These sexy, sustainable tights brands bypass the problem of creating virgin fabrics from petrochemicals – and look and feel great, too!

Personally, one of the best parts of summer for me is baring my legs. I love how they look tanned, and I love the feeling of the sun on them. But when the autumn chill sets in, it’s time for tights.

Tights, nylons, leggings….whatever you call it, hosiery has been warming women’s legs since the times of King Henry VIII (but only if you were rich or royal). And that hosiery, usually made of silk or wool, was held up by garters, since elastic wasn’t yet a thing.

It wasn’t until the early part of the 20th century that circular machines were able to knit stockings in one piece. Attach a gusset in between two stockings, and voila! You’ve got yourself some tights. Which was perfect when mini skirts became popular. Because, you know: you wouldn’t want your garters on display, right?

The only problem? They tights were made out of something not-so-sustainable: nylon.

We can thank the rather nefarious Dupont family for the invention of nylon.

This is one of the most unethical companies that’s ever existed. They’ve poisoned drinking water with the production of chemicals. They’ve created TEFLON, one of the most toxic substances around. And of course, they’ve also created nylon.

Nylon is a kind of synthetic fibre with much strength and elasticity. However, it’s about as far from eco-friendly as you can get! That’s mainly because crude oil and adipic acid are needed to make it, and its creation releases nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. In case you’re unaware, this is a greenhouse gas 300 times worse for the planet than carbon dioxide!

Since it’s synthetic, nylon takes centuries to biodegrade. And though we said it’s a fairly strong fabric, when it’s used in tights, it’s really thin, and tends to tear. Which means it just ends up in landfill after a few months – or even days.

Finally, nylon takes a lot of energy and water to produce. And since fabrics are usually made in countries with lax environmental regulations, it’s not uncommon for factories to dump the highly toxic water used in producing nylon into waterways.

So if we’re not going to use nylon for our nylons, how are we going to get sustainable tights?

The unexpected answer? Um, nylon.

But that’s ok! Did you know that hosiery, like other plastics, can be recycled? In fact, ECONYL was one of the first manufacturers to cotton on to this and to transform synthetic waste into new fabric. This waste includes industrial plastics, waste fabric, and fishing nets from oceans. The materials are broken down, then recycled and regenerated into a new nylon yarn, which is commonly used today in sustainable swimwear. The quality is exactly the same quality as virgin nylon – but it’s way more eco-friendly.

The bad news is: all synthetic materials share the problem of shedding microparticles of plastic when they’re washed. These weenie particles get into our drinking water, the bellies of fish and wildlife, and ultimately, make us sick. Unless, that is, we use a solution, like a microplastic filter or bag, in our washing machine.

One other element of sustainable tights – or any fashion – is, of course, buying less. Investing in a few good pairs of sustainable tights will help break the ‘single use cycle.’ Some brands below promise their tights will never get holes or ladders. Others swear they’re biodegradable.

Finally, let’s talk denier.

When it comes to tights, you’ll see the word ‘denier’ thrown about quite a bit. But what does that even mean?

Well, it’s very simple. Denier just refers to the amount of transparency, which is directly related to its thickness. The range usually varies from 5 to 100, with 5 being the most see-through. Perfect for sultry nights out! If you’re living in a colder climate, look for 40 and above. And if you’re prone to tears, tugs and ladders, the higher the denier, the less likely that is to happen, and the longer they’ll last.

Usually, once you hit 40 the texture of the tights becomes opaque. The higher you go up, the thicker your sustainable tights get. With higher deniers, you’re also more likely to find control-top tights that have built-in shapewear that give you a tummy tuck and butt lift. If you’re into that kind of thing!

Ready to learn about some of the most sustainable tights brands, ever? Read on!

Main image and image below: Hedoine

Hate buying a new pair of tights, only to have your manicure go through them on the first wear?

These ‘unbreakable’ tights by Sheertex are the result of an innovative technology. The lightweight, ultra strong yarns spare the wearer from ladders, runs or holes. Unlike conventional nylon, it’s almost impossible for you to poke your nail through these! What that ultimately adds up to is less waste. Plus, you’ll have your legs protected from winter drafts in style.

Sustainable because: These last for ages and are pretty much unbreakable

Price: Around $75. But they might last a lifetime!

Based: UK, but delivers internationally

What we love: The sizing for these babies is completely inclusive

The key rule for sustainable fashion is to design everything to last. And this is exactly what Organic Basics does, by investing in quality fabrics and workmanship. The material for their tights comes from recycled threads. This saves water and energy use, and reduces landfill.

But just because these sustainable tights are made from recycled materials doesn’t in any way diminish their high quality and look! The 3D knitted, ladder-resistant hosiery is simple, durable, functional and a classic item to always have in your winter collection.

Sustainable because: All materials come from recycled fabrics

Based: Denmark, but ships worldwide

What we love: These come in a variety of hues, to suit different skin tones

If you still haven’t tried bamboo tights, what are you waiting for? Thought has come up with some sustainable tights sturdy yet strong, breathable, naturally anti-bacterial, and beneficial for the Earth. Bamboo is sustainable par-excellence, since it’s a fast-growing grass, that requires no fertiliser and self-regenerates from its own roots. It’s also durable, and super-soft against your skin!

Sustainable because: Bamboo is at the heart of these tights

Based: UK, but ships all around the world

What we love: These feel great on your legs

Hedoine might make the most sustainable tights, ever: they’re biodegradable! The brand has come up with a kind of eco-nylon that’s capable of breaking down into organic matter, thanks to the natural functioning of bacteria in anaerobic conditions. This process takes between three to five years, during the course of which you can wear these sag-free and super-soft tights multiple times.

Sustainable because: They decompose after five years!

Based: UK, but deliver globally.

What we love: Hedoine’s styles are super sexy

As the name gives it away! Underprotection is dedicated to producing items that guarantee ethical standards. This is done through the brand’s exclusive use of certified materials such as TENCEL™ lyocell, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, recycled wool, banana fibres and organic cotton.

Their sustainable tights are ethically produced in Italy and vegan approved by PETA. Their recycled Q-nova yarns are also OEKO-TEX certified – and simply look so chic!

Sustainable because: They use state-of-the-art eco-materials

Based: Denmark, but ships internationally.

What we love: The brand’s patterned tights

Denier: An average of around 45

Dear Denier is on a mission to show how fashion can be a powerful to tool for change. Their sustainable tights are made using an innovative mix of recycled nylon and recycled elastane. But that’s not all! The production of these eco friendly nylons is emissions-and-waste free.

Sustainable because: Eco-certifications attest their green production processes

Based: Sweden but delivers worldwide.

What we love: That high waistband really gives you a great silhouette!

This popular Swedish brand makes 100% emission free tights. They’re knitted from recycled yarn in a zero-waste, emission free Italian facility. Further sustainable practises by this sustainable tights brand include the use of environmentally friendly dyes, post-dyeing water treatment and the use of solar power in their factory.

Sustainable because: They use recycled materials and factories that engage in sustainable practices.

Based: Sweden, but ships worldwide, except to these countries.

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