How do I care for stockings and tights?

01

Wash

Turn them inside out and hand wash in cold water with a mild soap. Do not wring. If you use a machine, put them in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle with no rough items. Skip fabric softener.

02

Dry and store

Press the water out in a towel and dry flat or hang over a smooth rail, away from heat. Store folded in a drawer or a bag, away from hooks, zips and Velcro. Check for snags before wearing.

03

Dry

Dry flat or hang over a towel rail away from direct heat. Do not tumble dry; heat damages elastic and can shrink the leg. Turn the stocking inside out to dry the inside.

04

Store

Fold or roll stockings separately; do not let them rub against zips or jewellery. A drawer divider or a small bag keeps them from snagging. Keep pairs together so you can replace one.

05

Snags and ladders

Stop a small ladder with a drop of clear nail polish at the end. If the ladder runs, the stocking is usually finished. Check your nails and jewellery before putting them on.

06

Rotation

Rotate pairs rather than wearing the same pair every day. Elastic recovers between wears, and a rotation makes each pair last longer.

07

Machine washing

If you machine wash, use a mesh bag and a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid anything with hooks, zips or velcro in the same load. A wash bag protects the fibres and keeps pairs together.

08

Drying

Dry flat or hang over a towel rail away from direct heat. Do not tumble dry; heat damages elastic and can shrink the leg. Turn the stocking inside out to dry the inside.

09

Storage

Fold or roll stockings separately and keep them away from jewellery. A drawer divider or a small bag prevents snags. Keep pairs together so you can replace one.

10

Travel

Pack stockings in a small bag, not loose in a suitcase. A plastic zip bag or a cloth pouch protects them from zips and shoes. Roll rather than fold to avoid sharp creases.

11

Wash frequency

Wash after each wear if you sweat; air them between wears if they are clean. Do not let damp stockings sit in a bag. A quick hand wash is gentler than repeated machine cycles.

12

Elastic care

Heat and harsh detergent break down elastic. Use cool water and a mild soap, and avoid fabric softener. Dry away from radiators and direct sun.

13

Snag check

Check your hands and jewellery before putting stockings on. A rough nail can start a ladder. If you find a snag, stop it with a drop of clear nail polish.

14

Washing machine settings

Use a delicate cycle, cold water and a mesh bag. Turn stockings inside out and avoid a spin cycle if possible. A short wash is gentler than a long one.

15

Drying and storage

Dry flat away from heat. Store rolled or folded in a drawer, not hanging by the toe. Keep pairs together and away from jewellery.

16

Before the first wear

Check the seams, the toe and the band before wearing. A small defect can become a ladder. Keep the packaging or the care label until you are sure.

17

A small repair kit

Keep a nail file, clear nail polish and a spare pair. A rough nail can start a ladder; a drop of polish can stop it. A small kit saves an evening.

18

A final note

Treat stockings as delicate pieces, not everyday socks. A little care before and after each wear keeps the shape and the surface intact.