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All Reviews Falke

Falke Allover Elements Tights

Falke Allover Elements Tights are so nice and warm!

One little niggle to start with, why don’t Falke put the style name of the packets of their fashion tights? I guess all you care about is whether you like the picture and want the look, but it is a nightmare for the reviewer.

No packet notes either by the way, just a reminder that they are 20 denier appearance, the fibre mix and the size chart. The size chart is pretty standard for Falke with a selection of European sizes and height, weight and hip measurements for the UK and USA. Five sizes are defined S, S/M, M, M/L and L which is Falke sizes 0-4, there is no XL or size 5.

From the picture we expected these to be net tights, but they are in fact a net pattern on a sheer base. There a plain reinforced toe detail then the material is uniform all the way to the waistband. The panty features flat seams and a lined gusset. The legs are unshaped.

Our test pair came in Size 3, M/L intended to fit up to a height of 5’8”, a weight of 150lbs and 42” hips. Apologies if you are used to metric units, even though Falke are German they did not provide a conversion. OK, we can do the sums for you: heights to 173cm, weight to 68kg, hips to 107cm. Our model usually wears size 4 in Falke so the 18% Lycra may be needed.

You can trust Falke to deliver quality, and they have done it again. The toes are finished with a smooth, soft toe seam for optimum comfort, and that comfort carries on all the way to the waist.   Stableetching to get extra height was no problem at all; there were stretch and strength to spare, 34” or 86cm inside leg no problem; using all the stretch produced a fantastic close fit. Hip sizing is pretty much spot on so don’t try to steal any inches there.

Of course, fashion tights are mainly about the look, and here Falke has delivered again; the design is eye-catching and, despite being entirely regular, the pattern manages to be visually slimming. The purple/red shade called Barolo is perfect for the season too. (Barolo is a particularly dark red wine from northern Italy by the way).

£20 is not cheap, but these are great looking tights that are a delight to wear and made well enough to last you through the colder months.

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All Reviews Falke

Falke Aliya Tights

Falke Aliya Tights are as amazing as usual!

Falke managed to set new levels for minimalism with the information on the packaging of these tights; there isn’t even any mention of the style name come to think of it this has been something they have done before with their fashion tights. Anyway, other than the picture on the front there is a note on the back to say these are fashion tights of 20 denier appearance.

There is a size chart which details five sizes from Small to Large with intermediate sizes Small/Medium and Medium/Large. Unfortunately, Falke is only making this style in those two intermediate sizes, a trend that has come from lesser brands which we see as a very backward step. There are at least three colours to choose from, black, platinum and rosemary.

You can’t call these tights 20 denier or sheer to the waist as they are tulle with a lace pattern, they are indeed of even texture and design from hip to toe but not sheer. The legs are shaped at the heel and seamed without reinforcement at the toe; the panty has a cotton lined gusset and flat seams with just a narrow reinforced transition to the lace tulle.

We can forgive Falke for the limited choice of size because there is plenty of stretches, the M/L size fitted a model who would typically wear size L. There is far more length then the heights in the size chart would suggest. The fit is perfect too.

As well as not looking anything like 20 denier tights these don’t feel like them either; they feel both heavier and warmer.

Lace patterns can sometimes be unflattering, but the strong vertical elements in design mean that the effect here is to make your legs look both longer and slimmer while at the same time enhancing the curves.

A well-considered design executed to Falke’s usual high standard. Classy enough for the evening but practical for regular daytime wear too.

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All Reviews Falke

Falke Active Support Tights

Falke Active Support Tights provide so much support!

We don’t get to see a lot of support hosiery which is a pity as a lot of people find it to be a vital part of their everyday wardrobe either because of an occupation that that sees them sitting or standing most of the day or because of a medical condition. This type of hosiery is also ideal for long-haul air passenger to help prevent DVT. We can’t comment on the medical aspects; this review will focus as ever on the look and feel of the tights, quality and value for money.

First off these tights feel entirely different from 20 denier fashion tights, they are altogether more robust with an almost rubber-like feel in hand. Construction differs too with a fully fashioned heel to help with fit.

All sizes of these tights have a sandal toe detail and flat seams in the panty, sizes 0-4 have a cotton lined gusset while size 5 has a comfort gusset in a boxer style panty.

