Category: Trasparenze

First impressions count for a lot, and having seen the picture of these tights above; we were ready to wax lyrical. But there was no first impression.

We were still not quite sure what to say once the tights were opened out. Other than to note that the sheer and opaque parts of the tights looked very similar in weight. It was only when we started to look at the detail that we started to form an impression.

The “sheer” part of the leg is a fine tulle rather than a true sheer; a soft heavy fibre is quite an open-knit pattern. The opaque parts are the same fibre but knitted more closely, like a traditional opaque. The opaque parts are restricted to the sole and sides of the foot, the back of the lower leg and the high leg panty design in brief. There is a small amount of shaping at the heel, and the brief is finished with flat seams and a cotton-lined gusset.

The design only makes sense once you have the tights on your legs. The opaque parts on the lower leg are styled to look like a shoe, with a lace pattern joining them together at the front of the leg. And by lace, we mean as in a golden shoelace on the sheer black part of tights rather than a lacy pattern. The idea is repeated on the hips as a lace pattern joining the opaque front and back of the brief.

To make the idea work, you need to wear a pair of shoes the same colour and plain court shoes. Because any straps or other details will clash with the shoe design in the tights. A suede or fabric finish would work best to complete the look. In truth, the opaque parts are not dark enough, the sheer parts not sheer enough, and the lace detail is slightly too faint to look completely convincing.

These are well-made and accurately sized tights that fit well. But when you would wear them, we don’t know what with. You are probably better to get a quality pair of sheers and buy lace fronted boots/shoes if that is the look you want. This is a design that will divide opinion. We even changed our minds here during the day. It so very nearly works, and it grew on us with time. Trasparenze tights are never boring!

For more Trasparenze products, click here. For more reviews, click here.

We know Trasparenze as the leading making of sheer fashion hosiery and as a maker of great sheer tights, too, but this is entirely different. Not just control top tights but full shaping tights with a 40 denier semi-opaque leg.

Trasparenze never does things by halves. Just from the picture above, you can see that they have gone to town with these tights. Hosiery from toe to upper thigh but engineering from there upwards. We have seen similar complete shaping tights from Aristoc and Charnos, so how do these compare?

There are 4 sizes, with the largest fitting up to 180cm or 6’1” we say or because 180cm is 5’11”. Trasparenze tends to fit long legs well, though. The other total shaping tights have sheer legs. Trasparenze has opted for 40 denier, which appears on first inspection to have been closely knitted to give a fully opaque look. The legs are very lightly shaped at the heel and have the toes the same weight plus a run stop, so toe holes do not become leg ladders.

Massive is the only way to describe the panty. Out of the packet, it is fully 40% of the total length of the tights, and boy, does it feel robust. You might need the shaped heel to give you a clue as to which is the front and which is the back. Important as the design is intended to lift and smooth your bottom and flatten your tummy.

As well as bands and panels to the left and flattening in the bottom and tummy area, there are bands to shape the waist. Above the waist shaping, it is all about smoothing the underside of your bra. The feel is like a proper shaper. We had no problem with the top band rolling as we have with other tights with a similar design. As a shaping garment, these tights are superb.

Of course, tights are about showing off your legs, and Trasparenze has also hit the target. The 40 denier velvet finish is soft to the touch and has perfect even colour. The look is that of a true opaque but without the weight of 60 denier or heavier tights. These are simply the best shaping tights we have seen. No compromise in the design, and they work. Accurate sizing with enough stretch for taller ladies.

For more Trasparenze products, click here. For more reviews, click here.