Having a wide selection of tights for different occasions and outfits is great, but in order to keep them looking their best, it’s important to know how to care for them. With around eight billion tights being made each year and many of them thrown away after just a couple of uses, this guide will help you know how to wash your hosiery and keep it looking good for longer.

Wash After Buying

Many women say that washing brand new tights before you wear them helps them last. A drop of liquid starch can be added to help strengthen them.

Check Care Labels

Always look at the care labels before you wash your tights for the first time, as there may be guidance on whether you can put them in your washing machine and at what temperature. If there are no instructions, it’s best to wash them in cool water and use only mild laundry detergents.

Handwashing

Any delicate fabric benefits from gentle handwashing. If you have fishnet tights, you might think this will be tricky, as they are more likely to snag on fingernails, but they are just as suitable for regular washing as other types of tights. You can look at the different types of fishnet tights before buying. You’ll find a variety of fishnet tights. Always use cool, not hot water, whether your hand washing or using a hand wash setting on your machine.

Use a Laundry Bag

Putting your tights in a laundry bag or old pillowcase will help to protect them in the washing machine. Never put them in a tumble dryer to air – it’s best to hang them on an airer or in an airing cupboard if you have one.

Storage

After washing and drying, make sure you fold or roll them carefully. You can use what’s called the Cannoli method, which is when you lay the tights out flat and fold them in thirds from the toe. You then roll upwards until you reach the waistband and check that the toes are still tucked in.