You notice the compression as you bunch up the legs in preparation for putting the tights on, they are so tight it is quite a trick to put your foot in and get your hands out. Once you have the feet in and the heel correctly positioned it is just a matter of gradually stretching the material up your legs.

Not the easiest tights to put on but well worth the effort. The compression is hardly noticeable your lower legs simply seem lighter. The look on the leg is fantastic; the colour density is greater than for regular 20 denier tights, so minor skin blemishes are well hidden, the finish is perfectly even and has a delightful shine to it.

Not only will these tights make your legs feel fresh and rested on a long day they will show them off to best effect too. There is a choice of 6 colours including two pale skin tones, black and navy blue.

Fantastic quality tights that feel like they will last and last, well worth the price.

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All Reviews Elbeo

Elbeo Nachtglanz 20 Tights

Elbeo Nachtglanz 20 Tights are fabulous!

The name of these tights translates to “Night Shine”, but I don’t think Elbeo only intend them for evening wear.

What we have here is a style that competes in the hottest sector is hosiery, that is a good quality, mid-priced, glossy sheer at the top end of the sheer weight scale; an area where the primary German manufacturers have a strong showing.

As we would expect of something meant to compete with the best that Falke or Kunert can offer the standard of detailing is high. Sheer to the waist of course with a lightly reinforced toe detail that features a run stop to prevent holes in the toes becoming runs in the leg. The legs are shaped at the heel. The panty features a cotton lined gusset in the three smaller sizes and a comfort gusset in the two largest, flat seams in all sizes with a narrow reinforced area either side for strength.

Sizing is on the generous size so we would suggest you go down a size if you are borderline, the fit in the panty with the comfort gusset is good, but the fit with the cotton gusset is much better. The waistband is soft, deep and comfortable. There are masses of stretch, and the feeling of strength is palpable, apparently well made with high-quality fibre.  Fit on the legs is superb.

The shine finish is less subtle than say Falke Seidenglatt 15 and pretty close to Charnos Sheer Lustre. The weight is sufficient to cover all but the darkest of blemishes on your skin. If you like the glossy/sparkly look on your legs, then these may be the tights for you. Perfect for any time of day.

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All Reviews Donna Karen

Donna Karan Sheer Tanga Pantyhose

Donna Karan Sheer Tanga Pantyhose are unbelievable!

There is no denier shown on the packet, but Alex Blake reliably informs us that the legs of these tights are eight denier. There is no mention that there is a control top either, but again Alex Blake suggests a light control panty.

Enough of what is missing from the packet. What it does tell you is that Donna Karan have thought a lot about sizing; there is a Small size and a Medium size both designed for ladies up to around 150lbs/68kg which between them cover heights from 4’11” (150cm) to 6’0” (183cm), then there are two larger sizes one for the more rounded figure and one for the longer legged lady. We have heard nonsense in the past that the stretch of pantyhose means that sizing is purely volumetric and that the same pair will fit a short, curvy lady and a tall skinny one but as anyone with an extreme figure will tell you styling for a body shape works much better.

It is quite a while since we said that a pair of tights flowed out of the packet, but these did; the light sheer legs just moved softly over out hands until brought up short by the weight of the tanga brief. The eight denier legs are finished with a simple toe seam; then it is the sheer material the way to the hip. The tanga panty is cut narrow on the tummy, like a thong at the back and very high on the hip. The seams in the panty are flat and very well made, and there is a cotton lined gusset. The waistband is quite thick at just over 1” (3cm).

Fit and finish are very good, although we must say that they are not the finest looking eight denier tights we have seen, our estimate would have been 10-12. Sizing is on the generous size of accurate with masses of leg length available in the “Tall” size.

The panty is excellent, just a hint of control without any constriction. Perhaps, more importantly, the panty is styled in such a way and is opaque enough, that there is no need to wear any other underwear.

If you are looking for very classy hosiery for a smart evening event then look no further, these pantyhose will give you an entirely smooth silhouette, the sheer legs in black will accentuate every curve of your legs and the sandal toe is perfect with strappy shoes.

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All Reviews Donna Karen

Donna Karan Sheer Control Top Pantyhose

Donna Karan Sheer Control Top Pantyhose are so sexy!

The first point of note for these tights is the sizing, there are four sizes but rather than go up sequentially like most tights here there is a medium size sized for the average woman and then small/petite if you are shorter, plus petite if you are shorter but of fuller figure and tall that allows for a little more height and considerably more curves.

