TIGHTS SPOT We test black tights to show what the different deniers look like in real life

TIGHT SPOT 

We test black tights to show what the different deniers look like in real life

Stuck in a tight spot? Denier refers to the thickness of the yarns used to knit a pair of tights. The higher the denier, the thicker the fabric

BLACK tights hide pasty pale skin, slim thighs and help keep your modesty when wearing a bum-skimming mini skirt.

Every woman has at least one pair in her underwear drawer, and they were given the fashion thumbs up after leggy models wore them on the Chanel, Balenciaga and Givenchy autumn/winter catwalks.

But buying the perfect hosiery can be a challenge - lingerie departments have racks of nylons that all look the same, but are labelled with different denier numbers.

Denier refers to the thickness of the yarns used to knit a pair of tights. The higher the denier, the thicker the fabric.

Deniers lower than 20 are referred to as sheer tights, which are made of fine threads and offer light leg coverage. While, opaque tights begin at 30 denier and mean you won't be able to see as much skin through the fabric.

Here, model Sabine Roll tests black tights to show what the top six denier looks like in real life.

10 denier

Very thin black tights look elegant with long hemlines - think pretty floral maxi dresses and metallic midi skirts.

But they are much less forgiving on the legs, particularly if you have knobbly knees, and they tend to ladder really easily.

Charnos Elegance Tights, 10 denier, £4.99 - buy now at UK Tights

15 denier

Sometimes it's nice to see a bit of leg.

Fifteen denier tights offer pretty much the same coverage as 10, but are more ladder-resistant.

Opt for matt styles over gloss and pair with chic black shoes.



Charnos Elegance Tights, 15 denier, £6.50 - buy now at Tights Tights Tights
40 denier

A nice thick pair of tights gives a nod to the 60s when paired with A-line mini skirts and pointy flat shoes.

They also look stylish with a splash of colour, such as a candyfloss pink coat or checked dress.

Forty denier are much sturdier than sheer tights and will last long if you take good care of them.



Supersoft Opaque Tights, 40 denier, £4 - buy now at M&S



It's consider a major fashion faux pas to wear tan shoes with black tights.

When wearing 60 deniers, keep things simple in black heels or an on-trend patent brogue.

Stock up on 60 deniers with seamless waistbands so you never see a visible line under dresses.

Keep your tights hole, snag and ladder-free by washing them inside out, ideally in a wash bag.



Supersoft Opaque Tights, 60 denier, £4 - buy now at M&S
80 denier



Opaques are the tights of choice in colder weather - as a general rule, the higher the denier the warmer you'll be.

Never tumble-dry your tights or put them on a radiator – the heat will kill the stretch.

The best way to dry them is flat or draped over a clothes horse.



Supersoft Opaque Tights, 80 denier, £6 - buy now at M&S
100 denier



A must for chilly days. One hundred denier tights are fully opaque and do not let any skin peek through.

If you're going for a heavier denier, the best way to eradicate static is to apply a non-greasy body lotion to the legs, then wet your palms before putting on your tights.



Control Top Tights, 100 denier, £9.99 - buy now at H&M

The Tights Dilemma When it is, and isn't, acceptable to wear tights

You might not want to believe it, but summer is drawing to end; the days are getting cooler and shorter, with an ever-present risk of showers - so you might be thinking about reaching for your tights. Here are our rules, disobey at your peril...

1. Tights are for winter only

Come rain or shine, tights should not be worn until 1 October, and they need to come off the minute April arrives. This season there's an exception to the rule in the form of Chanel and Proenza Schouler's lace or fishnet versions; but think pretty, not practical - these should be worn to make a statement, not for additional warmth.

2. Black tights work with some outfits

But coloured tights can work really well too, as long as certain rules are applied – namely no zig zags, stripes or pop print. Keep it muted and in keeping with the tones of your outfit.

3. Nude tights are acceptable

NEVER during the summer and only in a matte finish that exactly matches your skin tone. You don't want the shiny species – think second skin not mannequin.

4. For the more glamorous occasions, think of tights as friend not foe

Choose a pair with maximum control to avoid any unnecessary bumps and if they're black, you can go for a slight sheen – this is slimming on the leg.

5. Experiment with your footwear

Tights with trainers (but NEVER with socks worn over them) can look effortlessly cool but, for a safer bet, they look most elegant with pumps, heels or boots.

6. If in doubt, wear sheer black.

HOW TO WEAR TIGHTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, things happen and you probably have a busy holiday season. That's why you probably need to have an outfit for each of your events and moments spent in good company.

To create the perfect holiday look, I'll use her favorite style: thigh-high tights . This trendy accessory complements both casual and formal looks, and is the perfect way to add dimension to your outfits and keep you warm. Add festive elements to your outfits to wear your tights during the holidays.

To do this, play with colors and materials, then choose timeless styles to have a holiday look ready in no time.

Here are 5 different ways to wear your tights during the holidays!

With velvet

Whether you opt for a dress or a skirt, add velvet in your wardrobe this season. Combined with our leggings , you'll instantly have a festive look that will be as fun as sophisticated.

With a little red

You can not go wrong by wearing red for the holidays! A red skirt or a cocktail dress combined with thigh- high tightswill quickly become your favorite outfit for the holidays.

Relaxed

For Christmas brunch, wear your thigh-high stockings with a casual dress or jumper style in a comfortable fabric. We love this dress Odeyalo we rented at Station Service. It matches perfectly with a turtleneck for a 100% cozy look.

With a fitted-flared dress

With its classic fit, the fitted-flared dress works well with thigh-high tights . This style will highlight the detail of your tights and give you a classic look, perfect for partying.

Trend

To end the year in style, opt for a dress with the biggest trend of 2017: the cuts on the shoulders. Choose a dress with a shorter hem to show your tights and feel good in this trendy style.

How will you wear your tights during the holidays?

Xo,

Rachel