Tights Fashion

We are sure that people won’t mind describing these as basic tights. They are the sort you will find in corner shops and petrol stations the length and breadth of the country. So are they any good?

The first positive sign is that there are 4 sizes to choose from, and they have 12% Lycra/Spandex to provide stretch and fit. The next good sign, the tights are folded into a plastic packet inside the box, so you are less likely to pull a thread taking them out of the box. How many have cheaper pairs of tights been ruined before even getting on to a leg?

So the tights themselves. They feel smooth and soft and also strong. Opening them reveals straight legs finished with very neat toe seams and sandal toes attached to a boxer style brief. The brief has good quality seams and an unlined gusset. We tested the large size; the x-large fits the same height but provides for hips over 48”.

These tights live up to the name “super shine” on the leg. They do sparkle! Whereas some gloss tights give the impression of a shiny surface, with these, you can almost see the individual fibres catching the light. The panty section is a huge contrast and immediately forgettable. Certainly, these are tights to show your legs off in, but not for a hot date. 

The sizing is accurate, and the fit is excellent. Thanks to the gusset, even the panty section fits comfortably. We would still recommend a more expensive sheer to the waist as our first choice for everyday wear, Falke Seidenglatt, for example, as they are likely to work out cheaper in the long run; but if you are heavy on your hosiery and get a lot of pulls and snags, or need if you need a pair of eye-catching sheer tights in an emergency to keep this style in mind.

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

We have seen quite a few pairs of seamed tights over the years, and they have ranged from the sublime to the not so sublime. Aside from the own-brand style from the Asda supermarket chain, this is the cheapest style we have looked at.

Our test pair came in size “medium”. But in reality, these are “one size” tights as there is no small or large size. So what are they like? First impressions are excellent. The feel in hand is smooth and soft, and we had not expected an impression of strength and quality. Surprises in the detailing, too, as there is a fully detailed reinforced toe and sole detail as part of the Cuban heel design, and all that is lacking is the shaping of the leg at the heel.

Sheer to waist construction and flat seams are way beyond what we would expect for under £3.00 too. Very sensibly, the back seams run to the finger band, which looks best and should ensure they stay straight. On either side of the panty, there is a narrow reinforced strip. Which, together with the finger band, should help durability considerably. A plain waistband tops everything off.

Sizing was an area where we had great concerns as the height range is supposed to be 5’0” to 5’8”. But we are pleased to say that our fears were unfounded. There was enough size and stretch to cope with a 34” leg. The panty is accurately sized but not overly long, so if you are towards the upper end of the size range, you may find the waistband sitting on your hips.

The heel detail is well-sized, too, so that even if you have larger than average feet, the design will still be visible over your shoes. The seams are sharp and sit perfectly up the back of your legs. The finish on the leg is sheer with a classy sheen. Our only issue with the look on the leg was some evidence of colour banding where there were variations in the thread and one or two minor knitting faults. Only in these last two areas is there a hint of the low price tag.

Seamed tights are not everyday items, so you should either treat yourself to pure luxury or consider this bargain and get a new pair out for each evening do.

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

A quick look at our shop will tell you that most of the sheer tights from Silky are priced at under £2, with just the fashionable patterns reaching the heights of £4 a pair. There is no doubting the quality of these tights the moment you open the packet. They have that quality sheen that only well-knitted quality yarn can offer. The detailing lives up to the first impressions, there is the smallest of reinforced toe details (sorry, not invisible), and the sheer legs are shaped at the heel.

The design is undoubtedly sheer to hip if not quite sheer to waist featuring as it does a tiny lace bikini panty. The panty is so brief that it is scarcely bigger than the seam strengthening on true sheer to waist tights and infinitely prettier. The panty is opaque enough to remove the need for other underwear. The seams in the panty are flat and perfectly finished, and a cotton gusset is included for hygiene and improved fit. A deep waistband finishes off the garment. There are two sizes available, and this is the only area where we have some issues. 

The sizes are quoted as medium and large. But judging from the large size that we tested, and the sizing is certainly not generous. Fortunately, there is plenty of stretch available, so they will fit if you go slowly and carefully. Despite all the stretching needed to get them on once, these were comfortable tights to wear. And there was no hint of bagging or sagging.

The colour on the leg is perfectly even with just a hint of shine. Colour density is more than we would expect from 10 denier. A small point, but an important one for some ladies, is that you can buy these tights in navy blue. Unlike some shades of navy, it is quite away from black. Classy quality tights that sell at a very sensible price. Limited edition, so you had better not hang about if you want some.

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