Figure 1.--The most common weave ia flat weave, but among the other different types of weaves, the bar weave is most common. These bar weave tights are offered by a German company.

Tights generally are made in flat weaves, especially in America. Some tights, however, are also available in a variety of weaves--mostly commonly bar and ribbed weaves, but there are others. Only limited information, however, is availabble on weaves. There are also different weave weights. The heavy bulky weave is most common for cold weather. While most were solid colors, in recent years a variety of different patterns have been worn. These have varied from polkadots, flowers, other desisns, and stripes. Generally patterned tights, except stripes, were more popular with girls than boys.

Weaves

Tights generally are made in a flat weave. Virtually all the tights sold in America are this flat weave. There appears to be much more variety in the tights worn in Germany and other European countries. We have noted European tights had a variety of weaves, mostly commonly bar and ribbed weaves. We have also noted cable weaves. The weight of the weaves varied greatly. Some tights were very tight and form fitting. These sheer tights were generally for formal wear rather than for warmth. Others tights were woven in much heavier weights--in some cases bulky garments. Only limited information, however, is currently available to HBC on weaves. The principal purpose of tights is to keep warm in cold weather. Tights, especially, for boys tend to be highly seasonal garments. HBC at this time does not know how these weaves have varied over time or between countries. We also do not fully understand to what degree the weave is affected by the gender and age of the child.

Figure 2.--This 1960 German ad shows all patterned tights, tights patterned below the knee, and solid colored tights. These appeared when tights were just beginning to become popular in Germany.

Patterns

While most tights were flat weaves with solid colors, a variety of different patterns have been worn. These have varied from polkadots, flowers, other designs, and stripes. In some cases there were a mixture with patterns only appearing at about the knee. There seems to have been some gender differences with patterned tights. Generally patterned tights with floral designs and perhaps polkadots were more popular with girls than boys. Sheer white tights with floral designs were almost entirely for girls. Some of the tights with bold stripes appear to have been more common with boys. The specialized ballet tights were almost always plain. Gynastic tights, especially in Germany may have bold patterns.

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Created: July 22, 2000
Last updated: November 8, 2001