Black opaque tights, long a staple in winter wardrobes, are being replaced by a bold new trend this party season: “fashion tights.” Retailers are reporting a significant increase in sales of these stylish alternatives, which range from vibrant colors to lacy and glittery designs.
At Marks & Spencer, where classic 60 denier tights are usually a winter essential, customers are now opting for lace styles. Sales have risen by 50% compared to last year, with a £12 French-inspired black heavyweight pair leading the sales charts. Similarly, at John Lewis, sales of red tights have surged by 55%, with other popular colors including fuchsia and fir green.
On Thursday, French-born, London-based influencer Camille Charrière launched a capsule collection with Swedish Stockings, featuring zebra-print tights and sparkly silver versions. Charrière likens the addition of a statement tight to using a colorful accessory like a bag or shoes to elevate an outfit. “When done right, it really ties a look together,” she said.
Though colorful tights were popular in the 1960s, thanks to icons like Mary Quant, and ripped fishnets ruled the indie scene in the 2000s, plain black tights had become the go-to choice in recent years. However, this season’s runways are signaling a shift. Designers like Isabel Marant, Rabanne, and Miu Miu showcased eye-catching options such as leopard print, sparkling embellishments, and bright orange tights.
Claire Breslin, managing director of Heist Studios—a hosiery brand known for its shapewear tights, which counts celebrities like Nicola Coughlan and Marisa Abela among its fans—reported a 100% increase in sales of colored tights compared to last year. Customers began buying them in late summer. “Lace tights, especially in red and ivory, are also very popular, as are our color-blocked thicker deniers in jewel tones,” said Breslin. Some styles, like a burgundy and dark plum pair, sold out within six weeks of their August release.
Fashion tights offer an affordable and stylish update for party outfits. They also provide warmth, making them a practical option when waiting for a night bus. Charrière, who wears tights year-round, says London’s unpredictable weather has taught her to embrace seasonal style without needing to buy new clothes. “As trends move faster, switching up your tights lets you update your wardrobe without extra spending,” she explained.
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