Soft and smooth are the two words that spring to mind when you first take these tights in your hand, they feel delicious! Opening them out you realise that softness was the gorgeous shaped sheer leg (we estimate around 10 denier). The panty is less soft and quite a piece of engineering.

The legs are finished with an entirely sheer sandal toe detail. Just below the cotton lined gusset the sheer leg gives way to the heavy opaque panty, the panty is styled high cut to emphasise leg length. The panty is made with top quality flat seams with a strengthened area either side giving a transition to the main part of the panty, this strengthened area is styled like a tanga panty the front part being ribbed and designed for maximum tummy control.

What a delight to wear, the legs feel beautifully soft and in the black that we tested have an incredibly sophisticated look to them, perfect even colour a slight shimmer and obvious quality. The control top is a control top worthy of the name you can feel it caressing your hips and smoothing your tummy and shaping your bottom. There is enough length in the body to shape and smooth your waist too.

The look almost manages to be sexy, clearly best worn without any other underwear. Most ladies will aim to keep underwear to a minimum when wearing these tights! These are the perfect secret under that little black dress, providing a foundation and a smooth silhouette, whether you need the control of not we would recommend these pantyhose for a classy night out.

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All Reviews Donna Karen

Donna Karan Satin Sheer Control Top Pantyhose

Donna Karan Satin Sheer Control Top Pantyhose are necessary for everyone!

For reasons that we can’t quite fathom, Donna Karan cover their packets in writing but tell you nothing about the pantyhose other than the style name, size and colour. The sizing is interesting though with four sizes, Small and Medium for weights up to around 115lb (70kg) and then Plus Petite for heavier ladies up to 5’4” (163 cm) and Tall for heavier ladies 5’5” (165 cm) to 6’0” (183 cm) tall. This system provides for a far greater range of shape and size than the more traditional linear system where each size is a little taller and longer than the last. Our test pair is in the Tall size.

So how are they made? The legs are sheer, shaped at the heel and finished with a sandal toe detail, there is no denier on the packet, but we would guess 12-15 denier.  The control panty is in the form of a low cut leg, just enough to add a little length to the leg while making sure that hips and bottom are entirely contained. The real control part of the panty is in a Tanga style within the main panty; there is a substantial V-shaped stretch panel in the front that narrows to the cotton lined gusset and them continue as a reinforced band either side of the flat rear seam. The reinforced area continues to provide a finger band to give a sharp transition to the deep waistband.

These are well made and well-detailed tights, but it only matters if they look and feel good to wear, and they do.

The light sheer legs are made long and generous, so the Lycra provides fit rather than stretch unless you are full in the leg. The sandal toe detail and satin sheen on the legs give a classy and sophisticated look.

The control top is very comfortable and does its job well, the front panel provides tummy control, and the tighter control of the rest of the panty means you get a smooth silhouette and no feeling of being squeezed. The styling and the cotton gusset mean these pantyhose are perfect for wearing without other underwear.

Whether you need the control or not these classy pantyhose are perfect for any time of day and is easy to recommend.

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All Reviews Donna Karen

Donna Karan Luxe Sheer Control Top Pantyhose

Donna Karan Luxe Control Top Pantyhose is so comfy!

The first point of note for these tights is the sizing, there are four sizes but rather than go up sequentially like most tights here there is a Medium size sized for the average woman and then Small/Petite if you are shorter, plus petite if you are shorter but of fuller figure and tall that allows for a little more height and considerably more curves.

As you can see from the picture there is a vast contrast between the legs and the brief part of these tights; the legs are very sheer, perhaps even less than our 12 denier estimate, they are soft and very finely knit; the brief is quite heavy and opaque but still soft.

The shaped legs are finished with a sheer sandal toe detail that has one of the shortest seams we have seen. On first look, the legs themselves look pretty short too, but time will tell.

The brief is nicely shaped in the “low leg” style and is well finished with flat seams and a cotton lined gusset. The waistband is soft yet strong and around 1” (2.5cm) deep.

We need not have worried about the apparent lack of length in the legs; the fine sheer material with its high proportion of Lycra simply stretches incrementally.   Once on your legs, the look is like makeup rather than hosiery, you almost need to touch to see if there are tights there at all. Sizing is spot on, and the fit is excellent.

