Tights are much more than a practical garment to keep out the cold. They are a fashion foundation that puts the finishing touch to your outfit, shows off your legs and gives you a feeling of confidence. But for women with curves, buying them often feels like a game of chance. Will the waistband pinch? Will the crotch slip? Will the legs be long enough? If you finally want to find the right size, you have come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we share our expert knowledge at Glamory with you, so that buying the wrong pair becomes a thing of the past and you feel completely comfortable in your second skin.
Why standard sizes often don't work
Perhaps you have often wondered why a pair of size 48 tights from the supermarket fits so differently from a pair from a specialist retailer. The problem often lies in the scaling. In plus sizes, many manufacturers simply increase the waistband circumference but forget that curvy legs also need more room in the thighs and in the rise. To find the right size, then, you need to do more than look at a number: you need to understand your body's proportions. At Glamory, we develop our cuts specifically for sizes up to 62, paying particular attention to stretchy thigh widths and comfortable waistband solutions.
Step by step: how to find your Glamory size
For Glamory tights and stockings in sizes M to 4XL (EU dress sizes 40 to 62), you don't need a tape measure. All that matters are two figures you probably already know: your height and your weight. The reason: hosiery is an elastic knitted fabric and behaves differently from trousers made of woven fabric. Together, height and weight reliably show how much length and width the material needs to provide.
1. Your height
Often underestimated but vital if you want to find the right size: your height determines how much length the tights need. If you are particularly tall (over 1.75 m) or have very long legs, you will often need one size up. If there isn't enough length, the tights get pulled down and you end up with the classic "slipping crotch".
2. Your weight
Your weight shows how much room the tights need to give at the tummy, hips and thighs. That way the waistband sits without digging in, and the brief section isn't under strain.
3. Read off your size
Enter both figures in our size calculator or read your size off the size chart. It takes less than a minute.
How to read the size chart correctly
Every brand has its own DNA. While you might wear a 46 in jeans, it can make sense to choose a different size in hosiery. So always check the size chart for the brand in question. At Glamory, we use combined sizes (e.g. 44–46, 48–50), which you work out from your height and weight.
- The borderline case: Do your figures fall right between two sizes? Our expert tip: if in doubt, always choose the larger size. Tights that are stretched to the max are more prone to ladders and damage. One size up gives you more stretch and durability.
- The thigh factor: Do you have very full thighs? Look out for "extra room" or special plus size cuts. Standard styles may be too tight here and rub.
Material know-how: why denier and elastane matter
If you want to find the right size, you can't ignore the material. How stretchy a product is has a major influence on how it fits your legs.
Denier (DEN) and strength
The denier indicates the weight of the yarn. A pair of 20 denier tights is very fine and less forgiving if the size is slightly off. A pair of 70 denier tights is more hard-wearing and opaque. For plus size women, higher denier often means more comfort, as the material is more stable and gently shapes your legs without constricting them.
The elastane content
Check the elastane content (often called Lycra or spandex). A proportion of 10% to 15% or more indicates good recovery and stretch. Cheap styles often contain little elastane, so they quickly go baggy and slip. You can find more background information in the article on clothing sizes and textile standards.
Common fit problems and how to solve them
Even when you think you have done everything right, problems sometimes crop up. Here is our troubleshooting list, so you are sure to find the right size next time:
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Problem: the waistband rolls down.
Cause: Usually the tights are too tight at the tummy or the waistband sits in the wrong place.
Solution: Choose one size up or go for a style with an extra-high waistband (high waist) that reaches up to just below your bust. -
Problem: the crotch slips down.
Cause: Either the tights are too short (you chose a size too small) or the thighs are too narrow, so the fabric can't be pulled up.
Solution: Check your height in the chart. If you are tall, go for the next size up. -
Problem: wrinkles at the ankle.
Cause: The tights are too long or too wide.
Solution: Try to distribute the fabric more evenly over your legs. If that doesn't help, try one size down, as long as the hip area allows it.
Comfort features to look out for
So you not only look great but stay comfortable all day long, premium brands like Glamory have special details:
Cotton gusset & roomy brief section: In plus sizes, the brief section needs enough room at the tummy, hips and bottom so that nothing pulls and the crotch doesn't slip down. That's why Glamory tights have an extra-roomy brief section and a cotton gusset in the crotch.
Flat seams: Make sure the seams are finished flat. Bulky round seams show through close-fitting clothes and can chafe your skin.
Conclusion: your wellbeing comes first
Choosing plus size hosiery takes a little more attention, but it is well worth the effort. It is not about squeezing yourself into the number on the label but about how you feel. With the right details on your height and weight, an understanding of materials and knowledge of your body shape, you will find it easy to find the right size.
Go through your day with confidence: you are in control of your wardrobe. Discover our range of quality tights now, made to express your personality and give you the comfort you deserve.