We’ve all been there. You put on your favourite pair of tights, only to find a dreaded run by the time you step out of the door. It’s frustrating, right? Tights are a wardrobe staple for many of us, but they often seem so fragile. It doesn’t have to be this way. With a little bit of know-how and some simple tricks, you can make your tights stronger and get more wear out of them. Whether you’re using them for fashion or function, let’s look at how to keep your tights intact and your fashion game strong.
1. Buy Quality Over Quantity
Before we even get into DIY hacks and care tips, let’s start at the source. Not all tights are created equal. Investing in a better quality pair can make all the difference. Cheaper tights might seem like a good deal in the moment, but they often rip or wear out much faster. Opt for tights with higher denier, the unit that measures fibre thickness. A higher denier means thicker, stronger fabric.
Look for tights made from high-quality materials like nylon, spandex, and elastane. These fabrics are known for their stretch and durability. Tights that blend these materials tend to last longer and resist snags.
2. Freeze Your Tights (No, Really!)
Yes, you read that right. One of the oldest tricks in the book for making your tights stronger is to freeze them. It sounds odd, but it works. Here’s how:
- Rinse your new tights under cold water and wring them out gently.
- Place the damp tights in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight.
- The next day, let them thaw and dry naturally before wearing.
The science behind this quirky method is that freezing tights strengthens the fibres, making them less prone to runs and tears. It’s a cheap and easy hack that can significantly extend their lifespan.
3. Handle With Care
Tights are delicate, and how you treat them will determine how long they last. Always handle them with care, especially when putting them on or taking them off. Avoid yanking them up aggressively—gently ease them over your legs instead.
It’s also essential to keep your nails trimmed and filed. Even a tiny snag from a sharp nail can ruin a pair of tights instantly. If you’re prone to hangnails or rough skin on your hands, consider wearing gloves while putting on your tights.
Another thing to watch out for is jewellery. Rings, bracelets, and even sharp zippers on your clothing can snag your tights. Take off any accessories or be extra cautious when wearing them around your legs.
4. Wash Smart, Not Hard
Washing tights improperly is one of the quickest ways to ruin them. Follow these tips to keep your tights in top shape:
- Handwash when possible. It might feel like a chore, but it’s worth it. Handwashing is gentler and helps prevent tears.
- Use cold water. Hot water can weaken the fibres, making them more likely to tear.
- Mild detergent is key. Harsh detergents can break down the elasticity of your tights over time. Use a gentle detergent to help maintain their strength.
- Avoid wringing them out. Instead of twisting and wringing your tights dry, gently press the water out. Twisting can stretch the fabric and cause sagging.
If you absolutely must wash them in a machine, put them in a lingerie bag and use a delicate cycle with cold water. Never tumble dry your tights—air drying is the way to go.
5. Use Clear Nail Polish for Minor Repairs
Despite your best efforts, sometimes a small tear or hole happens. Before you toss your tights in the bin, try this classic trick: use clear nail polish to stop the run from getting worse. Dab a little around the tear and let it dry. This will seal the hole and keep it from growing larger. While this won’t fix the tear completely, it can give you a bit more wear out of your tights before they reach their end.
6. Lotion Up
Dry skin can cause tights to catch and tear more easily. Applying a moisturiser before slipping on your tights can help them glide on without snagging. Just be sure to let the lotion absorb fully before putting the tights on—no one likes a sticky pair of legs!
7. Rotate and Rest
It might sound odd, but one way to extend the life of your tights is to give them a break. Like shoes, tights need time to recover their elasticity after being worn. If you wear the same pair day after day, the fibres get stretched out and are more likely to weaken. Rotating your tights and letting them rest in between wears will help maintain their structure and strength.
8. Choose the Right Fit
Wearing tights that are too small is a surefire way to cause them to rip. When they’re overstretched, the fibres weaken and are much more susceptible to damage. Make sure you’re choosing the right size for your body. If you’re in between sizes, always size up. Tights that are a bit looser will be more comfortable and last longer.
Final Thoughts
Tights don’t have to be a disposable item in your wardrobe. With a bit of care and some smart tricks, you can make them last longer, save money, and reduce waste. From freezing them to handwashing, these methods are easy to follow and effective. So, the next time you slip into a pair of tights, you can do so knowing they’ll stick around for more than just a few wears.
