An embarrassing fashion faux pas that even style icons don’t talk about or consider much is the sizing of undergarments like fashion tights. Of course, we need to get the right size when it comes to our tops and jeans, but rarely do we realize that a badly sized pair of tights can look gauche as well.
For one, tights that are too small can dig into your skin and cause excess fat around your tummy to hang over the waistband. On the other hand, loose tights will look and feel slightly baggier, making your outfit appear uncoordinated and frumpy.
Ill-fitting tights are not only aesthetically displeasing and restrictive, but they can also be harmful. To be specific, wearing tights that are too small for you can cause discomfort and potential health issues. For example, the excess pressure applied to your waist can cause heartburn and difficulty breathing.
If you feel like your tights may be in the wrong size, then this article is for you. Here are a few tips and tricks to find out whether your tights are a good fit or not:
Stretch Them Out with Your Hand
Before putting your tights on, you’ll want to stretch them out first to see whether the fabric is elastic enough and of good quality. One way to do this is by putting your hand in the leg of your tights. Then, open your hand while it’s still inside the tights. If it’s the right size and of good quality, the fabric of the tights shouldn’t suddenly become see-through. However, if you can see your hand through the fabric, it’s time for you to get a size up.
The same advice applies to identifying loose tights. Instead of checking whether the fabric becomes too sheer, you’ll want to see if the fabric is tight enough. If your hand barely stretches the fabric, look for a pair that’s a little tighter on you.
Try Stretching and Squatting in Them
Take your most-used pair of tights from your closet to test whether they’ll rip under pressure. Put them on and do some stretches or squats while wearing them. While you aren’t necessarily expected to work out with tights on, doing a little bit of extreme movement will show you if the tights are made of faulty fabric or are simply too small for you.
On the other hand, finding out if your tights are too loose is a bit easier. Simply look at whether any extra fabric is hanging loose around your crotch area. Remember that tights, as the name suggests, are meant to be skintight. So, you shouldn’t see any unwanted bumps or loose fabric if your pair is in the correct size.
See If They Sag or Roll Down on Their Own
If you tend to pull up the waistband of your tights when wearing them, that might be a sign that your tights are too loose. Before you try this next tip, make sure you’re in the comfort and privacy of your own room.
Once you’re ready, put on your tights and stand in front of a mirror. You should be able to clearly see how your tights sit on your waist. Now, without touching the waistband, stand and move around a bit while watching your reflection. If the waistband starts inching down bit by bit, to the point that they’re starting to roll down your body, then the tights may be too big for you.
The ideal skintight tights should cling on to your waist, but they shouldn’t squeeze the air out of you. Instead, it should sit comfortably on your waist without pinching your skin or rolling down whenever you move around. You also shouldn’t have to adjust it or pull it up constantly to keep it on. If your tights tend to sag or roll down to your ankles, then they’re too loose. It could also be that the fabric rolls down because it can’t quite cinch at your waist.
How to Find Tights in the Right Size
Now that we’ve talked about how to know if your tights fit you well, how exactly do you find out your exact tights size?
First, grab some measuring tape and measure the circumference of your waist and hips as well as the length of your legs. Make sure to do this as accurately as you can. For example, you should measure your hips at their fullest point and your waist at its narrowest point.
Once you have these measurements, jot them down and keep them handy. Then, look up your online store of choice and pull up their sizing charts. Before you finalize any order, always cross-reference between your recorded measurements and those on the store’s sizing charts. This should give you a clearer idea of whether a pair of tights will fit well on you or not.
Another way to get a more accurate picture of how a particular pair of tights will fit you is by checking online reviews of them. People who have bought those tights before will likely have something to say about the size and fit of it. They may even upload photos of themselves and post their own measurements to help other buyers make more informed shopping decisions.
Final Words
When shopping for tights, don’t just focus on the design and color. The size and fit are equally important. After all, wearing tights that make you look good isn’t so fun if they don’t feel good on you.
If you currently own tights that don’t fit well, you don’t necessarily have to toss them into the trash. Find out whether a local thrift shop or secondhand store near you will accept them. Better yet, try donating them to your charity of choice. Of course, if the tights already have holes, rips, tears, and ladders, you’re better off either upcycling them or disposing of them properly.
The next time you go shopping for new tights, just keep all the above pointers in mind. With enough patience, you’re bound to find tights that fit you perfectly. Good luck with your search!
