Whether you’ve treated yourself to a thick pair of black opaque or sheer plus size tights, there’s nothing more irritating than a rip that appears a few minutes after you’ve assembled your outfit! But never fear, here are some of the best ways to avoid your tights ripping.
Buy quality tights
By far, the best way to avoid ripped plus size tights is to choose high-quality pairs from a reputable brand. Everything from sheer plus size tights to coloured opaques and fashion tights is affected by the quality of the nylon, extra materials, and manufacturing method. Generally speaking, if you pay more for your plus size tights, you’ll find they last longer. Ensure you buy well-fitting plus size tights too. If they are too short or small, the fabric has to stretch too much, and this can increase the risk of rips.
Try the freezer method
Dancers often try this unusual method to maximise the lifespan of their hard-working dance tights. Simply fold your new tights and place them in a bowl before soaking them with water. Wring them out, and then put them in a sandwich bag. Pop them in the freezer for 24 hours and then use warm water to defrost the tights before allowing them to air dry. This tends to make them more durable. Why? Apparently, the cold temperature strengthens the tights’ fibres!
The wet hands method
Those in the know apply tights with slightly wet hands so that the tights stick to your skin slightly and you can adjust them easily without a ladder. This also prevents broken nails! Winning all round.
Use hairspray
Hairspray is a favourite for preventing ladders and tears. You can use them to strengthen a new pair of tights and to prevent a small tear from getting bigger. Ballerinas tend to use hairspray to protect their vital tights while they dance and they spray strong-hold spray onto small and emerging ladders before they get worse. Go light, though! No one wants a crispy pair of tights!
Which method will you try?