Pantyhose 12 DEN

How to choose your size

The higher the number, the thicker the yarn, and so the denser, more opaque and warmer the knit. These even out skin tone very slightly and are all but invisible close up. They are worn in spring and summer, and under long dresses when all you want is a smooth leg rather than coverage.

A knit this fine snags easily. Take your rings off before putting them on, gather the leg up concertina-style and ease it on gradually instead of yanking from the top.

Tights are sized by height and weight together, using the manufacturer's chart - your dress size is misleading here. Tights that are too small pull down at the gusset and split sooner across the thighs; too large, they wrinkle at the ankle and slide down at the waist. If you fall between two sizes, take the larger one: knit under less strain lasts longer.

Hand wash in lukewarm water, or in a mesh bag at 30 degrees, with no spin and no fabric softener. Dry flat, away from radiators. Dispatch in 1-2 working days, free delivery over PLN 199, 60-day returns.

Fabric and comfort

12 DEN is one of the finest deniers used in tights. They are clearly sheer, almost invisible on the leg and made above all for warm days - a smooth finish to the leg with no added warmth.

If you want a slightly thicker layer, look at 15 DEN tights or 20 DEN. A full overview of the deniers, along with sizing advice, is in the tights and stockings collection.

Worth checking before you buy

Yarn this fine needs care when you put it on. Gather the leg into a concertina and work it up gradually from the toes rather than pulling from the waistband - that is the most common cause of a ladder on the first wear. It is also worth taking off your rings and checking your nails for rough edges.

Which style to choose

Tights this sheer usually have a reinforced brief and a flat seam, which adds comfort, although on some versions the brief is sheer too - those show less under light, thin clothing. The collection is made up of styles from Conte.

With tights this fine it pays to keep a spare pair in your bag. They cost little, and a snag almost always happens away from home - getting into a car, or catching on the rough fabric of a skirt. It is the simplest insurance for a whole day out. Slightly damp hands help as well - they reduce friction and stop the knit catching on dry skin.