BELLE TAKE: All Your Hosiery Questions Answered!

As simple as they may seem, tights can be difficult to understand. Questions from pantyhose vs fashion tights, to the thickness of each style can be confused and quite intimidating. 

Since tights are taking the fashion world by storm, we are seeing more and more styles, colors, and even unisex ensembles every single day.

As always, Les Belles is here to support all your pantyhose endeavors, regardless of gender, color, and size. If you’re new to the world of tights or want to upgrade your wardrobe this winter, we tackled the more basic to even complicated questions you may have in this easy to read Q&A about hosiery. 

Q: What’s the difference between pantyhose & tights?

Tights are generally thicker than pantyhose with deniers ranging from 0-100. However, Les Belles sheers encompass all types of hosiery since our styles range from sheer to completely opaque. Pantyhose are normally used as undergarments while tights can be worn alone and as a single fashion piece. With our vast collection of different kinds of hosiery, you can wear them however you’d like whenever you’d like.  

Q: How do I find my perfect fit?

Tights are weightless but making sure you have the right fit for your waist can be tricky. Unlike most retail stores that sell sheers in small, medium, and  large, Les Belles caters to various sizes and offers a gender inclusive size chart on the website. The size chart focuses on both US jeans and skirt sizes along with your height, and your making it easy to navigate for all genders. Just match your pants or skirt size to our chart and we will send you the perfect fit. (As always, when in doubt, size up). 

Q: What do deniers mean?

Denier is the amount of transparency a certain pair of tights will have. Essentially, deniers focus on how thick the sheers are. Looking for super transparent tights? You can find a range of styles on the spectrum of 5-20. However, if you’re looking for less sheer and more opaque, the spectrum can fall under 30-60. If you’re looking for the perfect medium, our 20 denier Sheer Collection tights will be your go-to. If you’re looking for a pair that is thicker and better for colder months, check out our Semi Bleu, Semi Noir, and of course our Opaque styles for ultimate warmth. 

Q: How often should I wash my tights?

Ideally, you should try and wash your sheers after every wear. However, washing tights can be tricky—staying away from washing machines allows for longer lasting tights. Check out our guide on How To Wash Tights The Right Way for more information. 

Q: Can I wear tights with any kind of shoes?

Yes!! As we said, tights are taking the fashion world by storm. We are seeing the classic look of sheers with heels to even sneakers. With tights, the possibilities are endless—rock any style with your favorite pairs of sneakers, boots, and even thigh-highs! The power is yours. 

Q: As a male, can I use tights to layer?

Les Belles strongly advocated for men in hosiery. If you’re thinking of incorporating tights into your wardrobe, layering is just one of the endless possibilities you can do with tights. Using sheers under a pair of shorts or ripped jeans are some of our favorite ways men can rock hosiery. Check out some of our favorite looks for inspiration below!

Q: Can I wear tights in the summer?

Who said you can’t! Tights can be the perfect addition to any and every look, regardless of the season. Whether you’re chilling at home in your birthday suit, adding a nude pair under a summer dress, or layering for warmth in the winter—you can’t go wrong. 

Q: What is the best way to put on tights without ripping them?

Most retail-bought sheers can be thin and easily prone to ripping. With Les Belles’ material it might take a lot to actually rip them. However, if you’re looking for the easiest way to put them on, we recommend sitting down, starting at the toe-seam, and slowly pulling them up while making sure your feet are fitted first. Stay tuned for our video explaining step by step the best way to put on sheers!