Four spooky-style Halloween Tights to wear this October!
Looking for some scary tights this Halloween? Not sure what Tights will go with your outfit? Check out this infographic to get some great ideas for the 31st!
Category: All Reviews
When we first saw these tights, we remembered we had seen Houndstooth Tights from Jonathan Aston before. So what is the difference? Well, it seems that these dogs have smaller teeth!
Two sizes are available and four very bright colours Ochre (yellow), Peacock (Green), Jewel (Pink) and Velvet (Purple). Quite a change from the one size back & white houndstooth.
There is some question about the denier of these tights, the packet says nothing, UK Tights say 40 and My Tights say 60 denier. These tights feel quite heavy. This is in part because two colours of yarn are used and there is a texture to the fabric. Quite smooth on the outside but noticeably “fluffy” on the inside. We would say the look and feel more 60 denier.
Construction is straightforward with straight legs and an unlined gusset. The pattern runs from the toe seams to the plain waistband.
If ever there was a pair of tights that needed to be on your legs to be fully appreciated, then this is it. They feel warm and comfortable and fit very well. The pattern is knitted in rather than printed on maintains definition and intensity of colour when stretched. The Peacock shade that we tested looks particularly sophisticated and being less vibrant than the other colours is suitable for wear anywhere and anytime.
For just a few pennies short of £10 we would have liked to have seen flat seams, but that is a small grumble. One of the best products that we have seen from Jonathan Aston. It is one that promises to be a wardrobe regular throughout the winter.
For more Jonathan Aston tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Categories
Jonathan Aston Block Tights
All we can tell from the picture is that these are sheer tights with opaque knees; judging from the size of the packet the woolly socks and military-style boots are not part of the tights.
Jonathan Aston makes these tights in 3 sizes which are differentiated by height, weight and hip size. Sensibly they say “up to” for each measurement, it would be down to your judgement to decide whether you could trade a little on one to exceed another. More on that later.
First impressions on opening the packet are that of sheer tights with straight legs and a boxer style brief that look much longer than typical tights of such basic construction. Unfolding the legs reveals that the foot part is 40 denier as is the band around the knee, the panty although darker than the legs is not of the finish and quality of the opaque part of the legs.
There is no additional reinforcement to the toe area, and the seam is well finished. The panty features an unlined gusset, the seams in the panty are well finished but not flat.
The look is what a style like this is about, and it is here that we found a problem. It must be said, however, that we tested the largest size of someone taller than the recommended maximum of 5’10” with above-average length feet and legs. The overall fit was no problem at all with gusset and waistband sitting comfortably precisely where intended. The foot piece, however, only just reached the ankle bone, only just covering the heel; the knee strip didn’t even hit the top of the calf.
The sheer piece between the foot and knee was just 9” (23 cm) deep. The sheer upper section between knee band and boxer brief was 17” (43 cm). Sizes measured on the model. 35” legs are not unusual with girls of 5’10” however.
By our estimation, the opaque band at the knee is in the wrong place, the upper edge being pretty well where the lower side is intended to be.
The look is exciting, and the calf may also be a better place to draw attention to than the knee. The tights are well made and look good on the leg. The boxer style brief is a bit of a let down on tights at £8.00 though.
An exciting design let down my curious manufacture.
For more Jonathan Aston tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Jonathan Aston has been inspired recently offering some great designs, and this season with names like Freeze and Arctic tights. They have been inspired in the naming too. Perfect for the weather.
The presentation of these tights is smart too. They are in an open packet but rather than some complicated piece of cardboard around the outside there is a big ribbon with a Jonathan Aston motif; the ribbon has a sticky strip to allow you to rewrap your tights should you wish.
Cotton is the dominant fibre, so it is no surprise that there is a sock-like feel to these tights; not always a good sign when it comes to fit with tights.
There is a choice of three sizes to fit up to a maximum height of 5″10 (182cm) and hips of 48″ (120cm). Setting aside the inconsistency in unit conversion this is generous sizing.
Unlike socks, these tights have no shaping at the heel. There is a plain reinforced toe then the pattern runs straight to the waistband. The panty is well finished with flat seams and a gusset.
