Tights are the new bare legs
It’s amazing. What goes around comes around in the fashion world, but nothing seems to come and go as much as legwear. Back in December, I wrote “The five things pantyhose are really good for”, which did not include wearing them. At that time, there were reports that hosiery sales had been steadily falling for over 10 years. Hanesbrands were reporting a 68% sales drop in the 6 years from ‘95 to ‘06. Which would make a company droop like a saggy pair of nylons.
But, things have apparently changed. Women’s Wear Daily reported yesterday that “The legwear industry has a heartbeat again.” [Topic: Seems a bit of a mixed metaphor. I would have said, "The legwear industry is alive and kicking." Discuss.]
The NPD Group reported that sales of tights shot up 26.9 percent, to $104.4 million, from January through November 2006, reversing a double-digit decline in 2005. Even sheer hosiery enjoyed an uptick of 5.2 percent, to $916.4 million.
How did this happen? First, the comeback of those footless legging thingys in full- or capri-lengths, and regular old opaque tights. Dresses were huge, which they say is a contributing factor as well. You can always tell when something is going to come back around – when you’ve gone seasons with the fashionistas shouting “bare legs!” suddenly a covered leg looks newer and more modern. For fall ‘07, designers are showing covered legs, and according to this report those include sweatery knits in everything from cotton to wool to cashmere. Lagerfeld for Chanel showed black tights under dresses as shown here.
I have a confession to make. I have never stopped wearing tights. Sheer hosiery have always been my enemy – heavier, opaque tights can stand some tugging and not shred. I love opaque tights. Being a Midwesterner, I love the way they keep my little legs warm in the winter with my cute skirts and heels or boots.
And this is just between us, I am probably going to have to try a pair of the footless tights. I keep absently fondling them when I’m shopping. I think I may be able to pull them off under a skirt with some ballet flats. Who knows. At the very least I can relive the ’80s and wear them with a huge oversized tunic and a big belt. Around the house, that is.
Tights. The new bare legs. Check it out.
Tights, Leggings, Hosiery, Women’s Wear Daily, Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel
November 7th, 2009 at 10:39 am
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