Hi,

As someone from the US but spending more and more time in the UK and likely to be based here for a while I have a question. Would someone please explain the "denier" system for me as we don't use it in the states. I get the impression it refers to the thickness of the weave. Is that correct?

Then whats normal? e.g. if I want to buy regular hose or tights what should I aim for? I don't mean heavier weight ones but just your average regular everyday neutral tights. And I get the impression this applies to knee highs too. So I need just regular ones to wear with shoes do I aim for the same as tight? I don't want them thick.

Sorry if this seems a silly boring question but I need to know

Thanks

Hi there, and welcome to the board.

Its not a silly question at all, I don't think many people actually know what 'denier' means when it comes to tights, I certainly don't!  So I have looked it up!

"The UK dictionary definition of “denier” is “a measure of the thickness of the weave of nylon, silk, etc. thread, especially that which is used in making stockings or tights” (from Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary).

The lowest denier tights you can get are 5 denier.....Not surprisingly the 5 denier tights are called Almost Naked Tights and they are designed for a bare leg look Opaque, denier tights are generally more robust and definitely warmer than sheer tights so usually not worn in summer, but any time from autumn through to spring. Just like sheer tights, opaque tights can be made from all sorts of different materials such as wool, silk, cotton, nylon, Lycra or a combination of materials." (taken from funkytights.co.uk)

So hope that helps you ....and others!

Fi

Thanks so much for that! You know I'm just used to going down the street to the supermarket here and grabbing a pack of "regular" tights whatever that means. No complicated numbers etc. In reality I guess the denier system is more precise once you know what it means. Last time I was in London I did get some knee highs, I think they were 15 or 20 dont remember exactly but more to the point they were about what I would normally wear. Seams like I not the only one who's confused!

Sally