the gusset of even weight and finish to the waistband.

Sizing is accurate for length, but there is a little more room in the panty of the largest size than the chart suggests. The lower leg is a delight, sheer, smooth and soft. If ever Red or Dead made a sheer to waist in that weight and finish, we would buy it. The opaque top seems more than 40 denier to us. Maybe more than 50, possibly even 60! There’s a matt finish with good even colour. From just below the knee to the start of the sheer part of the leg, there is a floral pattern running around the leg. Fashionable, flattering and affordable, this is a must-have style!

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Red Or Dead Anouska Tights

Red or Dead Anouska Snowflake Tights

When announced, this style was available in a range of colours, including Black, Prune, Brown and Petrol; the last two of these colours are modelled by Stacey for you to take a closer look at. Such has been the popularity of this very funky winter style that only black and brown remain at the time of writing, and they are in short supply.

The construction of these tights is relatively straightforward, almost basic. The straight legs have a smooth finish like a typical 40 denier opaque and carry the printed snowflake pattern from the lightly reinforced toe to just below the crotch. The boxer style panty is plain and more open-knit than the legs. It has no gusset, just a central seam, not flat but well finished.

The packet carries the standard Red or Dead size chart, but it is not relevant to this style as it is made only one size. As you can see from the manufacturer’s photo, the one size fits all does seem to work in this case. Stacey is 5’10” and very long in the leg and found the fit to be perfect.

The pattern is what these tights are all about, and we are pleased to say that it works exceptionally well. Unlike some printed patterns, it remains vivid and well defined even when stretched. Depending on the colour, it can look quite sophisticated or just plain fun. Even after wearing, the pattern was perfect with no cracking of the printing. We did think that £9 was a bit steep for constructed one size tight at first. But the purpose of hosiery is to look good and to feel good, and this aim is achieved, so we have no hesitation in recommending that you grab the few remaining pairs.

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Red Or Dead Angus Tights

Red or Dead Angus TightsThe name of these tights did, it has to be said, raise a few eyebrows here. Every name conjures up a mental image. Although not all the Red or Dead names are as exotic-sounding as Anouska or Lola, they are all at least feminine. Angus made us think of a burly Scottish farmer, so the tights indeed need to be very good. Then we realised it was Agnus!

First impressions are very “Jackson Pollock”, the basic black tights have a paint splatter type pattern in Lurex thread from just behind the reinforced toes to just short of the top on the leg. The pattern is well-considered and seems to be just enough to give the flash of colour without overwhelming the background. The construction of the tights is very disappointing for a style that costs £10. These are the most basic tights with unshaped legs, a plain boxer brief of a different knit and texture to the legs, wiggly raised seams and no gusset.

Our test pair came in size “Large” which should fit up to a height of 6’1” (185cm) and a weight of 198lb (90kg), although not together. If your legs are even of average length for your height, they will come up short if you are 6’1”. In the hips the sizing is accurate. The fit in the panty was inferior, thanks to the lack of a gusset. The closer you are to the maximum hip size, the more of an issue this will be.

The legs look stunning. This is an excellent idea for a design, and it has been perfectly executed. Such a pity that great design has been paired with relatively cheap basic 40 denier tights. We know Red or Dead can do better. We hope they revise this style so we can recommend it.

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Red Or Dead Addy Tights

Red or Dead Addy TightsRegular visitors will have noticed something different about this review in the pictures down the right-hand side; behind each picture is a larger image allowing you to see more detail.

This particular style from Red or Dead comes in the full range of three sizes. But just the one colour, black with light grey stripes. These are high-quality tights made with flat seams and a cotton-lined gusset. The toe is of the same weight and finish as the leg, but at 40, the denier can’t be called a sandal toe. The toe detail is slightly immaterial anyway, as the styling dictates more substantial footwear than sandals.

The stripes are woven in and run from the ball of the foot to the waistband. Running the stripe to the waist means that they sit perfectly straight on the leg, and you can wear with your very shortest skirts or shorts without the effect being spoiled. A nice piece of detailing that only you and your very closest friends will see. The stripe detail is repeated around the panty just below the waistband.

