Tights, stockings and socks: how to buy in bulk or by the pair
Denier, size and type: what matters most
For tights, the key figure is the density in denier. Roughly, up to 20 denier is thin and sheer, 40 denier is semi-opaque for every day, and 100-200 denier is warm and almost opaque. The higher the denier, the less they show through.
Stockings with silicone bands stay up without a belt, while classic ones need suspenders. Socks differ in length (no-show, ankle, knee-high) and in fabric: cotton breathes, wool keeps you warm, and mesh and nylon are for a fashion look. Tights with a fleece lining are for the cold, in cold regions and the hills.
What to put in your request
- Type — tights, stockings, socks, knee-highs, footless tights.
- Density — in denier, or “thin”, “warm”.
- Size — 1 to 5 for tights, or S/M/L; shoe size for socks.
- Material — nylon, cotton, wool, fleece lining, mesh.
- Colour — skin tone, black, beige, coloured or patterned.
- Brand — if you know what suits you.
- Number of pairs — from one to dozens.
- Budget, if you want to state it.
Example: “I need 10 pairs of 40 denier tights, size 3, skin tone, a known brand or similar. Delivery to Christchurch, budget up to $63.”
Why a request with a quantity helps here
Socks and tights are often bought in packs: the more pairs, the lower the price per pair usually is. On BlaBlaPrice you state the quantity in the request, and sellers reply in the chat with prices for the whole lot, terms and delivery. The site shows the best-value offer first, and sellers can see where they stand and compete for your request. Contacts stay hidden. It is free for buyers, and you can read how it all works on the “How it works” page.
What to check in an offer
Compare by density and fabric, not by the name. Forty denier from one brand can feel and stretch differently from another's. Look at the composition: the share of elastane and polyamide affects how long they last, and a cotton gusset adds comfort. Ask about a reinforced toe and flat seams. For socks, check the percentage of cotton or wool.
Size charts for tights differ between makers, so go by the height and weight in the chart, not by your usual “size 3”.
A common mistake is to buy very thin tights on price alone and then wonder why they ladder within a week. Another is not checking the colour range: “skin tone” is a different shade for every brand, so ask for a photo on a leg or a colour chart.
For cold weather, also look at thermal underwear, and for everyday wear, matching knickers.
