We like to think that we have learned a little about tights over the years we have been reviewing. But compression hosiery is something we do not see much of.

Compression hosiery is just for old ladies with oedema, and varicose veins, isn’t it? Well, no, actually it isn’t! What is true is that very many of those old ladies would not have those conditions now if earlier in their lives they had worn some sort of compression hosiery to help their circulation.

At first glance, you could be forgiven for seeing Solidea as another Italian fashion hosiery brand, but a closer look at the packet pictured above soon tells you it is not. Firstly, the word “compression” and then little symbols on the picture show the compression levels up the leg.

There is some confusion regarding the actual name of this style of tights. The packet has the style code '20F132-BST', which is precise if not particularly romantic. We have seen various terms such as "polka dot" and "stars" included in the name.

Of course, we are used to seeing a new style of tights almost every day, but it is pretty rare for us to come to a brand for the first time. This is the first style that we have looked at from Sisi, and we come to it at a point where the packaging, if not the tights, is changing.

You have to look carefully at the details on the packet of these tights because the standard printed packet says there is a cotton gusset, but look at the size label that closes our size 4 XL sample packet.

Seeing a new style is great; seeing an entirely new brand is an increasingly rare treat. So we are particularly pleased to be reviewing these tights from Italy via the USA. Support tights can vary far more than sheers, from heavy, almost industrial to sheer and fashionable.

We are sure that people won’t mind describing these as basic tights. They are the sort you will find in corner shops and petrol stations the length and breadth of the country. So are they any good?

We have seen quite a few pairs of seamed tights over the years, and they have ranged from the sublime to the not so sublime. Aside from the own-brand style from the ASDA supermarket chain, this is the cheapest style we have looked at.

A quick look at our shop will tell you that most of the sheer tights from Silky are priced at under £2, with just the fashionable patterns reaching the heights of £4 a pair.