CECILIA DE RAFAEL GLOSSARY (A-Z)
Ankle Highs
This garment is normally worn with pants and is a small sock that covers the foot up to the ankle or, depending on the model, 4 or 5 centimetres above it.
Back Panel
You may have seen this term in the description of the item on the back of the packaging. It simply refers to an additional V-shaped piece that is normally sewn into the back of the tights. It is designed to provide extra width in the panty area, offering more room in that region. This piece can be between 7 and 14 cm wide, depending on the style and size.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is made from the bamboo pulp. It’s lightweight, durable, absorbent (taking three times its weight in water) and has antibacterial qualities that keep your body feeling fresh. Absorbency and anti-bacterial properties make for a wicking ability that will pull moisture away from the skin so that it can evaporate. Bamboo has been popular in certain clothing for over a century, but is only now becoming widespread. In addition, bamboo fabric has insulating properties and will keep the wearer cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Boarding
A process applied to hosiery to improve final presentation. Once the product is sewn and finished, it is pulled over a metal leg that acts as a mould and subjected to pressure and heat. This process gives the garment its characteristic leg and foot shape. Pressing can also be done flat to avoid ironing marks that may occur, especially in thicker tights.
Breathability
Breathable means that the fabric allows for good air flow and does not trap moisture, removing it from the skin.
Crotchless Tights
A term used for tights that have no fabric in the crotch area.
Denier
Denier is a unit of measurement in the English system, defined as the weight in grams per 9.000 meters of yarn. Sheer items range from 8 to 30 denier, while semi-transparent ones range from 30 to 40 denier. Opaque tights are those with 50 denier or more. Denier does not affect the finish of the material, which can be either matte or shiny for both transparent and opaque tights.
Elastane
Elastane is an elastic thread, also known as Spandex. This thread is combined with nylon to provide greater elasticity and fit to the tights. Several companies produce this type of thread under brands such as Lycra, Dorlastan, or Nisshinbo.
Finish
Hosiery can come in a range of different finishes:
- Mat: Items with no shine. When the tights are sheer, they give a second-skin appearance as this finish makes them almost imperceptible. The matte finish is elegant and simple, suitable for everyday wear.
- Subtle Shine or Soft Shine: A light shine, especially in transparent tights, enhances the appearance of the skin, concealing imperfections and providing a flattering makeup effect. This finish makes the garment very versatile, suitable for all occasions, including business meetings or evening outings.
- Shiny or glossy: Tights with shine are those that, especially when exposed to light, are noticeable on the legs. While they may not be ideal for daily wear, they are perfect for events, night outings, or any special occasion that requires a festive look, as they enhance the outfit.
- Highly Shiny or high gloss: Very shiny tights, including items with a wet-look or oily skin effect, designed to make the legs highly noticeable and attract attention to the outfit.
Fishnet
Fishnet tights have an open mesh structure similar to the nets used by fishermen. This mesh can come in various hole sizes and typically offers a bold and eye-catching look. They can be worn for special occasions due to their sensual appearance, and are also commonly used by professional dancers, ballroom enthusiasts, or even for carnival.
Garter
A garter is a ribbon or band of elastic fabric used to hold stockings up on the thigh, commonly found in bridal lingerie.
Garter Belt
Term used in American English for Suspender Belt.
Gussets
A small piece of fabric, sewn into the crotch area for added comfort, fit, and personal hygiene. The simplest diamond-shaped pieces are made from the same material as the rest of the item. Cotton gussets are ideal because they are made from natural material that ensures better hygiene and breathability. Crotchless designs simply leave the crotch area open.
Hold Ups
Hold ups are stockings stay in place without the need for a garter or garter belt. They usually have between 2 and 4 silicone strips on the inside of the elastic band. For the silicone to adhere properly to the skin, it should be free of oils or creams.
Knee Highs
This socks cover the foot and the calf, reaching just below the knee.
Knit
Knit fabric, or tricot, refers to a type of fabric commonly used in the making of stockings and other garments. Unlike flat fabrics, which are woven in a single direction, knit fabric is created through a knitting process that uses needles to form an interlocking pattern of loops.
Here are some key characteristics of knit fabric in the making of stockings:
- Elasticity: Knit fabric is naturally elastic due to the interlocking loop structure. This allows stockings to stretch and fit well around the legs, providing comfort and a good fit.
- Comfort: The elasticity of knit fabric contributes to greater comfort, as it conforms to the contours of the legs without causing constriction.
- Breathability: Knit fabrics are often more breathable due to the hollow loop structure, which allows for better air circulation.
- Variety of Finishes: Knit stockings can have various finishes, such as matte, satin, or shiny, depending on the type of yarn used and the finishing process.
Laser Cut
Instead of cutting the fabric with scissors or a machine, a laser is used, which prevents the fabric from fraying and provides a precise, seam-free edge.
Low Rise
Low-rise tights have a waistband that sits below the natural waistline, typically around the hips, unlike mid-rise or high-rise panties that reach the waist or above it. These tights are designed to sit below the belly button, making them ideal for wearing with low-rise pants or skirts, as they won’t show above the waistband of the pants or skirt. They provide a snug and comfortable fit, making them less likely to roll or shift.
