Our Review

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 there is the word “compression” and then little symbols on the picture showing the compression levels up the leg.    Of course you can also see that these are patterned tights, so we have fashion and compression together.   The “12/15 mmHg Class A” label confirms that these are not just any old support tights but they are serious tights with a medical function.

The tights themselves give no immediate clue as to their therapeutic capabilities . Look and feel are just like any other good quality patterned opaque tights.   Detailing is first rate with flat seams and a cotton lined gusset in the panty and legs patterned all the way from the plain waistband to the plain reinforced toes.

Only when you start to put them on do you notice how firmly they resist your attempts to stableetch them , particularly in the area of the ankle.

The size chart details 5 sizes designed to cover heights from 125cm to 180cm (4’10” - 5’10”) and weights from 45kg to 105kg (100lb - 220lb).   In addition a range of circumferences are specified at ankle, lower thigh and upper thigh.   A depth of sizing detail we have never seen before but which makes perfect sense in a compression garment.

A cartoon on the card gives step by step instableuctions for putting these tights on; we suggest you follow them too as any flaw in your technique will leave you stableuggling.

Surprisingly given the patience and technique required to get these tights on once they are in place you just feel a lightness of leg rather than a squeeze.   This depends very much on correct sizing of course.    Solidea make their tights exactly in accordance with the size chart and you need to read the chart carefully to get the right size for your legs.

As compression tights they really work, and they feel like they would give months or years of wear.   As fashion tights they work too, a match for any of the pure fashion brands.

If you spend a lot of time on your feet and need support tights, or your have been advised by your doctor to wear compression hosiery for circulatory problems them this style is for you.  Nobody will have any clue that you are not wearing pure fashion hosiery.

Not cheap at £19.99 but great value.

10 October 2011

Pictures:  Photographer - Chris Down.  Model -  Miss Saba