Guide to Tights and Nylons
Wondering which type of tights or nylons to choose?
Here's everything you need to know about these women's wardrobe staples.
The Different Materials
Each material has its own specific characteristics when it comes to lightness, comfort, and durability.
Cotton
Cotton is soft, flexible, and comfortable. It also lets your skin breathe while keeping in air that has been warmed up by your body.
Polyester
This synthetic fibre effectively retains heat and dries quickly.
It is commonly used to make tights.
Wool
Wool is a good thermal insulator because it traps large quantities of air in its fibres. It then slowly releases the heat, protecting your body against drops in temperature.
Polypropylene
This synthetic fibre is durable and flexible. It is often combined with nylon and elastane to make pantyhose.
Elastane
Also called Lycra® or spandex, this elastic fibre has the remarkable ability to stretch out and return to its original shape. In addition to being incredibly comfortable, it is two
to three times more durable than nylon.
Nylon
Also known as polyamide, this synthetic fibre is traditionally used to make hosiery. It is very elastic and highly resistant
to friction and wear.
Opacity
The denier of a given pair of pantyhose tells you how opaque
and resistant they will be.
What is denier?
Denier is a unit of weight that determines
how fine pantyhose fibres are. The lower
the denier, the thinner and more transparent the nylons. The higher the denier, the more opaque, thick, and warm the nylons will be.
Sheer Nylons
Tights
Find the Perfect Pantyhose
What are you looking for in terms of comfort, durability, and appearance?
Types of Panty
Types of Toes
Lengths
Maintenance
A few tips to make your tights and nylons last longer.
Before Wearing
Before putting on your nylons for the first time, soak them in water and lay them flat to dry. This will make the fibres
last longer.
Washing
It's best to wash your nylons and tights by hand, but you can also put them in a wash bag and run them through the washing machine on the delicate cycle.
Drying
Lay them flat to dry to help them last as long as possible and prevent them from shrinking.
Putting Them On
-It's a good idea to wear thin gloves when putting on your nylons to avoid snags.
-Start with the toe and gently pull the nylons up to the top of the thigh.
-Be mindful of rings and fingernails—they can cause snags.
The gusset is a piece of fabric sewn into the crotch
seam for a better fit and greater comfort. It's made of cotton,
so you can wear pantyhose without underwear.
Did You Know?
Flat seams are invisible under clothing
and do not leave marks on the skin.
If your stay-ups aren't staying up anymore, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and run it along the silicon bands. This will restore the grip and make the bands like new.
If you get a tear in your nylons, you can fix it with clear nail polish to prevent it from getting any bigger.
Got old tights? Recycle them!
Simons is taking part in the Swedish Stockings recycling club, which collects hosiery and upcycles it into furniture. Look for the boxes in our Accessories departments where you can drop off your used or unused nylons: we accept all colours and brands!