Tights Manufacturing – How the Fashion Basic is Made Step by Step
Whether for everyday wear, the office, or special occasions – tights are among the most popular fashion basics ever. But how are tights actually made? The tights manufacturing is an exciting process where high-tech machines, precise processing, and high-quality materials work together. Here, we show you step-by-step how tights are made.
1. Material Selection
The basis of every pair of tights is the yarn. Mostly nylon (polyamide) and elastane are used. Nylon provides fineness and transparency, while elastane is responsible for elasticity and high wearing comfort. For patterned tights, effect yarns or lurex threads are also used.
2. Knitting on Circular Knitting Machines
The yarn is processed on special circular knitting machines that knit the thread into a fine, elastic tubular fabric. Depending on the DEN count (Denier), the tights become finer (e.g., 15 DEN) or more robust (e.g., 60 DEN). Nylon tights with 20–40 DEN are particularly popular for everyday wear.
3. Sewing & Reinforcement
The knitted tubes are cut into leg pieces and reinforced at specific points – usually the toes, heel, and panty section. These reinforcements increase durability and prevent laddering. The leg pieces are then sewn together to form the finished tights.
4. Dyeing and Finishing
To give the tights their typical look, they are dyed. From classic black to nude tones or bold colors – the sexy tights and fashion models get their final color character here. Shiny models get a striking shine effect through special finishing.
5. Quality Control
Before tights go on sale, a quality control is carried out. Here, it is checked whether the seams are clean, the size is correct, and no ladders have formed. Only flawless products ultimately make it into sales.
Info Box: Fun Fact – The First Nylon Tights
The first nylon tights were introduced in the USA in 1939 and caused a real hype. Within a few days, the first stocks were sold out – and nylon tights became a worldwide fashion hit.
Conclusion
The manufacturing of tights is a highly precise process where materials, technology, and design work together perfectly. From the yarn to knitting to quality control, products are created that we wear every day – from classic nylon tights to patterned models to sexy versions. This is how a thread becomes the fashion basic we all know.
