Tights are the accessory that completes every elegant look, but their fragility is legendary. Often, the cause of breakage is not just wear and tear, but also improper care during washing and storage.
Caring for nylon or Lycra tights and hold-ups requires gentleness and attention. By following these simple care steps, you can significantly extend the life of your favorite tights, keeping them looking new longer.
1. Washing: Hand washing is best, machine washing only with protection
For thinner (10-20 denier) and more expensive tights, hand washing remains the safest solution.
Maximum Delicacy Against Stretch Marks:
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Hand Wash (Recommended Method):
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Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (never hot, as it damages the elastic).
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Add a delicate detergent or one specifically designed for silk/wool items.
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Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub only your feet and waist.
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Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
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Machine Wash (Quick Method):
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Turn the tights inside out.
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Always place them in a mesh bag for delicates to protect them from zippers or hooks.
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Use the Delicate/Wool cycle and cold water, with a very low spin speed.
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2. Drying and Using Fabric Softener
Elasticity is the key to the durability of tights, and heat is its sworn enemy.
Preserve Elastane (Lycra):
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No Chemical Fabric Softeners: Fabric softener can damage elastic fibers. An effective alternative is to add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften the fabric.
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Natural Drying: Never use a dryer or dry tights near heat sources. Heat degrades nylon and Lycra.
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Drying Method: Gently wring them out by patting them dry with a clean towel. Then, hang them to dry, avoiding clothespins.
3. Storage: Fold or Roll?
Even the way you store your tights in the drawer can affect their integrity.
Protect from "Hidden Holes":
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The Bag or Box: Don't leave loose pantyhose in the drawer with bras or other items that might have hooks. Gently roll them up and place them in a small cloth bag or separate box.
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The Ice Trick: If you notice a small run, you can freeze the pantyhose in a plastic bag overnight. The cold temporarily strengthens the fibers, making them less likely to unravel further.
Durability is a Matter of Small Gestures
Caring for thin pantyhose isn't complicated, but it does require discipline in following gentle washing and air drying. By hand-washing or using a protective bag in the washing machine, and storing them away from sharp objects, your pantyhose will thank you with a much longer lifespan and fewer unexpected runs.
If your tights need a refresh, discover our collection of tights and hold-ups in durable fibers and with different deniers for every season!
