Key Takeaways
- Use colorless nail polish, lacquer or transparent adhesive to stop the spinning and tighten the stitches.
- Apply sewing techniques such as egg white or thread and needle for lasting repairs.
- Adopt good maintenance and prevention practices to avoid sticky holes.
The French brand
Understanding the problem of holey or torn tights
Wearing tights is essential to complete an elegant outfit, but who has never experienced the frustration of spun tights or holes at worst moment ? A simple friction against a rough piece of furniture or a poorly filed nail is enough to damage this fragile mesh.
- 40% of tights do not last more than 3 uses before wearing off, according to a survey by the Stop Planned Obsolescence (HOP) association in 2018. [1]
- 104 million pairs of tights are thrown away each year in France, representing 7,315 tonnes of waste according to the same HOP survey. [1]
- 28% only tights exceed 6 uses according to the HOP survey, illustrating their lack of durability. [2]
Why is it important to repair tights?
Beyond the aesthetic aspect, repairing spun tights allows you to avoid waste and unnecessary expenses. It is also an ecological gesture to reduce our environmental impact. With the right tips, it is possible to give a second life to our favorite tights.
At
Recently, a loyal customer shared her experience with us with our fleece tights. She had been wearing the same pair for over two years for her winter running sessions.
Despite a few small snags, she was able to save them thanks to our maintenance and repair advice. 'Your tights are a real investment!' she told us.
This anecdote perfectly illustrates the ecological and economic benefits of extending the life of your tights, rather than constantly replacing them.
Also read: Which Way to Wear Tights?
4 home repair methods
Using nail polish
One of the quickest and most effective solutions is to apply colorless nail polish to the ends of the damaged mesh. Remove the sticky, highlight the hole and generously spray the varnish to fix the fibers. This simple method stops the spinning in its tracks.
Use of spray lacquer
Another effective tip for repairing spun tights is to use spray hairspray. This styling product offers a quick and practical solution to fix the fibers and prevent the hole from getting bigger.
The spray lacquer forms a thin protective film which tightens damaged mesh. Its application is very simple: remove the sticky, place the hole clearly, then spray liberally the hairspray above. Be sure to maintain a distance of approximately 15 cm for a perfect finish.
The advantage of lacquer is that it dries quickly in the open air. Once dry, the sticky regains its solidity without the risk of spinning further. This method is suitable for both small rips and large tears. In addition, the colorless lacquer remains discreet on tights of all colors.
Application of a transparent adhesive
As an alternative to varnish, you can also use an adhesive such as strong glue or adhesive tape. Apply a thin layer to the damaged area to consolidate it. This quick and inexpensive trick will strengthen your tights in no time.
Sewing techniques for tights with threads and needles
For a more durable repair, rely on techniques inspired by sewing. Use thread and a needle to mend the loose stitches. You can also apply egg white as a natural glue, by baking it with an iron and a piece of fabric.
Also read: What is the Warmest Tights?
Prevention and maintenance of tights
Tips to avoid snags
To extend the life of your tights and avoid unpleasant snags, a few simple precautions should be taken:
- Remove your jewelry before putting on your tights so as not to snag the mesh with your rings or bracelets.
- Cut your nails regularly to avoid making unintentional holes.
- Use a moisturizing cream on your hands and legs to make it easier to put on without forcing the fabric.
- Avoid excessive friction against rough surfaces such as wooden furniture.
- Opt for premium quality tights with a higher denier for more resistance.
Best maintenance practices
Proper maintenance is crucial to preserve the appearance and strength of your tights:
- Wash them by hand in lukewarm water with mild soap, avoiding aggressive detergents.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
- Wring gently without twisting so as not to deform the fibers.
- Dry flat, away from direct sunlight which could alter the colors.
- Iron at low temperature if necessary to tighten the stitches.
When is it time to say goodbye to your tights?
Even with the best care, there comes a time when your tights become beyond repair. Here are some signs that it's time to part ways:
- The holes and snags are increasing despite your repairs.
- The fabric frays and loses its original elasticity.
- The color fades or becomes dull despite gentle washing.
- The mesh become permanently distended at the knees or ankles.
Don't hang on to too damaged tights which risk failing you at the worst moment. Regularly renew your stock with quality models for an impeccable look.
At
The Oversized Hoodie® , we believe that proper care is the key to extending the life of your favorite tights. This is why we recommend delicate hand washing and drying flat, to preserve the elasticity and satin appearance of the knits.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: Tights or support stockings: Which one to choose?
