Body-shaping tights have been women’s flirty little secret for decades. Often kept at the back of the lingerie drawer and reserved for special occasions, the underwear staple has boosted female confidence since its inception.
As the name suggests, these tights act as shapewear, sucking everything in, smoothing the body and flattering the silhouette. They are considered essential for black tie ‘dos when you dust off your tight-fitting LBD or for pending cocktail parties aka the ideal event to debut your sprayed-on pencil skirt. Forget dogs, body shaping tights are truly a (wo)man’s best friend.
The irony is, however, that despite their function to enhance the figure, body-shaping tights are totally oxymoronic. Why? Because putting them on is simultaneously sexy and unsexy to the extreme.
Think about it. You gently dip your toes into the tights and roll them up your calves and thighs, a motion that has been documented in romantic film scenes for decades like in The Graduate. But when the tights hit the upper thigh, any hint of sensuality is instantly obliterated. The smooth rolling technique is replaced by yanking, squatting and shimmying until the tights sit firmly around your waistline ready for layering. Mission accomplished.
Most of us end up performing this jerky ritual, which resembles something of an interpretative dance or possession, in order to reap the rewards of wearing sculpting tights. Considering the results, it is mostly worth it.
How do they actually work, you ask? Body shaping tights are available to purchase in many forms, but all provide a compression action. This creates an hourglass effect and a smooth look under any tight-fitting garment. They come in varying deniers from sheer to opaque depending on your desired look, and streamline your hips, waist and stomach. To paraphrase Harry Potter, we’ll take the lot.
Prep yourself for party season and ensure you have a comfortable pair of body-shaping tights to boost your confidence.
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Spanx Luxe Leg 60 Denier Tights
These tights come from Spanx, a brand known and loved for shapewear. The Luxe Leg high-waisted blackout tights are a necessary pre-winter addition to your wardrobe. Made from premium materials, they have a built-in shaper and a smooth front seam to hoist in the stomach. Zoned control promises a slender, toned look for any occasion.
Buy now £35.00, Selfridges
John Lewis 15 Denier Sleek Body Shaper Tights
Enhance your flawless figure with John Lewis’ sculpting, shaping tights that are available in four varying tones. The pair has a 15-denier leg that gives a sleek finish, while refining the curve of your hips and waist and flattening the stomach. A lustrous look to add gleam and gloss to your evening attire.
Buy now £7.00, John Lewis
Falke Shaping Panty 50 Denier Women Tights
Get your perk on with Falke’s shaping tights that smooth the stomach and thighs and enhance the derrière. Available in black and dark blue, the 50 denier tights will ensure your legs look long and lean. Further features to note include semi-opaque mesh and 3D knitting technology that provide a comfortable, confident stroll and unrestricted movement.
Buy now £32.00, Falke
Calzedonia 30 Denier Total Shaper Sheer Tights
For those searching for hard-wearing tights, look to Calzedonia. The brand’s inclusive shaping tights have a medium graduated compression for outlining the figure and a 30-denier weight. A soft cotton gusset cushions the body, while the tights contour all the bits and bobs you want to subtly suck in.
Buy now £15.99, Calzedonia
M&S 3 Pack 15 Denier Body Shaping Tights
M&S offers an affordable range of sculpting tights that is ideal for those wanting more than one pair. This three-pack is just £5, meaning if you ladder one (which one often does), you have a handy back-up. The brand incorporates the brand’s trademarked Secret Slimming technology into its lingerie to create a streamlined silhouette, which is also aided by the high-shine nylon fabric of these silky tights.
Buy now £6.00, M&S
H&M 200 Denier Shaping Tights
Shaping tights are usually reserved for swanky evening soirees, but sometimes we want to feel our best in the office or while out with friends. Therefore, a budget-friendly pair that we can wear during the daytime is a must. H&M’s 200 denier tights protect the skin from the cold while giving the body a streamlined silhouette. Layer yours with a knitted dress or boucle mini skirt for the cutest sartorial concoction.
Buy now £11.99, H&M
Cos Sheertex Semi-sheer tights
Invest in a pair of tights to last years of wear and hopefully, no tear. Cos’ semi-sheer offering has been specially developed with trademarked Sheertex technology using a super strong, ripstop fabric. Not only are they great for avoiding snags, but they feel soft against the skin and make for the cosiest underlayer for when the winter chill sets in.
Buy now £30.00, Cos
Oroblu Repos 40 Graduated Compression Tights
Compression tights that don’t give the game away, see Oroblu’s 40-denier options. Choose from neutral nude or black and enjoy the benefits of the form-flattering pull-ons. They feature a leg-lengthening high waist and padded toes, plus a resistant mesh that reduces the appearance of pesky stretch marks. Step out in total comfort thanks to the high-quality, breathable yarn that isn’t visible under clothing.
Buy now £13.50, Oroblu