The control top is conformable and keeps the legs perfectly in place. The degree of control is not overly great, more of a smoother than a shaper. What is perhaps best about the control top is that the opaque construction and cotton lined gusset means that you can manage without other underwear for a smooth silhouette under clingy dresses and skirts.

Great looking comfortable pantyhose.

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All Reviews Donna Karen

Donna Karan “The Nudes” Control Top Pantyhose

Donna Karan “The Nudes” Control Top Pantyhose are incredible!

The packet notes for these tights tell us very little other than what Donna Karan thinks about sheer pantyhose, there are however two interesting facts about the hosiery anorak. Firstly the yarn used to knit these tights is not a straight mix of nylon and Lycra threads, there is a third component which is a yarn made up of both fibres. Secondly, these American pantyhose are made not in the USA, but in El Salvador. Although some American’s may not like to hear this our experience is that hosiery made in El Salvador is more “European” regarding style and quality and far better than hosiery produced in the USA.

Sizing is very sensible, rather than four sizes each accommodating more height and weight there are two slim fits sizes and two larger sizes for those with less slender hips, both pairs fitting the same range of heights. The overlap is around 150lbs, 68kg. Our only criticism is that the name “tall” is used for the biggest size, possibly confusing if you are tall and slim and don’t read the size chart carefully.

So what do you get for your £10?

The contrast between the light legs and the control brief is massive. The straight legs finished with a sandal toe detail, are gossamer thin, like a lighter version of Falke Shelina, light enough to be worthy of inclusion in our summer tights section if it were not for the control top. The control top is cut in the style of a thick leg panty and is opaque and stretchy. The cotton lined gusset and flat seams in the panty are signs of quality design. Our only criticism of the construction is the deep waistband which although joined using the flat seam stitching has been overlapped at the seam both front and back.

As you may expect from the wise words of Ms Karan these tights do indeed seem to disappear, the legs do anyway. Very smooth and perfectly sheer the effect is just a flawless finish on your legs. The high Lycra content in the fibre ensures a perfect fit, far superior to the Lycra-free Falke Shelina…although to be fair to Falke these pantyhose cost twice as much. The panty indeed does not disappear, nor it has to be said does it control much either, more a smoother than a squeezer.

The upside of the design of the panty is that you can safely wear these tights with no other underwear safe in the knowledge that you will have no visible lines and should you happen to be wearing a short skirt and accidentally give a flash then your modesty will be suitably protected.

All in all, a fantastic pair of tights, a little more attention to detail in the seaming in the panty would have been nice but accurately sized, comfortable; sheer hosiery will always get top marks from us.

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All Reviews Cervin

Cervin Paris Seduction Seamed Tights

Cervin Paris Seduction Seamed Tights is adorable!

The summer is over and the party season is fast approaching so what better time to look at that ultimate party accessory seamed tights. A number of makers try this style every year but what sets this one apart is that it comes from Cervin who have a long tradition in classic seamed stockings.

Despite the pre-1960s styling, Cervin has used modern technology in the form of Lycra, this won’t please the stockings purists but it should greatly improve the fit of tights compared to what the 1960s generation had to endure.

Bicolour for those of you not fluent in French means dual colour, more specifically in the case of our review sample chocolate brown detailing on natural tights.

The tights are essentially like any other high quality 15 denier sheer to waist finished with flat seams in the panty and a cotton lined gusset. The panty features a deep finger band for improved durability and fit. The 3 thread back seam is added afterwards and runs from gusset level to the heel. It is at the heel that the design gets really interesting. The heel is a fully formed reinforced heel knitted in the contrast colour, the pyramid that gives transition from the heel to the seam is knitted into the natural material of the tights making it a shade lighter than the heel. The reinforced toe is again knitted in the contrast colour.

So how are they to wear? Sublime. The foot is sensibly sized so that even if you have larger than average feet you can still get the heel correctly positioned and the fully fashioned heel cups and caresses. The legs fit like a second skin, essentially a mat finish but with a hint of shine in the right light. Sizing is accurate but the Lycra has been used to give not fit rather than to give stretch so read that size chart carefully.

The look on the leg is stunning. The 3 thread seam is clear and sharp and runs straight as an arrow.

At first, we’re a little disappointed that the seam was not perfectly finished and aligned where it met the pyramid heel but on reflection, we decided that this simply added to the authenticity.

At last, the look of seamed stockings combined the convenience of tights…We love them!

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