Sound familiar? You buy a pair of tights in your usual dress size, you're looking forward to your outfit – and then: the waistband digs in, the crotch hangs halfway down your thighs or the legs are far too short. Finding the right tights is often about more than style – it's about feeling good.
Every body is unique, especially when it comes to curves. Standard sizes from the supermarket shelf often fail to cope with the reality of women's shapes. That's why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In this post, we show you how to finally find the style that fits like a second skin – whether you are tall, petite, curvy or a mix of everything.
Finding the right tights – why "standard" often doesn't fit
Before we get to the figure types, an important word about size. Many manufacturers simply scale their sizes up: an XXL is often just longer, but not necessarily wider at the thigh. The result? The tights have to stretch so much that they become less durable and uncomfortable.
At Glamory, we do things differently: we pay attention to real width and proportions. Because finding the right tights means looking for genuine room at the waist, hips and thighs. You can easily find your Glamory size using your height and weight.
1. The all-rounder: tights for curvy body types
Women with generous curves need one thing above all: confidence in the hold. Nothing is worse than a waistband that rolls down. Look out for these features:
- The comfort waistband: a wide, extra-stretchy waistband prevents digging in at the tummy and makes sure nothing rolls down.
- A higher denier in the brief section: even if you want a sheer 20 denier look on your legs, a reinforced brief section provides more stability and gently shapes.
- Matt vs. shine: matt finishes "absorb" light and make the leg look calmer and often a little slimmer. Shine emphasises curves – which looks fantastic when you want to show off your legs!
2. For "tall & curvy" women
Are you over 1.75 m tall and wear plus sizes? Then your most common problem is probably that the crotch of your tights slips down as you walk, because the legs of the tights are simply too short. Here's the solution:
- Super stretch and extra length: look specifically for products designed for long legs. The material needs to be highly elastic (a high elastane content).
- Flat seams: as there is more tension on the material with long legs, flat seams prevent pressure marks and friction.
A helpful article from Brigitte mainly explains jeans fits, but the principle of proportions transfers perfectly to tights: know your leg length!
3. For "petite & curvy" women
If you are on the shorter side (under 1.65 m) and have curves, you often have to deal with fabric bunching at the ankles. To find the right tights that visually lengthen you, use these tricks:
- Monochrome look: wear shoes and tights in the same colour. This makes your legs look much longer.
- No horizontal stripes: avoid patterns that divide the leg horizontally. Choose subtle vertical patterns or seamed tights instead.
- High waist: tights that reach up to your waist visually lengthen your lower body more than a low-rise style.
4. The hourglass figure
Do you have a narrow waist but wide hips and thighs? Congratulations on this feminine silhouette! Your challenge is often that the tights have to fit over your hips but then gape at the waist.
Your perfect match: look for styles with a very flexible waistband that hugs your waist closely without pressing. An extra-roomy brief section and a high elastane content adapt to the different measurements of hips and waist.
5. The apple figure
With this figure type, the focus tends to be on the midsection, while the legs are often slimmer. Here, the waistband must never press!
- High-waisted is a must: the waistband should sit high enough to gently enclose the tummy rather than "dividing" it.
- Supportive function: light support tights can work wonders here, as they gently shape the tummy area and relieve the back without constricting the legs.
Conclusion: the proof is in the wearing
Choosing the right tights is a combination of style, fit and technical material. Don't be afraid to try different deniers and materials. Because the right tights don't just bring out your outer beauty – they boost your confidence too.
👗 Discover our specialist plus size collection at Glamory – we develop tights in sizes 40 to 62 that solve real problems. Find the right tights for your curves now!
FAQ – frequently asked questions about fit
Which tights are ideal for very full thighs?
Look for tights with an extra-roomy brief section for plus sizes (standard with us, with a cotton gusset). A high elastane content is important so that the fabric stretches at the thigh rather than tearing.
How do I stop my tights slipping down at the crotch?
A crotch that slips down is usually a sign that the tights are too short or too tight at the thigh. If in doubt, go one size up. Glamory sizes are already generously cut – you can easily find your size using your height and weight in our size calculator.
Are there tights that make you look slimmer?
Yes, matt, dark tights (black, navy, charcoal) have a natural slimming effect. There are also support tights with gentle support (support class 1), which create a smooth silhouette.
Which tights are best for an apple figure?
Go for styles with an extra-high waistband (high waist). These don't roll down under your tummy but gently enclose it, creating a smooth silhouette under dresses.