Creative recycling of irreparable tights
Recycling ideas for sustainable living
Even when your tights are too damaged to repair, you can still give them a second life thanks to creative recycling. Instead of throwing them away, explore these eco-friendly ideas to reduce your waste and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle:
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Make reusable bags for your shopping by sewing together several pairs of tights. Lightweight and expandable, they are perfect for transporting fruits and vegetables.
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Turn your old tights into rags for cleaning. Their fine and resistant fabric captures dust effectively.
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Make dolls or decorations by stuffing the tights with scraps of fabric or wadding. Give free rein to your creativity!
Turning tights into fashion accessories
With a little imagination, you can also turn your used tights into trendy accessories:
- Recycle them into headbands for hair by cutting them into strips and tying them.
- Make braided bracelets for a bohemian touch to your look.
- Customize your bags or your shoes by sewing pieces of tights for an original effect.
Other domestic uses of used tights
tights can also be useful at home, even after their wearable life:
- Use them as filters for water by filling them with sand or gravel.
- Make tawashi sponges with strips of sticky for zero waste cleaning.
- Stuff cushions or soft toys with old tights to give them soft padding.
With a little ingenuity, you can reduce your waste while giving new life to your favorite tights. An ecological way to recycle them all the way!
Where to buy quality tights that don't spin easily?
Here are some brands known for their durable tights that will save you from many frustrating experiences:
-
The Oversized Hoodie ® offers fleece tights with non-fillable inner lining to cope with winter cold down to -15°C. The assurance of having a pair of sturdy, soft and warm tights. - Cygnes offers tights in natural fibers made in France, designed with a thread as strong as that used for climbing. Their promise? tights that you can wear at least 50 times without worry.
- Wolford, the famous Austrian brand, also offers tights ultra-resistant thanks to tight knitting for a perfect finish. Their Velvet de Luxe range in 66 deniers is particularly popular.
- For an essential fashion accessory at a low price, tights Well by Mariefrance for less than 7 euros also work wonders. Their ultra-strong mesh defies snags for an impeccable and discreet result.
- Finally, the Yade brand has developed an innovative method with tights 10 times more resistant than average, even in cases of strong t5>pull-ups.
Whatever the height of the hole or the inside of the tights is damaged, these high-end brands will save you from constant replacements. An ideal ally for compression stockings as well as for everyday tights!
As the founder of
The Oversized Hoodie® , I can assure you that our premium fleece tights are built to last. Thanks to tight knitting and durable fibers, you can wear them dozens of times without fear of snags or spinning.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: How to put on tights without snags?
Conclusion
Whether it is a simple small hole or a real wiring, you will have understood, many solutions exist to save your favorite tights. From quick tips like nail polish or spray lacquer to more elaborate sewing techniques, don't hesitate to arm yourself with creativity!
And to prevent rather than cure, rely on good maintenance, quality tights and the recycling of those that have become too damaged. Your legs will no longer have anything to envy of the models of the big catwalks!
| Solution | Method | Application | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorless nail polish | Application on damaged mesh | Remove the tights, apply the varnish | Stops spinning |
| Lacquer spray | Spray on the hole | Remove the tights, spray the hairspray | Tighten the stitches |
| Clear adhesive | Application on the damaged area | Apply a thin layer of adhesive | Consolidates the mesh |
| Sewing (thread and needle) | Mending stitches | Use thread and needle on the damaged area | Durable repair |
| Egg white | Natural glue for mesh | Apply egg white, iron | Solid repair |
FAQ
How to recycle holey tights?
Rather than throwing them away, divert your old tights into reusable bags, household rags or even padding for cushions. Let your ingenuity speak for a more sustainable lifestyle!
How to make tights more durable?
In addition to purchasing high-end tights, you can apply nail polish or a transparent adhesive to weakened areas for added hold . egg white also works wonders!
How to avoid getting holes in your tights?
To prevent snags, cut your nails regularly, moisturize your legs well before putting them on and avoid rubbing against rough surfaces.
Is it possible to sew tights?
Yes! Arm yourself with a thread and a needle to mend the loose stitches like sewing. A sustainable and economical method.
Spun or tapered tights?
A spun tights has loose stitches which stretch whereas a tapered tights has lost its original elasticity. In both cases, solutions exist to save it!
How to repair holey tights?
Depending on the size of the hole, you can use nail polish, transparent adhesive, hairspray or even dry soap to fix the fibers and seal the breach. egg white also allows a solid repair.
Références
[1] "Pourquoi les collants se filent-ils aussi facilement ?", 20 Minutes, 17 octobre 2022
[2] "De bons collants, sinon rien", FRC Mieux choisir, 31 octobre 2023
