The Perfect Pair of Black Opaque Tights denier 50+ Definition of Denier

Its hard to find the perfect pair of black opaque tights. All too often they can be too sheer, or if they are too dark look blue! 


When searching for the perfect pair of opaque black tights it's important take note of the Denier.


Denier is the unit of measurement of hosiery. The unit measures the thickness/weight of a finely spun fiber nylon, silk or spandex. They begin as low as 5 and can go as high 110+.  The higher the Denier, the thicker more opaque the tight, and the lower the number the more transparent. From sheer to opaque.


When it comes to black tights, the denier can make the outfit.

Wolford 5 Denier

Sheer black tights in a 5-10 denier are perfect for the conservative office.

Wolford 15 Denier

10-20 denier always make me think of an old Italian Grandma dressed all in black ( Sorry Grandma!)

Wolford 20 Denier

20-30 are sophisticated enough for evening, especially if they have a little sparkle.

30 Denier "The Brooklyn"? LOL

Jonathan Aston 40 Denier

Wolford 50 Denier

40-60 Denier are a classy addition to any hipster ensemble

Gatta Microfiber 60 Denier

Notice how microfiber looks heavier then regular nylon or rayon blends

Pamela Mann 80 Denier Tights

Microfiber 100 Denier

...and finally the 100 Den, as we say, are great for anyone and are a staple of any good hosiery collection,

 

Falke 110 Denier

Whenever I wear 100 Den I think of  that lady we all see on the train all in black with tiny sophisicated glasses and a chunky necklace off to curate a show at MAD or MOMA, maybe this will be Kate, my sister, in a few years!


Tonight's tights are my Commando Ink Black Tights from PeekBrooklyn.Com. They are soft durable and opaque black enough to make it acceptable to wear open toe shoes. Voted best opaque tights by Lucky Magazine!

General rule of thumb, if you wear open toe shoes please make sure they are sandal foot!

If you love opaque tights also check out the B.Ella 90 Denier

They are the softest black opaque tight around!

Care and Maintenance of Hosiery Part 1

When you have as many pairs of tights, leggings, hold-ups and socks as I do the care and maintenance are very important in the longevity of every pair. Today, I washed roughly 40 pairs. Its a big task when it come time to wash them so I wait until I have accumulated a few pairs.


Now, don't think I am standing over a sink all day with a basin and bottle of woolight. I do "hand-wash" a few pair, especially if they have a snag or they are on the "older" side of my collection. For the bulk of them I put them into a "washable net bag" and put them in the washing machine on the "hand wash" setting. Only a few pairs at a time, so they don't get tangled or torn.

The best detergent to use is Woolight for darks (when your tight etc are dark colors of course). I always allow them to soak post wash to get all of the detergent. Then you never want put hosiery in the dryer. This is where possible shrinkage can happen as well as possible tearing. SO I always line dry, I allow them to dry for at least 48 hours.

Finally I put them back into the system I have created for storing them. Which consists of plastic baggies, post its and a wonderful organizational system for Ikea. This is another post, I plan on doing for the end of the season!

My tights are as much a part of my outfit as my shoes or handbag, and I try to treat them that way. All 300 plus pairs of them!