Pantyhose 20 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 are fine enough to look natural and strong enough to last a full day. They work from spring through autumn, at work and for going out, in nude shades and in black.

At 20 DEN it is worth looking at the finish: a reinforced heel and toe and a comfortable waistband without a tight elastic make a real difference over a full day of wear.

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.

Which style to choose

20 DEN is the classic weight for the warmer half of the year: the knit is sheer, evens out skin colour slightly and adds no warmth. This collection holds 63 styles, including the Anmar, Legs and Conte lines, from nude shades through to black.

With fine tights what counts most is the quality of the yarn and the finishing. A smooth, even structure with no ribbing looks more natural, while a reinforced gusset and a flat lengthwise seam extend the life of the pair. Some styles also have a matt finish that does not reflect light - it reads as more natural than a shine.

One small distinction worth knowing: tights made with so-called soft yarn have a slightly rounded fibre cross-section and feel nicer against the skin, while 3D-finished versions recover better after stretching, so they are less likely to bag behind the knee.

What to look out for

Fine knit snags easily, so put your tights on gathered into a concertina, watch your nails and rings, and dry them flat after washing. A spare pair in your handbag is more practical here than any emergency repair trick.

Fabric and comfort

Warmer options for autumn are in 40 DEN tights, and for freezing days in 100 DEN tights. Your size follows from height and hip measurement - the proportions are set out in the size chart.