Aristoc is one of the most well-known household names in the world of tights, hold-ups and stockings. Their name is instantly memorable and they are one of the most respected brands in the realm of legwear. This sounds like a very big claim, but they really were instrumental in beginning the legwear and hosiery industry in Great Britain. Aristoc launched its first range in 1924 and made use of some of the new innovations of the time. Nylon, for example, was being used as a less expensive alternative to silk. It is every bit as robust and durable and yet much cheaper to make and has tonnes of potential. Aristoc helped to make it easier to find a size of tights or stockings that fit you really well. And of course, they were among the first to make the best new innovation of the 1920s and the 1930s, which was the now ubiquitous tights. So now you know about their origins, why is Aristoc so special and relevant today?
By far the most popular range by this designer is Aristoc Ultra Shine. This is their single best selling range ever and has only grown over the past few years. So what makes Aristoc Ultra Shine so amazing? They are, on paper, one of the most straightforward and essential items of legwear in production. They are 15 denier in appearance and fabric, come in a variety of tan shades and nudes as well as the obligatory black, and have a comfy fit that Aristoc is famous for.
These are top quality opaque tights that look and great, the colour is dense, and perfectly even throughout, the finish has a soft velvety texture that we love. The midnight shade is a very dark blue that is incredibly smart and classy, a perfect alternative to black for daytime.
At first glance, there is little to justify the premium price tag of these tights. Soft to the touch but not exceptionally so, slightly heavier than we would have expected from 40 denier hosiery and very merely detailed.
These are the Aristoc Bodytoner Tights that most closely follow the “normal” design for control top hosiery. There is a heavy boxer style brief (low leg panty) that has flat seams; a small cotton lined gusset and a V-shaped tummy control panel.
The first thing that you notice when you pick up the packet is that it seems quite bulky, and this impression continues once you take the tights from the pack. Although described as 20 denier, the clever lace knitting process means there is both thickness and texture of the material.
Controlling and shaping tights fall into two distinct types, those that look like they are made for the job like the Aristoc Bodytoner Hourglass Tights, and the far more rare type that look like classic sheer to waist tights. These fall into the second group.
I had never worn any tights like these before, with the panty designed to come up so high to just under your breastbone. For me, it initially raised a lot of questions about how comfortable and practical there are to wear. These were entirely answered fully after wearing them for a while.
The long leg brief/waste toner combination is never going to be called sexy, but it does what it needs to do, by staying where you put it and smooths your curves. The compression band shapes the waist but does not constrict it.
These tights give an excellent first impression, soft in hand, smooth to the touch and a beautiful sheen. More objectively the panty is finished with flat seams and a cotton lined gusset, the sheer legs are slightly shaped at the heel and finished with a sandal toe.
First impressions were pretty good. When you spend £12 on a pair of tights, it is comforting to feel something substantial when you slip them from the packet. As these are 100% nylon relying entirely on the knit stretch, they look enormous too.
We also tested these fishnets over a pair of ultra sheer Charnos Transparent tights. The effect was very nice and highly recommended, both look and feel was improved.