To keep tights from sagging, a simple and effective layering technique involves strategically placing your underwear.
The Double Underwear Method for Secure Tights
One of the most reliable ways to ensure your tights stay put is by using a layering trick with your underwear. This method creates extra tension and grip, preventing the waistband from rolling down or the crotch from dropping.
Here's how to do it:
- First Layer of Underwear: Begin by putting on your usual pair of knickers.
- Put on Your Tights: Next, pull on your tights as you normally would, ensuring they are pulled up smoothly and evenly.
- Second Layer of Underwear: Finally, put on another pair of knickers over the top of your tights.
For optimal hold with this method, choose the second pair of underwear wisely:
- Good Elasticity: Look for underwear with a firm, strong elastic waistband.
- High-Waisted: High-waisted styles offer extra coverage and support, effectively "sandwiching" the top of your tights to your body.
- Shapewear: Items like high-waisted shapewear pants are particularly effective as they are designed for firm hold and smoothing.
Additional Tips for Preventing Tights Sag
While the double underwear method is highly effective, several other factors contribute to how well your tights stay up.
1. Choose the Right Size
- Consult Size Charts: Always refer to the manufacturer's size chart. Tights sizes often vary between brands, and they typically rely on your height and weight.
- Avoid Too Large: If tights are too large, they will inevitably sag, especially in the crotch and knees.
- Avoid Too Small: While it might seem counterintuitive, tights that are too small can also roll down due because they're being stretched beyond their intended limits, causing the elastic to give up.
2. Material and Denier Matter
- Lycra/Spandex Content: Tights with a higher percentage of Lycra, Spandex, or elastane generally offer better stretch and recovery, helping them maintain their shape and stay up.
- Denier: Thicker denier tights (higher numbers) tend to be more robust and sometimes offer a firmer hold than very sheer tights, which can be more prone to slipping.
3. Proper Application Technique
- Roll Them Up: Don't just pull tights straight up. Roll them down to the toe, slip your foot in, then gently and evenly roll them up your legs, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. This ensures an even distribution of material.
- Pull Evenly: Make sure to pull the waistband up as high as it comfortably goes and ensure there's no excess fabric bunched around your ankles or knees before adjusting the waist.
4. Consider Tights Style
- High-Waisted Tights: Many brands offer tights specifically designed with a high waist, which can provide a more secure fit and reduce rolling.
- Control Top Tights: These often feature a reinforced, firmer waistband and body section, offering extra hold and smoothing.
- Garter Belts/Suspender Tights: For a completely different approach, tights designed to be worn with a garter belt will stay up using clips, eliminating any waistband issues.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Tights sagging at crotch | Apply the double underwear method. Ensure correct sizing (not too big). |
| Waistband rolling down | Use high-waisted underwear or control-top tights. Check tights size (not too small, not too big). |
| Bagging at knees/ankles | Ensure tights are pulled up evenly from toe to waist. Review sizing for a better fit. |
By combining the effective double underwear trick with smart choices in sizing, material, and style, you can significantly improve how well your tights stay up throughout the day.
