If you’re unfamiliar with leg wear lingo, it can make it much more difficult to find the item you need, especially when shopping online!
Sheer – Thin Opaque – Thick, completely covers Open toe – Toe is revealed to allow hosiery to be worn with sandals or peep toe shoes. Sandal toe – Toe is still present but it is completely sheer with no seams. Seamless – Hosiery is completely smooth, usually with a comfort waistband, and is designed to be worn unnoticed under very tight fitting clothing. Support – Often mistaken for ‘control’, support tights are designed to assist with blood circulation in the legs. This is why they are popular with those are stood for long periods, or those who are often sat down. Control/Shaper – Depending on the style, control/shaper tights will sculpt and flatten ‘problem areas’ of the body (usually the stomach and bottom). Satin – Provides a shiny finish to the legs. Matt – The opposite of satin, legs will have no shine.
Denier The ‘denier’ is essentially the thickness of the tight. The lower the denier, the more sheer the tights are, and as the denier increases, the tights become thicker. 5-12 – ‘Ultra sheer’. The most sheer tights available, giving very little coverage and just adding a thin sheen to the legs. 12-15 – ‘Sheer’. Still sheer but colours will start to look more obvious, which can often make choosing the right shade in a denier higher than this tricky. 20 – ‘Sheer’. Thicker again than 15, but still sheer enough to see skin through the tight. (This thickness can be perfect for disguising blemishes such as light scars, birthmarks and minor varicose veins). 30-40 – ‘Semi sheer’. mainly black or coloured tights are manufactured higher than 30, however some premium brands provide natural shades for ultimate coverage. 50 – ‘Semi Opaque’. Depending on the finish, this will provide full coverage, with no skin on show. 70 – ‘Opaque’. Gives complete coverage, and will start to provide warmth. Different yarns may be used in tights thicker than 60 (wool or cotton, for example). 100 – ‘Thick opaque’. They will completely cover the legs and will normally be warm. Tights are available up to around 500 denier, and can also be bought as thermals, or with different linings for extra warmth. 
Sizing It is very important to ensure the size you are purchasing will be a good fit for you, as unlike some other garments they cannot be tried on at home and returned if unsuitable. If they are too small you run the risk of laddering or holing the hosiery due to the tension that will be created, not to mention the discomfort! Tights that are too big will look unsightly and will need to be adjusted frequently, and the more hosiery is pulled the more likely it is to ladder.
It is always worth taking a few minutes to figure out the particular size guide rather than assuming. Most manufacturers use very similar size guides, but almost all are determined by height and weight. Some may just require your height, but making sure you know your current weight (usually in pounds) will help make sure the fit will be perfect.
If you have any questions or need any help or advice, please leave a comment in the section below and someone from our experienced team will get back to you as soon as possible!
(For advice regarding choosing the right shade, our blog post on Sheer Skin Tone Tights might help!)
