How to purchase tights

Hi ladies

so I have a question about purchasing tights. I have never ever worn them nor bought them before and since I can't try them on I'm confused!

I'm 5'3 and my leg are curvy. I don't want my tights to look like they're completely see through and I would like them to keep the design that is on them - incase I opt for the ones that are not plain.

Do I just buy a couple pairs and see what works for me or is there a better option?
Also do all the tights have the waist portion or do you guys wear knee high? Is there a difference with comfort?

Are they're different thicknesses that they come in? Is there anything I should look for?

Thanks and sorry for the stupid question :$

Hey,
1. Yes there are different thickness but most are sheer/thin
2. On the back of tights there's a height to weight ratio. So you find your height and your weight and it tells you which one to grab.
(There's usually a size A B C D and each is for a range of weights+heights because they stretch)
3. I suggest starting out with cheap ones from Superstores and buy two, 1 that is your height vs. weight ratio on the chart and then buy another 1 sizing up.
i.e. the back of the tights says you're a size A, ...pick that up and grab a size B.
4. I prefer over the knee tights. I find them easier to deal with since they're just socks.

Great thanks Elle! Where do u usually purchase your tights from?

My favourite tights are from Ardene, because their prices are so great and the quality is ok, and they have some pretty patterned ones as well. I'm 165cm and I wear their M/L size, I have a pair of Anna Sui ones in M/L (says 5'5" - 6'0") but the Ardene ones are longer. I also have a pair of Anna Sui from Japan in M/L but they are much shorter and just fit, the package says 150-165cm (that would be why they just fit lol). So you really have to read the chart on the package to see. I don't have the packaging for my Ardene pairs anymore, but the Anna Sui North American version has weight listed, and the Japan one has hip measurement listed.

I've never worn knee highs because I'm paranoid that they'll keep slipping down. They might not though, you can try it out.

Tight opacity is referred to as "denier" Please login or register to view links although I rarely see this listed on packaging.

Good luck, the skirt + tights look is my favourite.

The ones from The Bay are good.. Think the brand is called HUE.
Check out Winners too.. they always have tons of tights. Look for opaque tights, will be more coverage.
I also like the ones from Aldo too believe it or not.
I usually go one size up from the recommended size, since it's stretchy material, it's less to tug on imo, and doesn't have a huge amount of leftover material to be baggy.

i dont wear tights lol but i heard hue is good too!

Thanks so much ladies!!

.

Thanks so much abt telling me about opaque! No wonder mine were always sheer!!

I love HUE tights! And defs go up a size, I always do that!!

ELLE gave some good tips and explained the sizing. You had another question about thickness - yes tights come in different thickness. The measurement is measured by denier (or den), and the high the number the thicker it is. So tights that are 60 denier will be thicker than 40 denier tights. Not all tights will say the measurement though, I've honestly only seen these for basic nylon tights.

It's also dependent on the material. For example, Plenty has sweater tights for sale right now, and I have merino wool tights from Aritzia. These are obviously meant to keep you a lot warmer than nylon

Forever 21 is worth trying, some of their tights are really thick and warm it's like you're wearing pants

For black, opaque tights, I love Calvin Klein (available at The Bay). They're pretty affordable. I just bought a new pair for $17. The ones I bought are lined with microfibre on the inside, which makes them sooooo nice to wear <3

I've seen some Calvin Klein @ Winners for under $10