As you will see from the pictures, the fit is perfect, and the leg’s finish is very even. Sizing is accurate, and the stripes remain clear and distinct even when the tights are stretched. At 5’10”, Stacey is right on the borderline between medium and large sizes, and the medium size may have been a marginally better fit, but you will agree that these are very stylish tights indeed.

This is a unique design that really should be in your wardrobe. As we review the rest of the Red or Dead range, we will add more photo galleries to show them in detail. Let us know what you think.

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All Reviews Pretty Polly

Pretty Polly Pretty Unbelievable Tights

Miss Saba Models Pretty Polly Unbelievable Tights

I think we all know that specific patterns can change the way we perceive shape and size. For example, vertical stripes make you look taller, hoops make you look wider, and checks have an enlarging effect. All these tricks are deliberately used by fashion designers and advertisers daily.

Contrast colours are also used in sophisticated ways. Only recently, an already very curvaceous celebrity enhanced her curves further by having shaped black side panels on an otherwise white dress taking inches off the look of her waist. Pretty Polly has tried with these tights to vary the colour in a way that draws the eyes away from the edges of your legs. The same visual trick as used in that curve emphasising dress. So does it work?

At their heart, these are 40 denier matt finish one size tights. The tights are made in the lightest of the shades of grey, with the darker stripes printed on the inside and outside of each leg. For some reason, we had imagined it would be the other way about. The legs are unshaped and finished with an invisible reinforced toe detail. The panty is a boxer style with well-finished seams but no gusset. We would have hoped for a bit more in tights at £12.50. Take away the clever printed design, and you have a very ordinary pair of tights indeed.

Fortunately, the clever printed design does work up to a point. The constantly changing shade of grey makes it quite hard to focus on the outline of the leg at all, and the effect is slimming. We asked one of our ladies who have particularly shapely legs to test these tights out for us. As you can see from the picture, there is a slimming effect. But at the expense of all those lovely curves! One gripe with a test pair was a line about 2mm wide down the outside of the leg where the colour seemed to have been double printed on the overlap.

You should undoubtedly try these tights. But Pretty Polly really should use the idea again based on better quality tights. Preferably made in multiple sizes (ladies wanting a slimming effect may not be the average size), with a gusset for better fit and more attention to quality control on the printing. Excellent design concept, but the quality does not justify the price.

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Pretty Polly Modal Opaque Tights

Pretty Polly Modal Opaque TightsThere are opaque tights, and then there are truly warm winter opaque tights. These are intended to be the latter. Pretty Polly describes the fibre as “a blend of premium natural fibres”. A slight stretching of the truth as in making viscose the natural material. Often bamboo or wood pulp is heavily processed to create the final fibre, said it does have a look and feel of cotton or fine wool.

As for the tights themselves, they are made in two sizes as is usual for Pretty Polly these days. But they do claim the larger size will fit up to a height of 5’10” (178 cm) and hips of 48” (122cm). Construction is simple but with good quality details. The legs are unshaped but uniform weight and finish to the toe seam. The panty is the same weight and finish as the legs and features flat seams and a gusset for optimum fit and comfort.

Sizing is more generous than Pretty Polly suggest. At least there is an excellent stretch to cope with an averagely proportioned 35” leg. Which is a lot of leg for someone of 5’10”. The Lycra that provides the stretch also ensures a perfect fit from hip to toe. The look on the leg is typical of natural fibre tights. But the heavy processing of the fibre, although not very “green”, does provide a far more even colour than wool or cotton manages. The styling means they are suitable to wear with any length of skirt/shorts combined with any footwear style.

Warm, comfortable, versatile, pleasant to look and quite sensibly priced, these are the everyday tights for autumn and winter.

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Pretty Polly Fleece Opaque Tights

Pretty Polly Fleecy Opaque TightsWith all the fancy expensive natural fibres like angora and cashmere being used to promote warm opaque hosiery this winter, it is quite a surprise to see tights made of synthetic polyester. But take a look at that fleece jacket you slip on on cold mornings and check out that it is made of 100% polyester. So here we potentially have a fleece for your legs with just a little Lycra for a snug fit.

