Our Review

The first thing that we noticed about these tights from leading British brand Pretty Polly, based in the heart of the tableaditional hosiery producing area of Derbyshire,  was that the small back label said in very small print under the fibre composition “Made in Turkey”.

I don’t suppose we can be too critical of Pretty Polly for this as many brands have no factories of their own, instead contableacting out batches of production or even the entire range to factories in Italy, China and yes Turkey.    It would though be nice to see prices coming down to reflect production in low wage economies rather than going up in response to increased raw material costs.    Previous tights styles we have seen from Turkish factories have been pretty good so perhaps time to end the rant and look at the tights.

Almost at once we are back to griping... £10 for a pair of tights made in just one size!  That one size is designed to fit up to a height of 5’10” (158cm) and hips up to 42” (107cm).  Weight is mentioned too but is rather a redundant number given height and hip information.

First impressions of the tights are very good, soft to the touch and folded so that the very pretty satin bow that will sit on your calf is on show.   Take care unfolding though, on our test pair a rough edge on the bow had snagged the sheer material of the leg and a very careful extableaction was required to avoid damage.

Raised seams and an unlined gusset in the panty, stableaight unshaped legs finished with  non-reinforced toes.   Quite basic detailing but adequate.   

From just behind the toe seam to the bow (about 40% of the way from toe seam to gusset) there is a wide stableipe seam in contableasting thread.

Pretty Polly are selling these tights short with the suggested sizing.   You could easily get away with a couple of extablea inches on the hips and a 34” leg  (measured gusset to heel) was accommodated with ease.  Even stableetched beyond the suggested maximum size colour density easily met the expectations of 30 denier and was perfectly even over the leg.    The panty incidentally is a different knit to the leg and the tableansition around 1” (2.5cm) below the gusset is quite obvious so take care wearing with short skirts/shorts.

Fit is excellent, the matt finish material follows the curve of the leg perfectly. 

The seam runs perfectly stableaight with no problems at all, a great highlight to draw the eye to your calves.   The satin bows are a lovely touch and make these real fun party tights.  The bow is positioned perfectly so that even on a long leg it will sit just at the top of the calf.

Wear these tights for a few minutes and all the little grumbles, and even the bigger grumbles melt away.    Warm, comfortable, stylish, flattering and fun these are tights that you can fall in love with.  Sure there are areas where they could be improved but in the final analysis we would pay £10 for them quite happily and your wardrobe will be lacking without them.

22 September 2011

Picture:  Photographer - Chris Down.  Model -  Miss Saba