What to expect from bamboo tights
Short answer: Bamboo tights are thicker and softer than sheer nylon tights and therefore generally cope with more everyday wear. They can still pill and bag at the knees, though, and the waistband and inner thighs are where wear appears first.
Knit and thickness
Tights with bamboo viscose are usually knitted in a denser quality than sheer nylon tights. The viscose adds softness, while polyamide and elastane provide strength and stretch. The result is tights that feel more like thin leggings than a delicate stocking. They ladder less often than sheer nylon tights, but they are not indestructible, and a sharp nail or rough heel can still catch them. See bamboo tights for women.
Knees and bagging
When you sit or bend your knees, the knit stretches. Tights with viscose can give a little and develop small bags at the knees during the day. These usually recover after washing. Choose a size that suits both your height and hips so the fabric is not overstretched. Tights that are too small wear faster, and ones that are too large form folds at the ankles that rub inside your shoes.
Inner thighs and pilling
Where the thighs rub together, pilling and a dull surface can appear. That happens to all knitted tights to some extent. Pills can be removed gently with a fabric shaver. If you wear the tights under a short dress, be aware that wear at the inner thighs may show. Many people wear them under dresses such as bamboo T-shirt dresses, which allow plenty of movement.
Waistband and foot
The waistband holds the tights up and can become a little looser over time. A wide waistband often feels more comfortable and rolls down less. The foot wears at the heel and toe, especially in shoes with a hard insole. Trim your toenails and smooth rough heels before putting the tights on. Pull them up with your fingertips rather than tugging, and you will spare the fabric.
Washing and drying
Wash tights in a laundry bag at 30 to 40 degrees on a delicate programme, or wash them by hand. Use a mild detergent without fabric softener. The tumble dryer is hard on elastane and should be avoided. Hang them over a rack so they dry evenly. Brands such as Egtved give care instructions suited to knitwear with viscose and elastane, and following them helps the tights keep their shape.
When they are worn out
Tights are worn out when there are holes or thin patches at the heel, toe or inner thighs, when the waistband no longer holds, or when they have developed permanent bagging. How quickly that happens depends on how often you wear them and how you wash them. With several pairs in rotation, each one lasts longer, and you always have a fresh pair ready for colder days.
Frequently asked questions
Do bamboo tights ladder
Less often than sheer nylon tights, because the knit is denser. It is not impossible, though.
Why do my tights bag at the knees
Viscose can give a little when bent. The bagging often recovers after washing.
Can tights go in the tumble dryer
It is not recommended. The heat wears on elastane and can make them shrink.
See our range of decoy tights.
