Category: Charnos

Charnos Elegance Tights are elegantly beautiful!

We have tested a lot of premium-priced hosiery recently, so it is interesting to look at some tights that are more of an “everyday” price.

The shine of these tights is apparent as soon as you open the packet, a reminder of the ultimate Charnos Sheer Lustre.

These tights feel as smooth and soft as they look.

These tights have all the quality features we look for in tights, sheer to waist, flat seams, sandal toe and cotton gusset. An area where Charnos have let us down before is size, particularly regarding length, not this time, these tights fit like paint from hip to toe. The finish on the leg is pearlescent, and they are beautifully smooth.

If you like your tights with a sheen and a sparkle, we doubt that you will find better without buying Wolford Neon and they are 40 denier. If these tights last well, they could replace the Falke Seidenglatt as our favourite giving the best balance of look, feel and price.

There has been an update on sizing; Helen tested the Extra Large size. According to the size chart, these should have been the right size for her, but they were too long in the body so that the waistband either sat well above the waist or on the waist but bunched up with the extra material. The bunching made them uncomfortable to wear with the waistband at waist level. Unusually with Charnos, we would suggest trying the smaller size if you are between sizes and buy XL only if you are very tall.

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Charnos Chevron Net Tights is a classic design!

Net tights are one of the less important trends of the season, they are not hitting the celebrity fashion headlines, but most manufacturers seem to be adding new net styles, either classic fishnet or something more adventurous.

One small grumble to start with, the size chart on the rear of the packet describes four sizes from Small to Extra Large but our test pair came in size Medium/Large which we can only assume covers both of those sizes, and if this is the case then these are mostly one size tights. A little research reveals there is also a Small/Medium size so it would be nice to have guidance as to which size will fit the average woman. On the subject of choices, these tights are available in black or grey mix.

The construction of these tights is markedly similar to the Pretty Polly tights we looked at yesterday, a little plain reinforced toe detail than a uniform net all the way to the narrow waistband. No seams in the panty but a generous lined gusset which we are pleased to say seems more strongly seamed than that in the Pretty Polly Spot Net Tights. Interestingly the elastic waistband in this style is identical to that used by Pretty Polly and recently by Jonathan Aston on one of their Burlesque styles, so at least we know it will work.

Fishnet sizing can be a little problematic sometimes, but Charnos seem to have it right here if the size was defined we could probably hail its accuracy!

The fit is perfect, and the gusset, waistband and toe detail all combine to make these very comfortable tights to wear.

The chevron design looks stunning, particularly in the grey mix colour which combines light grey and black thread. The design flatters the leg, enhancing curves without shortening.

A very classy design, well executed at a sensible price; these tights deserve a place in your wardrobe.

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Charnos Cable Pattern Opaque Tights are chic, yet affordable!

This is one time when buying tights online is far safer than buying in a store in a hurry. The open packet that these tights come in is a generic Charnos Patterned Opaque Tights packet, and the picture is an entirely different style. What you get is what has been pictured above. The cable pattern name comes from the fact that the design is based on cable-knit pullovers, that style of a pattern being so named because the texture is that of a rope, and cable is a nautical term for a rope.

But enough of the educational stuff; what are the tights like?

Well, black mark to Charnos for the packet, it has a size chart but it is the old Small/Medium/Large/X-Large chart, and the tights are in the new system so you cannot relate the M/L on the front of the packet to the chart on the back.

The construction was a bit of a surprise in that the cable design is restricted to just the straight legs; the panty is un-patterned and around 60 denier. The panty features a cotton gusset and is well finished.

The sizing accuracy can’t be commented on, but we can say that these tights are made for the tall and slim lady with enough length and stretch in the leg to cope with a 34” leg. The panty is not generous (42” hips would be the biggest we would recommend you try to squeeze in) but like the legs, it fits well.

The cable patterning is very flattering and suitable for any time of the day. Warm and comfortable these are a great alternative to basic opaques in the colder months. Chic and sophisticated tights for a budget price.

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Charnos Boudoir Scantihose are so sexy!

Scantihose does push the boundary of tights/pantyhose to the limit, and perhaps a little beyond. The Charnos Boudoir Suspender Tights just stay on the tights side of the line, these we would say are stockings.

So what are they like?

Well, they are packed like tights, but when you take them off the card, you can see that each leg is topped with what looks like half of a suspender belt, not clipped on but sewn on. The two halves are joined together to make one garment with two plastic slips, one front and one back.

The legs themselves are entirely straight, finished at one end with a lightly reinforced toe and the other with a finger band about 6 cm deep and then a 1.5 cm deep cuff to which the short “suspender” is attached.

The leg has a smooth and reasonably soft satin finish with an even colour, and there is plenty of length.

The legs are designed so that any two legs can be put together to make a pair, that is why they are unshaped. On the face of this, this makes them more economical, as, in theory, you could do what you did in the 80s with stockings, always buy two pairs, so you had a full pair until the third accident. The downside, of course, is that every time you throw a leg away, you are doing the same to half a suspender belt.

