Ladies tights have come a long way from the days of World War II, when they were such a costly rarity that women were forced to paint their legs with gravy browning in an attempt to get the look.
Ladies tights have always been, and probably always will be, a fashion staple that no woman can do without. Given that tights come in a vast range of colours and patterns, these days, how best do you care for those delicate items of hosiery?
My grandmother, raised in the days when an expensive pair of nylons had to be treated with kid gloves, swore that the best way to keep the delicate fabric in tip top condition and prolong their life was to keep them in the fridge! These days, ladies tights are more resistant to wear and tear – as long as you remember to keep finger – and toe – nails neatly trimmed and smooth, of course.
However, to get the best from your tights, don’t simply consign them to the washing machine along with the family’s general wash – treat your hosiery with care and they’ll last far longer than you might expect. After each wear, hand wash tights gently in warm soapy water, using a hand wash liquid formulated for delicate fabrics. If time’s short, or you’re caught on the hop, a drop of shampoo will do the job, too. Don’t rub or wring your tights, just let them soak for a few moments. Rinse well in clean, warm water [don't use fabric conditioner as it'll make the nylon sag] and roll in a towel to remove excess moisture. Dry flat, or at least, hang them so that the legs don’t stretch out of shape – Nora Batty’s look is not one to copy!
If you really must wash ladies tights in a machine, invest in a lingerie sachet which will keep them separate from the rest of the wash, and minimise the risk of snags and tears from other clothing.