Support Tights

What support level do I need?

Light support suits everyday wear if your legs feel tired by the evening. Examples are the Elbeo Mirage, Giulia Relax 30 and Wolford Synergy 40. Medium support, such as Charnos Medium Energising 15 Denier and Elbeo Sheer Magic, gives noticeably more pressure for long days on your feet. Firm and extra firm styles, such as Charnos Firm Energising 30, Elbeo Caresse and Elbeo Supreme, are for legs that need the most help. Elbeo labels its tights by compression factor, from 6 for light to 12 for extra firm, which makes comparing them easier. Support tights are not medical compression hosiery. If you have a circulation condition, check with your GP.

Support tights or shaping tights?

Support tights put pressure through the leg. Shaping tights put it through the brief, to smooth the tummy, hips and bottom. This collection includes some shaping and control top styles, such as Charnos Killer Figure and Wolford Miss W Push Up, alongside true support tights. Some pairs combine both, such as the Andrea Bucci Firm 30 Denier Leg Shaping Support Tights. If you mainly want a smoother line under clothes, Shaper Tights is a closer match.

Sheer or opaque support tights?

Most support tights here are sheer to semi-opaque, between 15 and 40 denier, so they look like normal tights under skirts and dresses. Charnos 80 Denier Medium Energising and Cette Active Support 70 give full opaque coverage for winter. Support knee highs and socks work under trousers if you only need help below the knee. These are in Support Socks. Several Elbeo styles also come in XL, including Sheer Magic and Caresse Firm Support. To keep the support working, hand wash support tights and dry them flat away from direct heat, as heat can weaken the elastic.