Maternity tights: thickness, compression, size
How they differ from ordinary tights
Maternity tights have a wide stretch panel for the belly instead of a waistband that digs in. This keeps them from slipping down or pressing on the bump. Compression tights are a separate kind: they help with swollen and tired legs, but the compression class should be chosen on a doctor's advice, not by eye.
Through BlaBlaPrice you describe what you need once, and sellers send offers in the chat: sizes in stock, price and delivery. It is free for buyers. Your contacts stay hidden.
What to put in your request
- thickness in denier: 20 for summer, 40–80 for the in-between seasons, 150–200 for cold weather;
- compression class, if needed, for example class 1, as prescribed by your doctor;
- size: by the brand's chart, taking your height and weight into account;
- stage of pregnancy: the month or trimester;
- colour: black, skin tone or grey;
- brand, if you have used one before;
- number of pairs: one or several;
- budget.
Example: “I need 3 pairs of black maternity tights, 200 denier, size L, 7 months pregnant. Durban, budget up to R 230 courier delivery.”
About compression
Preventive compression tights are usually sold in class 1, and medical ones in higher classes. If you have varicose veins or a history of blood clots, discuss the class and model with your doctor instead of leaving it to the seller. Sellers can suggest a size from your ankle, calf and thigh measurements, but they do not diagnose.
On thickness: 200 denier is for winter, 40–80 for the in-between seasons and 20 for summer. To stop the tights slipping, look for a wide elastic panel for the belly.
Put compression tights on in the morning, before your legs swell, and take them off in the evening. A wrong size may not only fail to help but squeeze in one spot, so ask the seller to check your measurements against the chart. A spare pair is handy while the other is in the wash, because daily wear wears the fabric out quickly.
How to compare offers
Check the thickness, fabric, size and number of pairs in the set, because the price “per pair” and “for three” are not the same thing. Ask about the exchange terms, as tights, being underwear, are often not returnable. BlaBlaPrice shows the best-value offer first, with reviews of the seller next to it.
Sellers can see where they stand among the others and sharpen their terms, so a set of several pairs often gets a better price. More on the “How it works” page.
Also have a look at trousers and leggings, skirts and underwear. Everything is in the “Maternity wear” section.