The suspender belt presents the second issue; there is nothing like what you would bet in a pair of tights. You must buy exactly the right size or be faced with not being able to fasten the clips at the waist/hips.

Our view is this; these are an excellent novelty, and quite sexy, but we would prefer either tights or stockings with a suspender belt. Sometimes the combination of two things provides the worst of both rather than the best.

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Charnos Backseam Tights is perfect for this summer.

The only clue you get as to the design of these tights is what you can see through the packet. For reasons best known to themselves Charnos use a generic “fashion” packet with even the fact that they are tights being indicated by a sticker on the outside.

Our second criticism also related to the packaging; to show off the seam a piece of card is inserted in one leg, leading in the case of our test pair to a pulled thread.

The person who designed the tights must be livid at the idiot who did the packaging!

The tights are great, about 12 denier and sheer to waist. Flat seams and a cotton gusset in the panty. The legs have a seam down the back of course, and this runs into a reinforced sole via smart heel detail. The top of the foot is entirely sheer so you can wear these tights with open toe shoes, the seams run all the way to the waistband so you can wear as short a skirt as you dare.

You can’t help but feel sexy when you slip these tights on, not just because of the seams, although the fact that they run effortlessly straight up the backs of your legs helps. They feel so smooth and soft, and you can’t help but notice how they add a silky sheen to your legs.  The deep waistband makes them very comfortable, the Lycra gives a fantastic fit and did we mention they are sexy?

Great tights that are among the best-seamed tights we have tried, and at a reasonable price.

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Charnos Argyle Tights could do with some improvements.

Charnos have created some great tights over the years, and one or two styles that were not too great. Charnos make quite a few of their tights styles in a limited range of sizes, here just two Small-Medium and Medium-Large; while we understand that this reduces inventory costs the sizing can limit the appeal to the taller or larger lady. Here the larger size will according to the size fit up to 5’9” with 42” hips or 6’0” with 38” hips…we will see.

Detailing is quite ordinary, straight legs with the Argyle pattern to the toe than a boxer style plain panty. On the upside, there is a lined gusset, but there are no flat seams.

At first, there does not seem to be much stretch, but if you are gentle and patient, the 8% Lycra will reward you with enough to meet the suggested maximum sizing and provide a good fit.

The look on the leg is pretty good and a nice change from plain black but frankly the panty although comfortable is a disappointment, sure it cannot be seen but it just looks slightly cheap and as though nobody cared. OK at £3 from the supermarket, but branded tights at £6.50; come on Charnos you can do better.

Not terrible tights but there are just better tights to be had for the same money. The Argyle design is unusual, so for that reason only we might add a pair to our tights drawer.

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Charnos 60 Denier Opaque Tights are perfect for the summer!

These tights are supplied in the open style packet, so if you are buying them in a shop, you can feel at once how smooth and soft they are. Once you have them out of the packet, you can see that they are made with straight legs and that the brief, although of similar weight is a different finish. The brief is finished with flat seams and a cotton lined gusset.

Sizing did not look overly generous, but even with just 5% Lycra, there is a tremendous stretch. The fit is excellent and the colour perfectly even. They would be slightly better for an even finish from hip to toe, but even with the shortest of skirts or shorts, it is unlikely that anyone will see.

Made in a range of greens and browns as well as the more common black these are very much the tights for wearing with Autumn/Winter fashions. At just under £5 they are excellent value for money.

60 denier opaques are the mainstay of the Charnos range and indeed the ranges if many other hosiery manufacturers. For many women and girls, ‘tights’ means 60 denier opaque.

When we last looked at tights carrying this name the details were:

60 Denier, 94 % Nylon, 5 % Lycra, 1 % Cotton.

The latest version is:

90% Nylon, 9% Lycra and 1% cotton.

So what do we get now?

Well, entirely straight legs finished with a somewhat square looking toe, the toe is reinforced but not much heavier than the leg, and there is a run stop detail to prevent holes in the toes becoming ladders/runs in the legs.

The panty is made in the boxer style, similar weight to the legs but a very different finish. The panty has flat seams, and a cotton lined gusset for optimum fit and comfort.

Colour density on the leg is excellent, and even, the finish is Matt, but in some lights, there is a slight sparkle from the Lycra. There is a distinct demarcation between leg and panty so please, please make sure that any shorts or skirt you plan to wear with these tights is long enough so that only leg shows. Few things look worse than an inch or two of reinforced tights panty showing below the bottom of your shorts…other than perhaps the same but allied to a pair of Ugg boots.

Charnos provide four sizes, Small to Extra Large. Sizes are defined by a combination of height and hips with a suggestion of weight range than in each box. So for example, if you are 5’10 to 6’0 tall and have hips 34″ to 38″ Charnos suggest size large and estimate a weight range of 119lb to 139lb.

