Winter's here and here's how often you need to wash your tights

Autumn has fully set in and winter's coming, which means we're saying goodbye to our bare legs and embracing tights once more.

While the pattern, fabric and denier is all up for debate, how often you need to pop your tights in the wash is not.

The experts have ended that conversation once and for all. 

And we'll give you a hint; it's more often than you need to wash your bra, and much, much more often than you need to put your favourite jeans in the wash.

Caroline Wright, Hosiery Product and Marketing Manager at tight specialist Pretty Polly cleared things up by telling us : "It's best to wash your tights after each wear."

Think of them like your pants and socks. 

Every time you wear them put them, put them in the wash as it's neither hygienic nor easy on the nose to re-wear. Especially after a long day in boots or brogues.

Ladders and holes aside, how long should you wait before replacing your tights altogether?

Caroline asserts: "It depends on the type of tights. Sheer tights can start to look a bit worn after a few wears, even if they don't get holes in them, they can snag and not look as smart. 

"Opaque tights, however, are much more durable and can last for quite a lot of wears. It's good to check them though, as even these can get snagged, and can go a bit patchy if they've rubbed on the boots or shoes you've been wearing."

So forget hard-fast rules, it's all around the shallow visuals when it comes to replacing the winter stables. 

But make the most of them by sticking to Caroline's top tights washing tips. She revealed: "To make your tights last longer you should really always wash them by hand. 

"The yarns that tights are made of are very delicate and tights in a washing machine can easily get snagged and caught on other clothing, especially Velcro. 

"If you do put your tights in the washing machine, try putting them in a hosiery wash bag first. This prevents them getting all tangled up with your bra straps and socks!"

So there you have it.

How to Drytights in a Hurry

How to Dry tights in a Hurry. Nylon fibers often have the luster that we associate with silk, and they are used to make pantyhose. They can also be made to look like natural fibers such as cotton. Nylon is low maintenance, does not require ironing and dries quickly when washed.

Instructions

Lay the tights out on a clean, dry, absorbent towel. Roll the towel up into a tube with the pantyhose rolled inside. Squeeze gently to remove moisture from pantyhose. Unroll the towel and lay the hose flat on a second dry towel. They would finish air drying in a few minutes.

Drape the tights over a towel rack and dry them quickly with a blow dryer set on low, cool speed. Be careful not to set the hair dryer on high or hot, because too much heat burns or melts nylons.

Clip them onto a hanger using plastic or rubber cloths clips or clothespins. Go easy so you don't snag the fabric and cause runs. Hang the hanger in front of a table or window fan and let the breeze dry them fast.

Toss your clean wet nylons into your salad spinner. Close the top securely and turn it on. Spin the water out of your tights in seconds.

Put them on while they are still damp if it is summertime and you are in a hurry. The cool fabric might feel good, and tights finishes drying fine while you wear them. Be careful they are only damp and not wet because sitting in wet tights leads to a wet dress.

How to wash tights

As much as I hate cold weather I do love to wear tights. However, tights are one of the hardest things to wash because you have to take special care of them. First of all there is the debate of how often you should wash your tights. Some people wash them between each wear, and others barely ever wash them at all. For me, how often I wash them varies each time. I try to wash my tights after every few wears.Its not as simple as just throwing them in the washer though.

Sometimes I will wash a pair after only one or two wears if I am also washing other pairs that I have worn more often. It is easier and much less time consuming to just wash them all one after another than each one on separate days.

Washing tights and stockings can be nerve wracking because they are made of such a delicate material. While I try to not splurge too much on an article of clothing I know I could easily destroy the firs time I wear them, some of my tights were a little pricey and I am careful to keep them in good shape.

To safely wash your tights and not have to worry about tears and runs simple take each pair and individually soak them in a sink full of lukewarm water.

Now, add a laundry detergent that is both strong and gentle. Something made especially for delicates is ideal. Pour this into the sink and let your tights sit and soak in it for around a half hour.

Once your tights are completely soap and water logged, remove them from the sink and rinse them in cold water. Rinse until all the suds are gone.

Now, simple wring them nice and gently to remove as much water as possible. It's a good idea to remove any rings from your fingers that might catch on your tights and snag them. Also, be careful if you have long fingernails.

Hang your now clean tights in your shower or over a towel rack to dry.

If you really don't have time to hand wash you tights and stockings you can risk putting them in the washing machine. However, always put them inside a bag made especially for washing delicates, or a pillowcase if you don't have one.

Simple Steps

Turn the tights inside out.

Add a small amount of Woolite or other liquid detergent to warm water. DO NOT use hot water - this can case shrinkage.

Immerse the tights and gently rub them together for several minutes, paying particular attention to the crotch and feet.

Rinse throughly in warm water till clear.

Roll the tights into a ball and gently squeeze.

Place the tights stretched out on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up and press on it hard to help remove any excess water.

Unroll the towel and block the tights on the towel or place them on a hosiery drying rack and gently pull them in to shape.

Allow to dry.

Machine washing is not recomended - but if you are going to machine wash use the gentle cycle and dry as above.

Hosiery Care -

1. Never ever attempt to put on stocking or tights with torn nails, fake nails or overly long nails. Nails must be neat and short or wear some sort of gloves.

2. Always wash tights and stockings by hand especially vintage ones. I find that washing them in a machine (even in one of those special bags) can cause nicks and runs.

3. After buying vintage tights new in the packet, check for discolourations. These can sometimes be removed by washing, as the colour bleeds.

4. Also with vintage tights make sure that you stretch them with your hand before attempting to put them on your leg.

5. Another washing tips - keep the water fairly cool-warm and separate lights and darks, just as you would with clothes.

6. I've been told that the best way to dry stocking/tights is flat (on a towel..) but I occasionally like to hang them on the line. Being a tall-ish girl, I find that this light stretching gives me a bit of extra length.