Welcome to the Glamory blog! Today we are looking at an important topic: how to care for your tights so your favourite pairs stay beautiful for longer. We know that hosiery is not just clothing for you, but an essential accessory that gives your outfit the perfect finishing touch.
Quality matters especially with plus size tights. The fabric is under more strain because it has to adapt perfectly to your curves. So that you can enjoy your Glamory styles for a long time and give ladders no chance, we have put together the ultimate care tips for you.
Why does caring for your tights matter so much?
Fine fibres such as polyamide and elastane are little marvels of technology: they are stretchy, keep their shape and feel soft. But they have natural enemies: heat, friction and sharp edges. With the right routine, you not only save money because you need to buy new pairs less often, you also make sure your tights keep their elegant sheen and perfect fit.
Know your materials: care tips for tights
Before we get into specific tips, it helps to understand what your tights are made of. Most of our high-quality plus size tights are made from polyamide and elastane. Polyamide makes them soft and durable, while elastane is responsible for keeping their shape and fitting perfectly. Both fibres need special care to keep their stretch.
The 7 golden rules: care tips for tights in detail
1. Washing: by hand or in the machine?
The safest method is always a gentle hand wash. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent for delicates. Important: only press the tights gently in the water, never wring or rub them!
Reality check: If you do need to use the washing machine, always use a laundry bag. Choose a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C and skip the fabric softener: it attacks the elastic fibres and makes your tights lose their shape.
2. Take care when putting them on: the "kid glove" trick
Most damage happens when you are putting your tights on. Rough hands, torn fingernails or sharp-edged jewellery (rings, watches) are a risk.
Our pro tip: Wear thin cotton gloves when putting on your tights. Roll them up completely first, then work your way up slowly and evenly from the toe over the leg. Do not tug sharply at the waistband!
3. Enemies in your shoes: the invisible danger
Make sure your shoes have no rough spots inside. Velcro, zips on boots or a rough insole quickly lead to pilling (little bobbles) or holes at the heel and toes.
4. Treat stains straight away
A small stain on your tights? Treat it straight away, but gently. Carefully dab the spot with a mild stain remover or a little soap and water. Never rub hard, as this roughens the fibres and makes the area look dull later.
5. Drying properly: no heat, please!
Wet tights are delicate. Most important of all: never put them in the tumble dryer or on the radiator! The heat destroys the elastane and your tights lose their stretch.
Instead, lay your damp tights flat on a terry towel and let them air dry. Do not hang them up wet on the line, as the weight of the water can stretch the legs.
6. Store them properly
Do not just stuff your tights into a drawer. Rough wooden drawers can pull threads. Ideally, store them rolled or folded in a fabric organiser. Keep fine tights separate from bras or clothes with hooks and eyes.
7. Rotation: give them a break
Alternate between your tights regularly. If the fibres have time to "recover" (contract again) after wearing and washing, they keep their shape much longer.
Care tips for different types of tights
Care tips for 10–20 denier tights
Ultra-sheer tights of 10 to 20 denier are particularly delicate. You should only ever wash these silky, sheer styles by hand, never in the machine. Only wear them with well-groomed fingernails and smooth shoes. You can stop a small ladder straight away with clear nail varnish.
Care tips for 40–70 denier tights
Tights of 40 to 70 denier are more durable and have several advantages. You can machine wash them at 30°C in a laundry bag. Still, watch out for sharp edges in shoes and when storing them. These medium to heavy weights are ideal for everyday wear and last especially long with the right care.
Care tips for tights with special functions
Crotchless tights and support tights need particular attention. With crotchless styles, the delicate opening is especially vulnerable, so avoid sharp-edged underwear and wash them extra gently. Support tights lose their medical effect if exposed to too much heat, so sticking strictly to the temperature instructions is essential.
FAQ: common questions about caring for tights
How often should I wash my tights?
After every wear if they were worn directly against the skin. For tights worn over another layer, washing after every 2–3 wears is enough, as long as there are no stains.
Can I iron tights?
Basically, no! The heat of the iron destroys the elastane. You can remove light creases on the lowest setting with the tights still damp and a cloth in between, but our advice is: dry them flat instead, and you will hardly get any creases.
What should I do about ladders?
Immediate action: take your tights off and seal the ends of the ladder with clear nail varnish. Then put them straight in the wash, but never keep wearing them, as the ladder will only get bigger.
Conclusion: a little effort, a big difference with the right care
Glamory Hosiery uses high-quality materials to ensure durability and comfort up to size 62. But even the best quality needs a little love. If you follow these care tips for your tights, you will see the difference: your tights will reward you with a beautiful look and a perfect fit, week after week. Keep your legs wrapped in elegance and enjoy your style!