Every curvy woman knows the problem: you put on your new dress in the morning, full of anticipation, but the joy doesn't last long. Your tights slip with every step, the waistband rolls up uncomfortably under your tummy or the seams chafe. If you are looking for women's tights that really suit your proportions, you have come to the right place. At Glamory, we know from many years of experience that plus size fashion must never be a standard size that has simply been cut wider. Real hosiery for curvy women takes expertise, high-quality materials and a well-thought-out fit.
In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know about the perfect women's tights, from the right DEN and the best styling through to alternatives such as stay-ups. Say goodbye to compromises and discover hosiery you won't want to take off again!
Why excellent women's tights are essential
A good pair of tights is the foundation of every successful outfit. They gently shape, keep you warm on cool days and give your legs a flawless finish. But in plus sizes especially, conventional styles often fail to cope with the reality of female curves.
The problem with standard tights
For plus size women's tights, many manufacturers simply take the measurements of a size 38 and scale them up. The result? The legs are far too long, the brief section is cut too short and there isn't enough stretch around the thighs. That means constant tugging and pulling throughout the day, an absolute no-go for your confidence.
The Glamory solution: a real fit for curves
At Glamory, we have made it our mission to rethink hosiery. High-quality women's tights from Glamory stand out for a special brief section that offers plenty of extra room without sagging. Comfort seams that don't press and wide, soft waistbands make sure everything stays exactly where it should. Explore our range and browse our classic women's tights to feel the difference for yourself.
How to find your Glamory size
You don't need a tape measure for Glamory tights. Your size is based on your height and weight. Enter both into the size calculator and you will see your size straight away:
Loading size calculator.
Prefer to look it up yourself? Find your height on the left and follow the row to the right until you reach your weight. Your size is at the top of that column.
| Height | M (EU 40-42) |
L (EU 44-46) |
XL (EU 48-50) |
2XL (EU 52-54) |
3XL (EU 56-58) |
4XL (EU 60-62) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 to 154 cm | 60 to 79 kg | 80 to 89 kg | 90 to 109 kg | 110 to 124 kg | 125 to 134 kg | 135 to 154 kg |
| 155 to 159 cm | 65 to 79 kg | 80 to 89 kg | 90 to 109 kg | 110 to 124 kg | 125 to 134 kg | 135 to 154 kg |
| 160 to 164 cm | 60 to 69 kg | 70 to 89 kg | 90 to 109 kg | 110 to 124 kg | 125 to 139 kg | 140 to 154 kg |
| 165 to 169 cm | 50 to 69 kg | 70 to 89 kg | 90 to 104 kg | 105 to 119 kg | 120 to 134 kg | 135 to 154 kg |
| 170 to 174 cm | 50 to 69 kg | 70 to 84 kg | 85 to 99 kg | 100 to 114 kg | 115 to 129 kg | 130 to 149 kg |
| 175 to 179 cm | 50 to 64 kg | 65 to 79 kg | 80 to 94 kg | 95 to 109 kg | 110 to 124 kg | 125 to 144 kg |
| 180 to 184 cm | 55 to 69 kg | 70 to 89 kg | 90 to 104 kg | 105 to 119 kg | 120 to 139 kg | |
| 185 to 189 cm | 60 to 69 kg | 70 to 89 kg | 90 to 104 kg | 105 to 119 kg | 120 to 139 kg | |
| 190 to 194 cm | 65 to 74 kg | 75 to 89 kg | 90 to 99 kg | 100 to 114 kg | 115 to 134 kg | |
| 195 to 199 cm | 70 to 84 kg | 85 to 99 kg | 100 to 109 kg | 110 to 129 kg | ||
| from 200 cm | 70 to 79 kg | 80 to 94 kg | 95 to 109 kg | 110 to 124 kg |
A few examples: at 1.68 m and 85 kg you are a size L (EU 44-46), at 1.75 m and 100 kg a size 2XL (EU 52-54) and at 1.80 m and 115 kg a size 3XL (EU 56-58). At the same weight, a taller woman often needs the next size up, because the tights also have to fit in length. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. You will find the complete table with all values in kg and cm, plus the conversions to UK, FR and US sizes, in the size chart.
Common fit problems and what helps
- The waistband rolls down at your tummy: usually the tights are too tight there. Go up a size. Find out more in our guide when your tights roll down at the tummy.
- The crotch of your tights slips down: they are too short or too tight around the thighs, so you can't pull them all the way up. Check your size with the size calculator and, if in doubt, choose the next size up.
- Wrinkles at the ankle: spread the material evenly from bottom to top as you put them on. If that doesn't help, a size smaller may fit, as long as your hips and tummy allow it.
- Light patches on the thighs: the tights are being stretched too much there. A larger size or a higher DEN helps. You can read why in DEN in tights explained.
Tips for your figure
Tall and curvy
If you are taller than 1.75 m, the crotch often slides down because the legs of the tights are too short. At Glamory, your height is part of how your size is worked out, and the size chart goes up to over 2 m. So go by the size calculator or the table, not just your dress size.
Petite
If you are petite and curvy, wrinkles at the ankles are more likely to be the issue. Spread the material evenly along your leg. Shoes and tights in the same colour make your legs look longer, and tights that reach up to your waist lengthen the leg more than a hip-height style.
Narrow waist, wide hips
Your tights need to fit over your hips and thighs without gaping at the waist. Look for a roomy brief section and a waistband that hugs your body without pressing.
Fuller tummy, slimmer legs
Here, the waistband must never press. It should sit high enough to enclose your tummy rather than cut across it. If you spend a lot of time sitting or standing, support tights such as the Vital 40 with gentle support (support class 1) are a comfortable choice.
Which DEN is right for me? The big women's tights guide
The abbreviation "DEN" (denier) tells you how sheer or opaque a pair of women's tights is. The lower the number, the more transparent the material. We show you which thickness to choose for which occasion. Explained in detail with a table: DEN in tights.
Sheer elegance: 20 DEN
For special occasions, the office or mild spring and autumn days, sheer tights are the best choice. They settle over your legs like a delicate layer of make-up and conceal small irregularities. An absolute bestseller for an elegant appearance is our glossy Glamory Satin 20 sheer tights. They give you a luxurious shimmer along with the tried-and-tested Glamory comfort.
Semi-opaque: 40 DEN
The happy medium! 40 DEN women's tights are ideal for the transitional seasons. They still let your skin show through slightly, but are much more robust and warmer than a 20 DEN pair. Perfect for everyday wear or cooler evenings. Take a look at our Glamory Satin 40 sheer tights, which combine durability with a refined look.
Opaque and warm: 60 DEN and up
In winter or on windy days, you need women's tights that keep you warm and are opaque. These styles go brilliantly with chunky knitted dresses or winter skirts. For freezing days, we recommend our opaque Glamory Vital 70 with gentle support (support class 1).
Alternatives to classic women's tights
Sometimes a pair of tights just isn't the right choice, whether on very warm days or because you generally want to avoid any slight pressure on your tummy. Fortunately, there are fantastic alternatives designed especially for curvy women.
Stay-ups
Stay-ups end at the thigh and are held securely in place by silicone bands (the so-called top band). They are airy, exciting and perfect under close-fitting dresses, as no waistband can show through. Discover our stay-ups for curvy women with extra-wide thigh areas that don't dig in.
Stockings
For that extra touch of seduction and a hint of vintage feeling, stockings are the perfect choice. They are worn with a suspender belt and give your legs maximum freedom. In our collection of plus size stockings, you will find styles that fit perfectly. One highlight for special moments is our Glamory Perfect 20 stockings.
4 care and styling tips for your women's tights
- Put them on properly: gather your tights from the waistband down to the toes, then gently slip them over your foot. Never yank at the waistband; instead, carefully work the fabric up from the bottom.
- Watch out for rough hands: ideally, wear fine cotton gloves when putting them on, or at least make sure your fingernails and jewellery don't snag the fine material of your tights.
- Wash them correctly: it's best to wash your tights in a laundry bag on a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees. Never use fabric softener! It attacks the elastane fibres and makes the tights go loose and baggy more quickly.
- Dry them flat: lay your tights flat on a drying rack or a towel. Avoid direct heat from radiators or the tumble dryer, as it dries out the material.
Conclusion: your perfect women's tights are waiting for you
Whether you are looking for classic women's tights that are sheer, semi-opaque or cosy and warm, what matters is that they feel like a second skin. The right fit, developed specifically for plus sizes, makes the difference between a tiresome day of tugging and a day full of confidence and comfort. Discover the variety of Glamory hosiery and treat your curves to the women's tights they truly deserve.
Frequently asked questions about women's tights (FAQ)
What makes good plus size women's tights?
Good plus size women's tights, such as Glamory's styles, stand out for a specially designed brief section that isn't simply scaled up. Wide, soft waistbands, flat seams and plenty of stretch in the thigh area prevent digging in, slipping and chafing.
Which DEN is suitable for which occasion?
For elegant occasions and the office, choose sheer 20 DEN women's tights. For everyday wear and the transitional seasons, a semi-opaque 40 DEN pair is ideal. In winter or for an opaque look, go for styles from 60 DEN.
How do I wash my tights correctly?
Always wash your tights in a laundry bag on a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees. Don't use fabric softener, as it destroys the elastane fibres, and dry them flat in the open air, not in the tumble dryer or on the radiator.