Tights 40 Denier and What the Number Really Means
Short answer: Denier measures the thickness of the yarn, so 40 denier means a medium thickness somewhere between sheer and very dense. The number says something about how opaque tights look, but not everything about comfort. Here is how to use it.
What the number actually measures
Denier is a unit for how fine or thick the yarn in a pair of tights is. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn and the less light passes through. The number therefore tells you about thickness and density, but not about how warm or soft the tights feel on your body.
40 denier is a medium thickness
Tights of 40 denier sit in the middle between the very sheer and the really dense ones. Many find them dense enough to cover more, yet light enough to wear with a dress and a coat. How they look also depends on the fabric and your skin tone, so the number is a guide.
Bamboo tights for women
Bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo, and many people find the fabric soft on the skin. To see the range, take a look at bamboo tights for women and compare thicknesses and colours. Always check the product description, so you know what the figure means for that particular product.
Opacity and coverage
How much tights cover depends on both thickness and colour. Dark colours look denser than light ones, and the fabric can look more see-through when stretched over knees and thighs. Hold them up to the light before wearing them if you want to see how much they hide.
Warmth and season
A medium thickness can work well in the in-between seasons, when you want a layer between your legs and the cold. In very cold months many people want something thicker, and on warm days something finer. The number alone does not decide how warm they are, since fabric quality and knit matter too.
Size and fit at the crotch
Size matters more for comfort than thickness. If the tights are too small, the fabric is stretched, which makes them more see-through and can make them pull at the crotch. Go by both height and weight if the chart gives both, and choose a size up rather than down when in doubt.
How to wash them
Tights last longest if you follow the care label and wash them in a laundry bag on a gentle programme. Avoid wringing them out, and let them dry flat or hanging, without direct heat. Take off rings and mind long nails before you put them on, so they do not snag and make a hole.
Tights next to other socks
Tights are not always the answer, and with flat shoes or in warm weather shorter socks are better. Look at bamboo footies for women when you want something that cannot be seen in the shoe. And for a day in a dress, add bamboo panties with few seams, so the line stays smooth.
Frequently asked questions
Is 40 denier very thick?
No, it sits in the middle. It is thicker than the sheerest tights, but much lighter than the really dense ones. How it looks in practice also depends on colour and fabric.
Is 40 denier opaque?
That depends on colour and fit. Dark colours look denser, and stretched fabric looks more see-through, so choose the right size to get the best coverage.
Can I wear 40 denier all year?
Many wear it in the in-between seasons, but in winter some want something thicker. Comfort also depends on fabric and knit, so the number is a guide and not a promise.
