Most women will be well aware of the risk that comes with wearing tights, with even the smallest snag resulting in unsightly ladders.
However, according to the tight-wearers of Twitter there are plenty of ways to avoid those unsightly rips and tears.
Lauren Duncan, a journalist from New York, took to the social media site on Tuesday to ask her followers for advice when it comes to avoiding ladders.
Yesterday, she tweeted: ‘What exactly is the secret to wearing tights? It’s not even 10 am, and I already look like I spent the morning making out with Edward Scissorhands’.
While many joked that the only way to avoid them was to ditch stockings all together many came forward with practical advice.
The majority of Twitter users recommended investing in a higher quality pair to reduce the risk in laddering though some had more specific buying instructions.
One wrote: ‘I have to say that ice skating tights are impossible to destroy AND warmest without bulkiness in the dead of winter.
‘Like, they’re designed to survive knicks from ice skates.’
Another recommended avoiding the staple shade of black when it comes to purchasing hoisery.
She wrote: ‘I promise you, it’s ALL about the color. Stay away from jet black—the fibers are something different, they snag instantly and everywhere.
‘Go with a variation like “black mist” or “off-black” and you will conquer the world.’
Several users suggested freezing tights on the day of purchase. 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.
Other tips included using fabric softener, buying the next size up and wearing rubber gloves while putting your stockings on.
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.
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.