Pretty Polly has not gone mad with the styling. The legs are just straight tubes, but they have kept weight and finish even from hip to toe. In both sizes, the panty is finished with flat seams and a gusset. From the outside, these tights have the same look and feel like most other heavy opaque tights. But on the inside, Pretty Polly have produced a very soft fleecy finish. Incredibly soft and instantly warming. Sizing is accurate. The 8% Lycra provides a good fit and enough extra stretch in length for girls significantly taller than 5’10” to wear the larger size.

It is best not to over-stretch for the best look on the leg and the maximum warmth from the fleece lining. Also, at full stretch, you can see a band around the legs. Just below the gusset that marks the transition from leg to panty; this matt band is annoying because the look and feel above and below is the same, and it means that you have to pair these tights with shorts or skirts long enough to cover it.

If you like very heavy opaque tights and feel the cold, these tights are perfect for you. We would even recommend them for outdoor pursuits as an alternative to thermal underwear. Aside from the one small niggle about styling, we wholeheartedly recommend these very sensible and durable tights from Pretty Polly.

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Pretty Polly Angora Opaque Tights

Pretty Polly Angora Opaque TightsAngora Tights from Pretty Polly of Derbyshire England. Luxurious hosiery with the most expensive natural fibres handcrafted in England. Read the back of the packet carefully, and you see first of all that these tights are made in Turkey. Nothing unusual in that, of course, lots of brands manufacture their tights in countries like Turkey or China where employment costs are lower. So why the outrage?

Well, if these tights were pies, they never could call them “Angora”. You see, with pies, you have to list the ingredients in order of composition. So a meat and potato pie is mostly meat, and a potato and meat pie is mostly potato. 13% Angora means 87% other stuff; these are “other stuff and angora tights” Rant over, what are the tights like?

Well, they have a soft woolly feel to them, precisely what we would expect from Viscose. Made with straight legs, they are entirely uniform in weight and finish from hip to toe. The panty has outstanding quality flat seams and a gusset to aid fit. As with other Pretty Polly styles, there are just two sizes, small/medium and medium/large, to cover the height range 5’0” to 5’10” (152-178cm), but there seems to be a good amount of stretch.

Indeed there is enough stretch for the larger size to cope with an athletic 34” leg, and the Lycra provides for a perfect fit and provides stretch. The look on the leg is just like quality woollen socks, and the feel is very soft. Lovely and warm for a winter’s day, these tights are perfect for wearing with the shortest fashions or paired with a knee-length skirt and boots for a more sophisticated look.

We can’t help but feel that the Angora was included in the fibre blend as much for the name as to the extra warmth and softness it brings. But these tights do perform as advertised. £12 is not a bad price in this market either. Particularly given that you should get plenty of wear out of this type of hosiery.

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Pretty Polly Vintage Nylons Tights

Pretty Polly Vintage Nylons TightsThe feel in hand is undoubtedly that of “nylons”. The legs do not look over long, and the feet look very short. The seam is a woven-in pattern that stops short of the panty area. The panty is finished with flat seams and a cotton-lined gusset. The detailing on these tights both in terms of design and manufacture is very good.

On the leg, the fit is excellent. The look and feel do not quite capture the essence of vintage nylons. This is a result of the Lycra in the yarn. There is enough Lycra to allow the foot to stretch so that the heel detail is on the heel, even on larger feet. Length in the leg is in line with the size charts, and with careful stretching, our tallest model could get them up to her 34″ legs.

She commented that if you are that tall, you should wear panties on top to keep them up. On the “nude” pair tested, the seam was rather too pale to be seen. For this reason, we would suggest that you stay with classic black unless you are looking to make a very subtle fashion statement.

We had two fears with these tights: that being made in only two sizes, small/medium and medium/large, they were unlikely to be generous in size, and that the sole and heel detail on this sort of tights is usually sized for a size 4-5 foot so on a larger foot the Cuban heel detail is lost. We are pleased to report that, in this case, our fears were largely unfounded. If you stay within the published size chart sizes, you will find that these are the best fitting of the seamed tights tested and the most comfortable (except perhaps for the Wolford Individual 10 Seamed Tights). A very practical alternative to fully fashioned stockings. Beautifully smooth and sheer tights given that little extra something by being seamed.

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