Most women will be familiar with the frustrations that come with constantly replacing tights due to laddering.
And with the colder months setting in many of us will expect to go through several pairs, however, one expert claims that doesn’t have to be the case.
Celebrity stylist Denise Caldwell claims that you can prevent tights from laddering by putting them in the freezer.
Caldwell says that you should wet your tights, place them in a sandwich bag and chuck them in the freezer overnight before their first wear.
She adds that in doing so also helps to prevent bobbling and helps stockings to keep their colour for longer.
Speaking to Today.com Caldwell said: ‘Freezing your tights is a quirky, yet budget-savvy way to help keep your tights longer, (and stay) run-free, lint-free and vibrant in colour.
‘It’s definitely a trick to try!’
Freezing tights is a form of cryogenic treatment in which sub-zero temperatures make the molecules in the fabric stronger.
The idea is that when the tights are brought back to room temperature the molecules rearrange themselves. This makes the material more uniform and reduces weak spots in the nylon that are more susceptible to snagging.
Caldwell says that once you have frozen your tights you won’t need to freeze them again.
OTHER HANDY TIPS TO MAKE TIGHTS LAST LONGER
DAB THEM WITH NAIL VARNISH
If you spot a ladder developing, try adding a dab of clear nail polish to prevent it from running
The film that polish forms on nails can also harden nylon fibres in the areas subjected to most pressure, to stop them developing holes.
USE SOAP TO STOP RUNS
Soaps are made from fats and oils that harden on exposure to air. Rubbing soap against tights is said to stiffen the fabric, making it more resistant to ladders.
WEAR GLOVES TO PUT THEM ON
The simple act of putting your tights on is a risk, with rough nails and sharp jewellery making a run likely before you’ve even dressed.
Wearing cotton gloves creates a soft barrier between the hazards on your hands and the fabric of the tights, minimising potential for damage.
RUB YOUR LEGS WITH TALC
Tights are more likely to stick to your legs and snag when your skin is still damp from the shower or body lotion that hasn’t yet sunk in.
Talcum powder absorbs moisture and reduces friction on the skin, making it easier to pull up your tights, minimising the number of runs.
SPRAY THEM WITH STARCH
Starch is a polymer that, when sprayed on to tights, creates a space between the molecules of the nylon fabric, leaving it stiffer and less likely to ladder.
You can buy spray starch from any supermarket.