There is considerably more stretch than the fibre content would suggest, and the maximum height is easily accommodated. The styling in the hips is quite slim so we would recommend perhaps 44″ as a maximum, not 48″.
The cotton-rich material is warm rather than sweaty. One word of warning though if you plan to venture out in cold, wet weather; cotton won’t keep you warm if you get it wet.
The patterning gives an impression of colder climate and cosiness while the vertical elements emphasise the length of your legs are visually slimming. If we were pedantic, we would have liked legs knitted left, and right-handed for symmetry. But that is perhaps a detail only a pedant would notice.
Warm, well made, comfortable, perfect styling for the season. Another triumph for Jonathan Aston.
For more Jonathan Aston tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Jonathan Aston added a new dimension to their range of tights in the summer of 2012 by introducing the “JA Collection”. To quote the packet notes; “The JA collection of legwear from Jonathan Aston is specially designed to be of the moment. All the styles and colours have been selected to reflect the current fashion trends”.
At the risk of appearing cynical, we would have to say that we can’t see the difference between this range and their standard output. And indeed quite a few of our partners are not mentioning which styles are in the JA collection. But that may be the point. With designer collections like that inspired by Mark Fast (he is the designer knitwear) coming through soon perhaps JA is looking for an identity for their standard fashion offerings.
Anyway, these are one size tights to fit up to 5’10” and 42” hips, made in Italy. As well as one size there is one colour, nude with a contrast black back seam. A different combination of what we saw when Jonathan Aston last produced contrast seam tights.
JA presents these tights with a white card down the leg to show off the seam detail. But, in the packet, unfortunately, this made it all too clear that there were knitting faults in the sheer material even before we opened the box. Not good at just pennies under £9 a pair.
The design is well considered, the legs are made unshaped with the toe and sole reinforced and in the contrast black colour. An ingenious use of the double layering knitting to add design as well as strength. The reinforced foot runs into a pyramid heel detail that gives a transition to the seam. The seams run to the waistband.
Mostly sheer to waist, these tights have T-band reinforcement in the panty; that is heavier, stronger material either side of the central flat seam, around the lined gusset and as a finger band. The T-band detailing is in the contrast colour, as is the waistband.
Sizing is frequently the Achilles’ Heel of one size tights. At first, we thought JA had failed to put the idea off with this style. However, with patience, we did manage to get our test pair to fit a model right at the top end of the size range. See our page How to Put Your Tights On for details of how.
Once on all our previous doubts were dispelled. The knitting faults were thankfully not visible on the nude material. The seam ran straight and was very well defined; the contrast detailing in the panty was a suitable alternative to panties. Only one grumble remained, the reinforced toe was longer on one foot than the other. But we would wear this style with closed-toe shoes anyway.
For more Jonathan Aston tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Categories
HYD Velo 7 Eco Skin Tights
These are the lightest of the first three styles of tights we received to review from HYD. You can read more about the brand on the review of the HYD Push Up 10 Tights.
At seven denier these are tights unashamedly aimed at summer wear where you want colour but not weight. And they are indeed light. At first, we thought we had picked up an empty packet, and that was with a size four pair.
The sizing is an exciting place to start. There are six sizes in all 1-XS to 4-XL. The main sizes are 1-XS to 4-L with 3-XM, and 4-XL added to provide extra hip and bottom space without more height. The sizing scheme has a lot in common with Fogal. As well as the table of heights and weights, there are national size lists, which are based on dress size. Our test pair came in size 4-L so should fit up to 5’10 (180cm) and 170lbs (80kg), or in dress sizes UK 16 or US 14…so they should be a good fit.
Most of the weight in the packet is the card and the bag. The only thing heavy about the tights in the scent which quickly subsides to a gentle perfume. A treat for all the senses then, fragrant and light and soft in hand.
Detailing is classic summer sheer. A sheer to waist, sandal toes, legs lightly shaped at calf and heel and a cotton-lined gusset. T-band detailing is used in the panty to give strength, but unlike with lesser brands, the tiny thong created by this detail is patterned around the hip area. Flat seams promise comfort and a wide waistband comfort and security.
