Which denier knee highs suit trousers?
For a barely visible finish under trousers, 7 to 15 denier is the lightest choice. Examples are the Charnos Simply Bare 7 Denier and 15 Denier Trouserwear. 20 denier styles, such as Wolford Satin Touch 20, give a little more coverage and durability. For winter, or if the knee high might show when you sit down, 40 to 60 denier opaques look more solid. Charnos, Gipsy and Andrea Bucci all make opaque knee highs, and the Falke Pure Matt 50 has a fine matt finish. For more warmth, the Andrea Bucci 200 Denier Thermal Knee Highs are the thickest in the range. Wolford's Velvet de Luxe 50 is a soft opaque option. Black suits dark trousers, while skin tones look neater under lighter trousers and cropped hems.
Will knee highs dig in?
The top band is the part that matters. Standard bands are fine for many people. If you find them tight, look for styles described as comfort top or extra wide. Andrea Bucci's Extra Wide Comfort Top knee highs and the Glamory Fit 20 Extra Wide are made for fuller calves. Charnos also makes plus size comfort top knee highs. The Falke Shelina has a sensitive top designed to sit softly on the leg.
Support, compression and travel knee highs
Support knee highs add graduated pressure from the ankle up, which can help on long days standing or on flights. This range includes the Charnos Medium Energising 15 Denier Support, Andrea Bucci 30 Denier Support, Compression Travel Knee Highs and Flight Socks. Pretty Legs compression socks and Silky Flight Socks are also included. These are not medical compression garments, so check with your GP if you need a set level of compression. See Support Socks for more.
Toeless and patterned knee highs
The Falke Shelina 12 Denier Toeless Knee Highs have an open toe, so they work with sandals and peep-toe shoes. For something less plain, there are polka dot, paisley and ribbed styles, such as the Andrea Bucci Polka Dot and Gipsy Ribbed Semi Opaque. Many everyday knee highs come in two pair packs, which keeps the cost per pair down if you wear them daily. Colour collections include Black Knee High Socks and Skin Tone Knee High Socks.
