We don't want to be a nag, but tights are basically the disposable product of the fashion industry. They are made of synthetic material and usually break down quickly. Fortunately, more and more brands are doing things differently: they make tights from recycled material, are transparent about their production and ensure a longer lifespan. If you go for thicker tights or tights, there are more and more models that are mostly made of natural materials. Whether you are looking for sustainable tights or sustainable tights, we have listed the nicest brands for you.
Why tights are not so durable
We wrote at length earlier that tights are anything but durable. They are usually made of synthetic material such as nylon (also called polyamide), with a little bit of elastane (also called lycra or spandex). This is convenient for stretch, but not so good for the environment. You can read more about elastane in this article. Fortunately, more and more brands are realising this and trying to do better. There are more and more sustainable tights on sale that are made from recycled polyamide, such as Econyl® (nylon made from old fishing nets and other plastic waste) or Q-NOVA® (nylon made from residual waste from the textile industry). Besides the material, the production location is also important, and fortunately more and more brands are transparent about that too.
What about tights?
A thin and transparent garment like tights can - currently - only be made of synthetic material. That means they can release microplastics when washed and worn. You can read more about microplastics in synthetic clothing here. With tights, it is a different story. Because tights are a lot thicker, it is also possible to make them largely from natural materials, such as organic cotton or wool. A little elastane for stretch is indispensable, but this is usually only a small percentage (often between two and five per cent). You still have to be careful though, because there are also plenty of tights on sale that are mostly or entirely made of synthetic material. Fortunately, we have already done the research for you and compiled a nice list of sustainable tights.
ALSO INTERESTING: The environmental impact of different clothing materials.
Sustainable tights and tights come in all kinds of variations: from basic models to the happiest colours and prints.
The coolest sustainable tights and tights
If you are looking for sustainable tights or tights, there are two important things to look out for: the material and where and how it was produced. We have a nice list of brands doing their best to do better. Cue them!
- Aare: cheerful and sustainable women's clothing brand from Finland that also has tights in its range. Whether you are looking for basic tights or just a cheerful colour or print, at Aare all tights are largely made of recycled polyamide (Q-NOVA) and are produced in Italy.
- Bonnie Doon: originally an American sock brand, based in the Netherlands. Production takes place in Italy and Portugal. You will find tights in all kinds of colours. Most models are largely made of organic cotton. There are also a few variants with viscose and cashmere.
- Dilling: Danish brand best known for its fine woollens. For women, Dilling has some dark tights, mostly made of organic wool. For children, the choice is greater, with tights made of organic wool or organic cotton. For each product, the production chain is clearly mentioned on the website.
- Swedish Stockings: We came across this brand the most in our search for sustainable tights. At Swedish Stockings, you will find a wide selection of tights and tights made from recycled polyamide, organic wool and organic cotton. Almost all tights and tights are produced in Italy. Also fun: at Swedish Stockings, you can hand in old tights (of any brand). They are then made into tables, for example.
- Gudrun Sjödén: colourful Swedish clothing brand that likes to work with natural and recycled materials. Besides a few black and grey models, you will find plenty of tights and tights in cheerful colours. The tights are mostly made of recycled polyamide, the tights mostly of organic cotton. The tights and tights are produced in Italy.
- Hess Natur: This German fashion brand uses as many natural materials as possible. You will find dark tights made of organic cotton with a small percentage of elastane for stretch. Hess Natur's tights are made in Slovenia and Croatia.
- Lanius: This German slow fashion brand also has a pair of dark tights in its range, made of Econyl with a small percentage of elastane. The tights are produced in Germany and Morocco.
- Living Crafts: sustainable German fashion brand with tights and tights in various colours. The tights are mostly made of natural materials such as organic wool or organic cotton and are produced in Lithuania or Turkey. The tights are made of bio-based polyamide (from the castor plant) with a little elastane.
- Seasalt Cornwall: English clothing brand with a B Corp certification. The collection features tights and tights in different colours, made from materials such as recycled nylon and organic cotton. The tights and tights are produced in Italy.
- Thought: English brand offering sustainable tights and tights made from recycled nylon, organic cotton, wool and bamboo.
- Tranquillo: German slow fashion brand that has dark tights made mainly from organic cotton, with a little recycled polyester and a small percentage of elastane for stretch.
Will you buy sustainable tights or tights next time?
As you can see, fortunately there are more and more brands trying to make the fashion industry's disposable product more sustainable. Do you have a fine pair of tights or tights? Then of course you want to last as long as possible with it. How? Leave that to us! In this article, you will find useful tips to make sure your durable tights and tights last as long as possible.
Photo credits: main image left: Castorlystock (Pexels), right: Alipazani (Pexels), skin colour tights: Luana Scorsoni (Pexels), turquoise tights: Cottonbro (Pexels).
