Tights are skin-tight articles of clothing used by both men and women to cover the legs and is worn from waist to feet. Tights are popular among girls and women and worn by infants and toddlers as well. They are also common among theater and dance performers, runners, and wrestlers. The tights used by athletes are usually footless and are made of thick spandex.
The origin of tights can be traced back to the Renaissance age. The wearing of tights became a fashion among the men, during the period of King Henry VIII of England. The men wore them to display their well-toned legs. These tight-fitting garments were originally developed as a costume for those riding on horseback. During the 16th and 17th centuries, European men popularly wore tights. The nobles wore tights made of silk or fine wool, while the common people wore tights made of coarser fabrics.
Today, tights are mainly made of nylon and lycra in a wide variety of modern blends. Some of the common types include stretchable, opaque, striped, and patterned tights.
A more modern form of tights has evolved which is known as pantyhose. The main difference between tights and pantyhose is in the thickness and weight of the yarn used. The thickness of the yarn used in pantyhose usually reaches only 40 denier, while that used for tights is much higher.
World-class companies including Calvin Klein and Donna Karen offer tights for all body sizes and shapes. Today, tights are available in a variety of colors and types, as well.
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Dance Tights
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Among the widely worn tights that serve various purposes, dance tights are a major category. These tights are part of the costumes and practice wear worn by most dancers. Similar to other tights, dance tights are also skin-tight leg coverings that are worn by the...
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Ballet Tights
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Ballet tights are tight-fitting leg coverings worn ballet performers. Ballet is a classical dance form that originated in the 1600s. Ballet tights are a standard part of the dress code at ballet schools and in performances. Ballet tights function like opaque stockings, covering the entire...
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Running Tights
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Running tights are a type of leg covering mainly used by athletes. They are classified into men’s running tights and women’s running tights. These tights are available from any of sporting goods or athletic apparel shop. The Renaissance period saw the origin of tights, when...
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Tight Jeans
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Tight jeans first came into style in the 1950s, with the popularity of rock’n’roll. Like rock, tight jeans also became a symbol of revolt for youth. Since then, tight jeans have been in and out of fashion, but never out of minds. Tight jeans are...
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What You Need To Know About Dresses
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History Of Corsets
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A corset is a closefitting garment that is worn to support and shape the upper body. It is most commonly used to slim the body and make it curvy. The corset reduces the waist and emphasizes the bust and hips. Both men and women have...
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A Buyer’s Guide to Shorts
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Shorts are fun, sporty, sexy and cool, all at the same time. They have come a long way from being clothing worn by young boys in the army in Europe and Britain, to the fashion accessory of today. In parts of Europe men wore skirts,...
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Soccer Socks
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When selecting soccer socks, it is important that users are familiar with their fit and purpose. This is because for users who are not used to wearing soccer socks may find their first attempt to be uncomfortable. Soccer socks are very unlike their regular counterparts...
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White Socks
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You may consider socks as the lowliest of garments (or simply a trivial part of the whole grooming process), but socks can easily make or break any fashion statement. Socks are not only worn for the comfort they provide. Different varieties are worn for different...
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Womens Leather Jackets
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While leather jackets are a symbol of machismo and manliness, the jackets are also widely worn by women. Therefore, the leather jacket has simply become a statement of attitude and personality in today’s unisex fashion world. There are many types of leather jackets for women....