We should know some important things before we buy tights.
 
Size is the most important thing, which you must remember. If your new tights are too small, they will drop down (in case you are successful while putting them on). If they are too big, you can roll them up to your neck. Check your size before you buy new product.
 
There are size charts, where you will find your size very simply.
 

Some properties - look and durability of tights depends on these parts:
 

This choice depends only on you. Somebody likes transparent, shiny pantyhose, someone else likes opaque and matt tights. Somebody likes STRETCH material, somebody prefers LYCRA. It's up to everyone to choose his/her own favourite combination.
 
There are a few materials, which hosiery is made from:
 

• Cotton
  • breathability, ability to absorb moisture
  • resistant to light, washable, impervious to weather, tear-resistant and does not shrink
  • as cotton comes from natural raw materials, it is completely non-elastic
• Cupro-fibres
  • cellulose fibre similar to viscose but a little more supple to the touch
  • used for ladies� underwear and velvets
• Dorlastane
  • see Thanelaste
• Lycra
  • trade name for Thanelast from Du Pont
  • never used on its own but is spun, for example, with nylon
  • very elastic, fits better and lasts longer
  • if Lycra is spun with a staple fibre e.g. cotton, wool or silk then it is called a core-spun material
• Lycra 3D
  • a Lycra yarn twined with nylon is knitted in every row. A completely smooth and even appearance of the stitches and a better fit are possible as a result
• Microfibres
  • synthetic fibres (nylon) with a thickness of less than 1 dtex which can hardly be seen with the naked eye
  • products made from micro-fibres can achieve a level of breathability comparable with natural fibres
  • super soft feel to the touch, an even-spun appearance and ultra-light feeling to wear
• Nylon
  • trade name for the product produced by Du Pont in 1938 � Polyamide
  • synthetic fibre - hard but transparent
  • basic raw material for many modern stocking wares, for example, Satin Sheers and Lycra 3D
• Polyacryl/Acryl
  • synthetic fibre with a low density which can easily be puffed out
  • woolly texture, does not easily turn to felt, does not shrink and is easy to wash
  • sensitive to high temperatures but is as a rule easy to iron
• Polyamide
  • synthetic fibres with a high resistance to tear and high abrasion resistance, good colour ductibility and very easy workability
  • very durable and easy to wash
  • do not stand up well to high temperatures
  • uses are, for example, fine stockings, women�s underwear, corsets and bodices, and swim wear
• Polyester
  • Synthetic fibres which can stand higher temperatures such as Polyacryl/Acryl
  • easy to keep clean
  • stability of shape and high resistance to crease and durability
• Satin Sheers
  • a Lycra thread spun alternately with a smooth glossy nylon thread
  • high gloss, luxurious material
• Silk
  • glossy, light, very soft, almost non-creaseable, cool in summer, warm in winter
  • used mainly with cotton or wool
• Stretch
  • special stocking yarn that curls less (texturing) and is called crepe yarn
  • products made from stretch yarn are less cross-elastic but, as opposed to conventional crepe articles, a clearer definition of the stitches is possible
• Tactel
  • registered Trade Mark from Du Pont for a whole range of different yarns for clothing based on polyamide
  • gloss and the specially fine filaments
  • easy to keep clean and has a high level of breathability so that warmth and moisture regulation is guaranteed
• Thanelast
  • elastic polyurethane which gives it the qualities of a �rubber band�
  • used in combination with another yarn e.g. Polyamide. The yarn can be extended to between 3 and 7 times its original length without breaking, and then returns to its original length
  • elastic and easy to keep clean, resistant to sea water and light
  • can be used for fine stockings, corsets and bodices, swim wear, elastic sports wear and for collars, cuffs and waistbands
  • the most common trade names for Thanelast are Lycra from Du Pont and Dorlastan from Bayerr
• Viscose
  • cellulose fibre
  • good moisture absorption propertie
  • skin-friendly and have the appearance of cotton or wool, and a soft feel

Thickness (softness) of tights is also very important:
 
Two (almost similar) units of measurement for yarn thickness:

• DEN - denier
  • shows how many grams of yarn there were per 9,000 metres in weight
• DTEX - decitex
  • states how many grams of yarn there were per 10,000 metres in weight
  9 DEN = 10 DTEX

Shine, gloss
Shine depends on the material or the method of production. Products made from Satin Sheers are highly glossy. A silky look can be achieved using polyamides (nylon) and, of course, with silk. Cotton is made more glossy by mercerising. Glitter is caused by LUREX fibre.
 
Transparency
Basically, it can be said that the less the den/dtex the yarn has the more transparent the finished product will be:

• High transparency - do 20 DEN/22 DTEX
• Transparent - 20 DEN/22 DTEX - 50 DEN/56 DTEX
• Opaque - nad 50 DEN/56 DTEX

Figure forming effect
Products with specially incorporated elastic materials to give a pleasant shaping effect.
 
Massage effect
Articles with a slightly vitalising and refreshing effect that massage the legs when walking.
 
Elasticity
An important characteristic relating to the fitting of pantyhose, stockings and underwear which can feel like a second skin. The addition of elastic fibres such as Lycra is a decisive quality feature today.
 
 
Washability
Products have a sensitive reaction to temperature changes, different types of detergents and mechanical influences such as rubbing and wringing. Information on this can be obtained from the standard international symbols to be found on the packaging. See chapter Washing.
 
Heat tolerance
Products react to heat in different ways when drying or being ironed. Information on this can be obtained from the international symbols on the packaging. See chapter Washing.
 
Durability
This reflects the elasticity and long-wearing life of the fibres and yarns..
Having bought your new tights you look forward to wear them, you should know that tights can be damaged (teared) because of wrong putting on. Here are a few tips how to do it. be very careful.
 

 
When first unpacking the delicate legwear you should make sure you are not wearing any jewellery on your fingers or on your wrists. To ensure ideal protection and easy handling, the best way is to use special hosiery gloves - they serve to protect even the finest hosiery. Simply put them on and do not take them off before the tights fit perfectly.
Pantyhose products are very fine and synthetic materials don't afford same manipulation like with the other items of clothes. That's why you must watch all advice and prohibitions: