What distinguishes the various types of tights? Deniers, the difference between the various materials available, workmanship and textures all contribute to giving tights their distinctive look, making each model suitable for radically different circumstances and occasions. In this brief feature, we will focus on deniers, a unit of measurement that is as widespread as it is "mysterious": discover the characteristics and ideal uses of each texture.
What are the deniers of stockings?
It is impossible to buy a pair of tights without coming across the word "den" associated with a number. Anyone who habitually wears stockings already knows that low numbers correspond to a sheer texture, while larger numbers indicate denser, more mellow weaves that reveal less and less of the leg underneath as the amount of denier increases. This insight, however, does not answer a rather common question: why are stockings measured in deniers? Or, taking it a step further back, what exactly are deniers?
Here's the mystery revealed: this is an ancient unit of measurement that we inherited from the French silk industry, used to indicate the weight of nine kilometres of a given yarn expressed in grams: for example, if the weight of 9000 metres of a certain yarn is equivalent to 50 grams, tights made from this material will be called "50 DEN".
Now that we know how the deniers of stockings work, we can move on to advice on how to choose them.
How to choose the deniers of stockings
As we have already mentioned, the lower the denier count of the yarn, the thinner and more impalpable the resulting stocking will be. Currently, according to the number of deniers, tights are divided into three main categories: sheer, semi-sheer and opaque; distinctions to which ultra-sheer and extra-opaque tights can be added. Discover their main features and recommended uses:
- sheer or ultra-sheer tights (8-20 den): flesh-coloured sheer tights are almost completely transparent and are particularly useful for concealing skin imperfections in cases where the illusion of a bare leg is to be preserved. Particularly popular in the classic total black version, however, sheer tights are perfect for both everyday engagements and formal occasions.
- semi-sheer tights (20-40 den): semi-sheer tights are an excellent compromise for maintaining a sophisticated look without sacrificing the thermal value of a heavier yarn. Generally considered more casual than sheer, the fashion world has cleared them for almost every situation throughout the winter period.
- opaque tights (+40 den): opaque tights are particularly appreciated by people who feel the cold or who want to achieve a particularly slimming effect. Great for daytime and informal occasions, they can be worn with any outfit that is not overly formal.
Do you have a clearer idea of how to choose stocking densities and are you ready to take action? Click here to explore the Endless catalogue and find the right proposals for you.