Microfibre
Microfiber in tights is a type of fabric made from extremely fine filaments, finer than silk. This material is characterized by being exceptionally soft to the touch, lightweight, and durable. Additionally, it allows for good air flow, helping to keep the skin dry and comfortable. Microfiber is also excellent at absorbing moisture, making it ideal for tights as it reduces sweat buildup. Due to its elasticity, microfiber tights conform well to the body, providing a snug and comfortable fit, and are very durable and resistant to wear.
Pantyhose
Pantyhose is the term used in the USA to refer to very sheer and transparent tights, typically below 20 deniers.
Reinforced
The reinforcement in tights is the area where the fabric density changes, typically the panty section from the waistband to the top of the thigh. It is a double-knit fabric, thicker, darker, and more durable, designed to provide increased durability in areas of higher friction or stress, especially at the top of the thighs and the crotch area.
Seamless
Seamless tights are usually knitted on a special machine and are made from a single piece. They have no seams that dig into the skin, resulting in a completely smooth garment, with no gusset or seams in the panty area. However, it is still not possible to join the toe of the tights without a seam, so that part remains inevitable.
Shaping tights
Shaping tights are specially designed to enhance and shape certain areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, and hips. They have reinforced panels in strategic areas that help to flatten and lift, creating a slimmer and more defined silhouette.
Sheer Legwear
Sheer is used to refer to pantyhose, stockings, knee highs, or ankle socks made of very thin fabric that allows the skin to show through. Generally, the deniers do not exceed 30, as beyond that, they start to become semi-opaque.
Silicone
A rubber-like material that maintains its elasticity over a wide range of temperatures. It is used on the inner upper part of stockings to adhere to the skin and keep the stocking in place without the need for garters or garter belts.
Skin Tones and Colour Guide
- Central European or British Porcelain/Rose: This type of skin is characterized by being paler and lighter. Our tones such as dore, new nuage, or even marfil or capri are ideal for this type of skin. Strong colours like granate and greens also work well.
- Olive/Mediterranean: For those with a golden touch to their complexion, it is recommended to choose natural, arena, melis, moreno, or tea. Colours like red or blue look good and stand out with this skin tone.
- Asian: This tone is defined by subtle shades of yellow and brown. Choosing a darker palette, such as earthy browns, teka, arena, or moreno can complement this tone, or one can opt for extremely light colours like dore, marfil, capri, or off white to lighten the natural skin colour.
- Black or Indian: Darker skin tones can choose dark shades like chocolat, teka, almond, or moreno. They are also excellent for creating contrast, so choosing something very light, such as off white or marfil, can work very well. As with Mediterranean skin, bright colours like red, blue, lilac, or granate will combine perfectly.
Spandex
In the USA, the term commonly used for elastane is “spandex.” This synthetic fabric, composed of polyurethane, is known for its lightweight, elastic, durable, and waterproof properties. It offers an excellent alternative for individuals with rubber allergies.
Stockings
A classic in the world of lingerie, stockings were the first type of legwear available and remain a timeless choice. They cover the leg from the feet to the top of the thigh and can be self-supporting or require a garter or garter belt for fastening.
Suspender belt
Piece of lingerie worn around the waist or hips which features adjustable straps that attach to the tops of stockings to keep them in place. Its design can be made of smooth fabric, satin, or lace. Also called a garter belt.
Tights
A snug-fitting garment that covers the legs and lower torso, from the toes to the waist. Typically made from a stretchy knit fabric, it offers a close fit and comes in a wide range of thicknesses, colors, patterns, and prints. In American English, thicker versions are specifically referred to as “tights,” while sheer versions (30 denier or less) are called “pantyhose.” In British English, “tights” refers to all such garments regardless of their thickness.
Toes
The toe of pantyhose and stockings can be invisible, invisible reinforced, or reinforced.
Reinforced toes prevent tears in this area, providing greater durability. The fabric is thicker, darker, and more resistant, making it suitable for wearing with closed shoes.
Reinforced invisible toes also called shadow toes, are nearly imperceptible, with the advantage of being less noticeable when worn with sandals, though the fabric is slightly thicker than the rest of the pantyhose, enhancing its strength and durability.
Invisible toes have the same transparency as the rest of the garment, making them ideal for wearing with sandals or open-toe shoes.
Ultra Sheer
The ultra sheer pantyhose has a thickness of 10 deniers or less and is characterized by its extreme transparency and delicacy. It offers an almost invisible appearance when worn, providing a sophisticated and elegant look. This type of tights are ideal for formal events, regardless of the season.
Waistband
The waistband of pantyhose is the elastic band located at the top of the garment, around the waist. Its primary function is to keep the pantyhose in place, providing a comfortable and secure fit without slipping or falling. Below are the different types of pantyhose waistbands and their characteristics:
- Standard Waistband: A simple elastic band, usually a few centimeters wide.
- Wide or Extra-Wide Waistband: A band wider than the standard, often 5 cm or more. It offers increased support and comfort by distributing pressure more evenly and helps prevent the pantyhose from rolling down.
- Low-Rise Waistband: Sits lower on the waist, close to the hips. Ideal for wearing with low-rise pants or skirts, offering a discreet fit that doesn’t show above the clothing.