Sizing is spot on, and the fit is like a second skin, as you would hope with summer tights they disappear, leaving only texture and colour.
The feel on your legs and to the touch is gorgeous, the fabric caresses your leg, and under the touch of your fingers, it feels smooth and soft.
Unlike lesser summer tights these do not feel fragile or insubstantial. They feel more like a sheer light evening tight, and we love it.
If you like your pantyhose sheer and versatile, these are for you, sensibly priced too. Excellent!
For more Tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Categories
HYD Push Up 10 Tights
It isn’t very often these days that we receive tights from a brand that we haven’t seen or heard of previously. When that brand claims premium quality on a par with Wolford and Fogal it promises to be a treat. The supplier of the sample should know a thing about quality; they currently sell Fogal and have past connections to Wolford.
The three samples of tights we received from Luxury Legs give a snapshot of the range. One support tight in 70 denier, one is an ultra-sheer in 7 denier and the last is a ten denier control top style.
As we noted in the introduction to HYD, they are a Spanish hosiery company, but they make their tights in Italy. You can see at once that they are a little different from other brands when you check out the packaging; firstly like Fogal, there is no packet picture and their sizing if Fogal-like too. There are no fewer than six sizes. S/M and XL cover the same height ranges as M and L but catering for more weight. In addition to the height and weight-based charts, there is a table of international sizes based on dress size. Our test pair came in size 4 (L) which should fit up to 5’10, and the UK dress size 16.
First impressions? Well, it has to be the scent, there is a strong perfume so you may want to wash or at least air these tights before wearing them. The legs are light and soft, shaped at the heel and entirely sheer to the toe seam, the toe seam is well finished but not up to say Falke standards. The panty is a complete contrast, it is heavy and engineered for maximum shaping, unlike some control top pantyhose these are designed to do more than squeeze. The panty feature flat seams and a lined gusset.
As you slip these tights on you, feel like you are donning light summer sheer tights and a pair of cycling shorts at the same time. The sheerlegs feels sublime and seems to merge with your skin. The seven denier style promises to be amazing. If the legs flow over your skin, then the panty has to be dragged and pulled. Take care you don’t pull on the leg by mistake!. Luckily there is plenty of length in the leg, so the leg follows the panty without dragging.
Once on, the panty girdle feels similar to everything shaped and firmed without any flattening on your bottom.
Nothing this tight will ever be truly comfortable, but the sizing is spot on, and the fit is excellent. The look is great too, the legs add a perfectly even tan to your leg without drawing attention to your hosiery. The shaping top is the perfect foundation for clingy fashions. There is no need to wear any other underwear with these tights.
Worth £15? You bet, only slightly more expensive than similar tights from Pretty Polly and Aristoc but a class apart. High recommended!
For more Tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Categories
HYD Cosmetic 70 Support Tights
The supplier told us that these tights are like Wolford Miss W Tights. A bold claim on. It’s par with a car dealer telling you the little known brand he is selling is like a Bentley.
At £21 the price is undoubtedly Wolfordesque, and as it turns out, so is the detailing.
These support tights that are made with a reinforced toe and fully shaped knitted heel to give optimum fit. The panty is a boxer style control top that has flat seams and in smaller sizes a lined gusset. Out test pair in size 5 had a comfort gusset. Aside from the motif on the waistband is straight out of the Fogal or Gerbe catalogue, sewn on with a flat double seam and scallop top.
If there were no label, we would have guessed Wolford or Fogal as the maker.
One tiny criticism on sizing. The label had a V on it (Roman for five), but there is no size five on the chart. This instead suggests that manufacture was contracted out to a company more used to standard sizing rather than to HYD’s 1-4XL scheme. We assume five is 4XL, but that does leave us wondering how 3XL is labelled.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating of course, and with tights that translates to the wearing. As graduated support tights we thought they might be a challenge to put on, but they are not to difficult at all just put them on like regular tights only remember to set the heel correctly before working up the leg.
