PB STYLING

When to wear which tights - the do’s and don’ts!

Tights - you either love them or you don’t! In the fashion world, some women never wear tights and prefer bare legs with every look. But don’t underestimate the powerful styling impact of this “small” wardrobe piece.

Close-up van benen in visnetpanty’s en oversized witte trui, stijlvolle combinatie van comfort en glamour tegen een neutrale achtergrond.

When to wear which tights? how to choose the right pair?

The selection of tights is incredibly extensive, which can make choosing the right pair challenging. Common questions include: Which tights should you wear? How many denier? What color tights? Tights or stockings? Finding the perfect pair is no easy task.

Comfort is just as important as style, and at PB, we understand this better than anyone. Whether you opt for thin tights or thicker ones, a comfortable fit is essential. That’s why we’ve selected tights from brands like FALKE and Wolford - brands that understand the female body and prioritize comfort alongside style.

When it comes to tights, details matter. Our collection includes tights with cotton gussets, flat seams, and soft toe finishes for ultimate comfort. All are made from high-quality materials to minimize the risk of runs or tears.

When to wear which tights: It’s all about balance

When choosing tights, styling is all about finding the right balance: the amount of skin you show and the thickness - or denier - of the tights should complement each other within an outfit. The denier number indicates the thickness of the tights: the lower the denier, the thinner the tights; the higher the denier, the thicker they are.

Not every pair of tights works with every outfit, and not every outfit suits every type of tights. While tights may be a small part of your look, they play a key role in shaping the overall vibe of your outfit. Here are three examples to help you make the best choice:


  • Avoid opaque tights with a sleeveless dress that shows bare arms, as the dress reveals a lot of skin and opaque tights will appear too heavy for this style. Opt instead for semi-sheer tights

  • Avoid a wool dress with long sleeves paired with "bare-leg-look" tights, as a wool dress is warm and cozy, with a density that clashes with the sheer, lightweight appearance of skin-tone tights. In this case, opaque tights are a better match

  • Avoid a wool dress with long sleeves paired with "bare-leg-look" tights, as a wool dress is warm and cozy, with a density that clashes with the sheer, lightweight appearance of skin-tone tights. In this case, opaque tights are a better match

When to wear which tights: match the tights to the occasion

When to wear which tights: match the tights to the occasion:

  • Avoid pairing patterned tights with a tailored skirt suit, as you want to project a professional appearance. Patterned tights add a playful touch that doesn’t align with an office look

  • Do not wear stay-ups with a linen dress, as linen is the ultimate summer fabric and doesn’t require tights. Additionally, the style of stay-ups doesn’t match the casual vibe of linen

  • Know your body type to either accentuate or flatter your legs. Check out the different body types and their characteristics here!

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Always match your tights with the material and silhouette of your dress or skirt for the ultimate wow effect! Think of pairing a cozy wool dress with knitted tights and a chic evening gown with ultra-sheer tights.

When to wear which tights: a wide range of options, from tights to stay-ups

The selection of tights is incredibly diverse. Think of the various types, such as tights, stay-ups, patterned, and skin-tone options. Additionally, there’s a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and material compositions to choose from. Explore the different types of tights and select the perfect pair or tights for the occasion, your outfit, or your body type!

Model in een oversized witte trui en visnetpanty’s, zittend in een ontspannen pose, combinatie van casual en edgy stijl tegen een witte achtergrond.

1. When to wear which tights: tights

From ultra-sheer 15 denier tights to opaque 100 denier options, tights always look chic, enhance your outfit, add warmth, and flatter your legs.


Tips for buying tights   

  • Match the color of your tights with your shoes to create the illusion of longer legs

  • Choose opaque tights for a slimming effect 

  • Opt for tights in a neutral color with a neutral texture and matte finish for office looks

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Tights

2. When to wear which tights: stockings

In colder weather, you can opt for thick tights or stockings. Add warmth and style to your outfit with our selection of stockings, made from warm and comfortable materials. Stockings are often crafted from natural fibers such as merino wool, cotton, or cashmere, ensuring warmth and luxurious comfort.


Tips for buying stockings

  • Match the color of your stockings with your shoes to create the illusion of longer legs

  • Choose stockings for a slimming effect 

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Stockings

3. When to wear which tights: shaping tights

Enhance your silhouette and achieve a streamlined figure with our selection of shaping tights. These tights offer a "shaping" effect to flatter your figure, smooth out unevenness, and reduce the appearance of cellulite for beautifully smooth legs. Additionally, some tights come with reinforced panels to flatter and firm the stomach, hips, and thighs.


Tips for buying shaping tights 

  • Match the color of your tights with your shoes to create the illusion of longer legs

  • Opt for a neutral color and texture with a matte finish for office looks 

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Shaping tights

4. When to wear which tights: 'bare look' tights

Should you wear skin-tone tights? For us, it’s a definite yes! Achieve a 'sun-kissed' look with bare-leg-effect tights - these sheer, shiny tights provide a summer glow, a subtle shine, and a natural appearance. When styled correctly, skin-tone transparent tights fit seamlessly into the wardrobe of the modern woman.


Tips for buying 'bare look' tights   

  • Tips for buying skin-tone tights

  • Want to pair tights with open-toe shoes? Opt for toeless tights

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Nude colored 'bare look' tights

Close-up van zwarte Wolford glinsterende panty's met open zwarte IRO hakken, tegen een rode achtergrond.

5. Wanneer welke panty: fantasiepanty’s

Elevate your look with patterned tights - ranging from fishnet and colored options to printed designs. The selection of patterned tights is vast, offering everything from subtle prints to neutral or bold colors, fishnet styles, lace-like patterns, lurex, animal prints, and geometric designs. Use patterned tights to take your outfit to the next level or to complete a statement look.

 

Tips for buying patterned tights  

  • Opt for small prints to make your legs appear slimmer; the smaller the print, the more slender your legs will look

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Patterned tights

6. When to wear which tights: stay-ups

Stay-up tights are both sexy and comfortable to wear - not just for special occasions but even for everyday wear. Feel feminine and alluring!


Tips for buying stay-ups

  • Match the color of your stay-ups with your shoes to create the illusion of longer legs

  • Opt for a neutral color and texture with a matte finish for office looks

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Stay-ups

Model leunt tegen een muur in een zwarte Drykorn jas met transparante panty’s en hakken, elegante en minimalistische look tegen een lichte achtergrond.

When to wear which tights: general styling tips for tights

Tights not only add warmth but also flatter and accentuate your figure in the best possible way. To achieve the most stylish effect, keep these tips in mind when wearing tights:


  • White or light-colored tights can make your legs appear fuller; pair them with a tonal outfit and shoes to create the illusion of longer legs  

  • Avoid pairing dark tights with light-colored shoes, as this can make your legs look shorter

  • If you don’t want to highlight your legs, avoid tights with a glossy finish, large prints, or bright colors

  • Know your size. Always check the size chart - if available - to ensure the perfect fit

  • The colors of your tights and clothing should complement each other, avoiding excessive contrast for the most polished and stylish look

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Blog by:

Joyce

Joyce knows everything about different body types. She excels at providing smart styling tips and tricks to highlight your best features. Additionally, she is the go-to person for occasion outfits with that little extra something.