The hunt for good fitting tights (The Struggle is Real)

Hi all! I wasn't sure what to talk about this week, so I looked through my facebook messages and conversations and thought about the topic that most came up when chatting with people. I didn't realize this right away, but it appears that many plus sized girls are struggling to find good and decently priced pantyhose and/or tights. Now, we all know of the wonders of SPANX (and ASSETS), however many have talked about how expensive just one pair costs. Some of the girls I spoke with this week asked me about where I purchase my tights and where they could purchase tights on a budget. So, this week I've decided to talk about some of my favorite brands of tights and pantyhose to purchase without breaking the bank.

Since I have a lot of performances and appearances, I always try to stay stocked with tights and pantyhose so that I'm not frantically running around the day before (or the day of) an outing. With it being winter and freezing cold in the Northeast, I prefer to wear tights to help keep my legs warm. Pantyhose I will use more regularly when it gets warm again. Here are some brands I constantly keep in stock:

photo from SPANX

photo courtesy of Target

 If you talk to any seasoned full figured model, casting agent, or plus size designer, they will tell you that having SPANX is a must. They are a piece of body foundation that full figured people should wear when hitting the runway or going out on the town for a night. These tights hold you in and smooth you out in all the right places. Assets are a slightly inexpensive alternative to SPANX created by the same person (Sara Blakely). When buying either SPANX or ASSETS, it's important to buy the proper size. If they're too big, they won't hold you in properly, and if they're too small, they will be uncomfortable and the waistband will roll on you. You can purchase SPANX at plus sized retailers such as Lane Bryant and I've found Assests at retailers such as Ashley Stewart and Target. I would also suggest checking out amazon and ebay.

photo courtesy of Roaman's

Another place I shop for tights is Roaman's. The carry a brand called Comfort Choice and they offer a two-pack of opaque tights ranging in price from $16.99 - $21.99. While they are not as constricting and form shaping as SPANX or Assets, they are comfortable and fit well (especially if you are fuller in the hips and buttocks). There's also usually some type of discount or sale being offered on the website. Here's the sizing info from their site:
Women’s tights in sizes:
1X(hips 40-50”, 4’11”-5’4”,  150-195lbs)
2X(hips 40-50”, 5’1” - 5’7”, 180-230lbs)
3X(hips 44-55”, 5’4” - 5’10”,215-265lbs)
4X(hips 50-60”, 5’7” - 6’0”, 250-300lbs)
5X(hips 60-70”, 5’4” - 5’9”, 300-335lbs)
6X(hips 70-80”, 5’3” - 6’0”, 335-400lbs)
7X(hips 75-85”, 5’3” - 5’9”, 400-450lbs)
8X(hips 80-85”, 5’6” - 6’0”, 450-500lbs)

  

photo courtesy of Kmart

So there are times when I like walking into a store and purchasing what I need right there on the spot instead of ordering it online and waiting for it to arrive. A few years ago I was in Kmart for something and I came across a brand of tights and pantyhose by the name of Curvation.  At the time, Queen Latifah was their spokeswoman. I picked up a pair thinking that if they didn't fit well I could turn them into a stocking cap or wig cap. Shockingly, to my delight, they fit very well. They gave me a great deal of comfort but were also form fitting (I purchased a pair of the control top pantyhose). I bought them in a size "Curvaceous 4" which fits about a size 20/22 well. If you are bigger than that, I wouldn't suggest trying them. A pair of the tights or hose cost about $5.

photo courtesy of Kmart

Last year, while searching for a pair of Curvation tights at Kmart, I came across a brand called "Love My Style, Love my Size". I'm not sure, but I think it's a Kmart brand (or at least it's only sold at Kmart). They go all the way up to a size 4X (which I think will fit a size 24 and maybe 26). The had solid tights, patterned tights, fishnets, and basic black leggings all ranging in price from $5.99 to $9.99. I've since bought many pairs on multiple occasions and have gotten many uses out of them (especially the fishnets for shows). This is the brand I try to keep in stock frequently because of the affordable prices.                        









While out with a friend last winter on a cold night in Washington, D.C. a friend told me about Berkshire pantyhose and tights. I've seen these tights on the racks multiple times at Ashley Stewart, at small local hosiery stores, and boutiques, but I just never gave them a try. I was in a pinch while out one night and needed a pair of hose at the last minute, so on my way to an event, I stopped and got a pair of shimmery hose from a local Ashley Stewart. These pantyhose got the job done and only costed $7.99. The pantyhose go up to a size 7X and they also carry tights up to a size 5X. Ashley Stewart regularly has a deal on them where if you buy 3 pairs, you get another pair for free. Amazon also carries Berkshire.

A few years ago my friend Misty Eyez told me about We Love Colors. It's a store based in Florida and offers probably the largest selection (in color) of tights. The specific pair of tights I wanted was available in 51 colors! Their plus sized tights go up to a size EE, which fits  6'0" and 375 lbs. I ordered from them, but the tights didn't fit quite right through the hips and butt. Still, their prices are reasonable (about $15 per pair) and I was able work with the tights. They also sell gloves (to wear with a dress/gown), leotards, and leggings. 




Lastly, I can't forget to mention that I've gotten some good tights (and leggings, jeans, and jeggings) from Torrid. I used to shop a my local Torrid regularly and it was often a hit or miss, but online I usually found some good deals (especially in the sale and clearance sections). 

So, that's it on tights and pantyhose. For those who are looking for tights in straight sizes, all of the brands I listed above have your size, but you can also buy tights from Capezio, Danskin, and Body Wrappers. I hope that you find my personal breakdown on brands and where to purchase helpful! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me and I'll be sure to reply. 

Thanks for reading and remember, "being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"