If you have larger than average feet, and if you are buying the largest/longest size then you might then you will be pleased to know that the foot length is generous so the heel will sit correctly. Incidentally, size 4XL/5 in intended to fit up to 5’10 (180cm) and 200lbs (95kg) and it does that with ease.
So generously sized and it turns out a good fit too, the shaping and high Lycra content ensure a skin-tight fit and the graduated compression is just enough to let you know they are there caressing you.
The heavy opaque boxer style brief does a great job of holding the tights in place, it is heavy and opaque, but it is not a shaping or control top, what it does is provide a smooth silhouette while removing the need for other underwear.
Of course, we wear tights not just to keep warm and aid circulation. We want to look good too, and here HYD Cosmetic 70 tights deliver. The look is semi-opaque more 30-40 denier than 70, the colour is perfectly even, and there is a soft sheen to the finish. And they feel soft too.
Very classy, great looking top-quality tights. Are they as good as Wolford Miss W Tights? No, they are better!
For more Tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.
Categories
Hue Lacy Sheer to Waist Tights
Hue sheers are the most innovative sheer available to modern women! Up to the minute, styling and all-day comfort combine for a look that’s rights for any occasion. Three distinct categories offer what you need for everyday wear.
SLEEK CONTROL – The latest developments in control
PRETTY DETAILS – Pretty feminine touches
FASHION CHIC – Today’s hottest trends
Sometimes, you see something, and you immediately think “that looks expensive”. That was our first impression with these tights from Hue. The impression continues as you handle the delightfully smooth soft material.
Being more objective, these are nicely made tights, but in common with most, if not all, US-made pantyhose the seams are not flat. The seams are however of very high quality. There is a lined gusset, and the legs are shaped a little at the heel. The toes are lightly reinforced with a high-quality seam.
There are three sizes, both two and three stretching to the same height, size 3 having more scope for width. We tested size 2. The length did not look very generous for tights to fit up to 6’0” tall, but there was enough stretch just to fit a 34” leg. We would suggest that unless you are a very slim size, three may be a better fit for the tall wearer.
Once on the leg the reinforced toe blends in entirely. The sheer finish from hip to toe flatters the legs, the even colour in the black pair tested added to the look of class. Designing a lace pattern into the transition band between sheer legs and waistband is an excellent detail, turning what is virtually a practical detail into a visual design feature.
All in all, they are tights that we adore. When you consider the price of $12.00 for two pairs, they are excellent value.
For more Hue Tights, click here. For more Reviews, click here.
Categories
Hudson Tradition 20 Tights
Although a number of our partners stock the Hudson brand, we have only seen this style on sale in stores in Germany. Given the range of sizes available, we will be reviewing both size 4 (44-46), which is the largest gusseted style and size 6 (52-54).
As soon as you open the packet you are transported back several decades. The look and feel of these tights are straight from the 1980s. The shaped, reinforced heel adds to the sense of tights from decades past. But the quality reinforced toe let you know that more modern design and technology is in play. The panty has raised seams and an unlined gusset (size 4), which together with the boxer styling with the slightly darker “shorts” design take you back to the 80’s again.
The knit is relied on as much as the Lycra to give stretch and fit. Sizing is accurate to generous, both fit and finish are good with perfectly even colour.
The look and feel on the leg is far more stocking like than most tights. An impression that the reinforced heel emphasises visually. Although a style aimed more at the more mature lady who remembers wearing tights in the 1980s and perhaps wants the look of stockings from an earlier age, these tights would look good on anyone. Although detailed in some ways like supermarket tights, they are in another class in terms of quality.
We like them, as there is nothing quite like nostalgia!
Size 6 can only be described as “big”. No longer than the size four but very generously proportioned in the panty and styled with a comfort gusset (triangular rear panel). Much to our surprise, despite the low Lycra content and the comfort gusset, the fit in the seat was not bad. Much better than most other styles we have tried with this type of gusset. Unlike with the smaller size where we thought the sizing was on the generous side, it is perfect. Well done to Hudson for managing great fit through accurate sizing rather than through lots of Lycra stretch.
For more Tights, click here. For more reviews, click here.