As you know, we like to test the boundaries of sizing, so we tried size Large on our webmaster, 6’4 tall 42″ hips and 220 lb. Resulting in a perfect fit. So sizing is generous and very flexible thanks to the strength and stretch.

So, in summary, these are perfectly acceptable everyday opaque tights, and arguably everyone should have a pair or two in their drawer. And that goes for the guys as well as the girls because they are an excellent base layer under a suit in cold weather.

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Charnos 30 Denier Semi Opaque Tights are perfect for everyday tights!

Some time ago, we reviewed some Charnos tights called Charnos Semi Opaques, which were also 30 denier but differ from these in the composition of the fibre and the fact that these are supplied in the open packet Charnos use for opaques, rather than the closed flat packet used for sheers. These differences are enough for us to treat this as a new style.

Well done to Charnos for making these tights in 4 sizes, Small to Extra Large, opaques at under £5 rarely come with such a choice of sizes these days. There is a range of colours including a skin tone is another major plus. We are not overly keen on the open style packet, but it does at least mean we can feel the softness and weight very easily.

The legs are straight and finished with a simple unreinforced toe; the panty features a cotton lined gusset, flat seams and, perhaps unusually for what look and feel like, lightweight opaque tights, there is reinforcement either side of the seams and a finger band. All in all exquisite detailing for the price. With 30 denier tights you can never be 100% sure what you will get, some most certainly look and feel like heavy duty sheers, but these are most definitely light opaques, both in look and feel.

The sizing is spot on, and with gentle stretching, you can take a few liberties with length, there are strength and stretch in abundance. Take care to stretch these tights carefully, and you will be rewarded with a perfect close fit.

The colour on the leg was even, but we struggled to get rid of banding in the panty, a small quibble that will only be an issue if you plan to wear them with very short skirts or shorts.

For everyday wear, these tights are ideal either as a durable alternative to sheers or as a more refreshing alternative if you wear opaque. Well made they should last weeks and prove to be good value for money.

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Charnos 24/7 Sheer Gloss Tights are the way to go!

We need to start this review with a confession. This is a style of tights that have been around for years and which we thought we knew very well. Last week our web master’s wife had one of those unfortunate ‘ripped tights’ accidents and had to buy a replacement pair in her lunch hour. She purchased Charnos 24/7 tights, and that evening we had a few comments to be added to the review. And here is the confession; we had never done a review!

Luckily these tights come in a pack of two pairs, so there was still one in pristine condition for us to review.

Charnos are working to a budget, so both pairs of tights share a single card and plastic bag in the packet. The construction of the tights is in the same vein with standard seams in the boxer style brief and reinforced toes to finish the straight legs. There is no skimping on quality though; these tights are well made of good quality yarn. Charnos very sensibly did nor economised on the gusset, which is cotton lined.

The boxer brief and reinforced toes may not shout “classy” or “expensive”, but they do ensure that these ten denier tights are durable. As a sheer to waist with sandal toes ten denier would not be practical for everyday wear, and these are as the name suggests everyday tights.

Four sizes are available, small to XL, with XL being shaped for the shorter more hippy lady and large being styled longer.

Length is not overly generous but the sizing is accurate, stay within the suggested heights and weights and these tights will fit beautifully. It was comforting that drew our web master’s wife to these tights.

There is a beautiful shine to the finish on the legs, although they feel a little rough to the touch and look more massive than ten denier. Great tights for a day at the office, but you would want to change before going out on a date.

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Charnos 100 Denier Opaque Tights are 100% perfection!

Spring is here, and the time for wearing opaques will soon be past. But while the weather stays chilly here in England, opaques will still be many women’s best friend.

Charnos package their opaque tights in open card packets, so you can both see and touch the tights if you are buying on the high street; if you are buying online we can do that for you! Quite a treat it is too, as they are smooth and soft to the touch and quite light in weight for 100 denier also; visually smooth with a little shine and the dark purple of our test pair is a delight.

There is a choice of 4 sizes, from Small to Extra Large covering a range of heights from 4’11” to 6’0” and a range of hip sizes from 34” to 48”. Now, we must applaud Charnos for making four sizes in an era when one and two sizes are so common.

Opening out these Italian made tights, we got a strong whiff of the perfume used in the finishing process at Levante, a clue to where they are made perhaps?

Straight legged, but an average weight and finish from hip to toe. These tights also feature a run stop in the toe and both a cotton lined gusset and flat seams in the panty, excellent detailing at a price.

Regular readers will know that we tend to test the large size on a tall model to get an idea of the sizing. Our test pair of this style came in medium, and we didn’t notice until after our model had put it on. We would say that the sizing is accurate but with enough stretch to go down one size if you can’t buy the size you need.

Even stretched to the limit these tights fit well, are comfortable and give right even colour on your legs.

If we have one criticism, it is the use of the open type of packet. Our test pair picked up a bit of dust on its travels; you may need to consider washing before wearing.

Spring may officially be here, but there is still plenty of time to get some wear out of a pair of Charnos 100 Denier Opaque Tights, and they do feel like they would last.

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