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Original poster

Flesh coloured tights, that are cool and not like my granny's American tan...

47 replies

TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 14:00

Not even sure if these exist.

I like wearing dresses and in summer this is all fine and dandy as I fake tan my legs and wear sandals in a variety of styles as well as variations on my fave trainers: Adidas Superstars. Might not be for everyone but I'm happy and this is great for work.

But in winter I struggle. I like chunky boots so happy with those and black/dark/coloured tights (although not the time I wore dark green tights and was told I looked like an elf). But often my job requires me to be on my feet for HOURS and boots can get uncomfortable. For those days I love trainers... however I feel trainers and tights look goddam awful.

And then yesterday, as I hobbled home in my boots after running about in them for hours, I had a revelation... surely flesh toned tights have moved on since the days of my granny and her American tan?

Have they? Does anyone carry this off? I just want to look like my legs are legs but not as if I'm about to go on Strictly. And is there any possibility of them being NOT flimsy as fuck and slightly warm?

I'm wide of calf, don't like knee high boots or Uggs (in this scenario) and loafers make me feel frumpy even though they seem to be everywhere this season.

OP posts:
Enyo2 · 17/10/2023 14:11

Not sure what colour flesh-coloured would be?

Are you asking can posters carry off tights that are the colour of their own flesh? And are they available?

There’s a whole range of tights colours on the market that match the different tones of people’s skin.

I have seen people wear a tight that matches their own skin and then have ankle socks with trainers as I kind of retro look but it depends on the outfit and style…

Original poster
TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 14:56

Enyo2 · 17/10/2023 14:11

Not sure what colour flesh-coloured would be?

Are you asking can posters carry off tights that are the colour of their own flesh? And are they available?

There’s a whole range of tights colours on the market that match the different tones of people’s skin.

I have seen people wear a tight that matches their own skin and then have ankle socks with trainers as I kind of retro look but it depends on the outfit and style…

Yass... flesh coloured that matches the tone of their skin. So any flesh toned colour. In my case it would be a flesh tone that equalled someone who is naturally "Scottish blue" with freckles but who uses the magic of a Bondi Sands gradual tanning cream to veer more on the "Scandi Blonde with light honey toned skin."

Anyway, my post was less about the colour and more about the quality, non shiny appearance and durability of the more modern version. And if that more modern version would work with trainers. I honestly cannot recall seeing anyone wearing flesh coloured tights that look more like "a leg" as opposed to "a leg with obvious tights on "so I was hoping someone would have knowledge and possible recommendations.

OP posts:
Enyo2 · 17/10/2023 15:01

Ok that’s beyond my remit :) Good luck then in getting tights that match your own skin and are good quality :)

Mumsanetta · 17/10/2023 15:02

I feel your pain OP, and I found a perfect solution - Sheer Chemistry do the most realistic skin coloured tights I have come across! But, unfortunately for you, they colour match to deep skin tones rather than Scottish blue. Perhaps a trip to a department store might be in order?

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 17/10/2023 15:13

I usually circumvent this by moving straight on to black opaques.

I hate nude tights.

PinkTonic · 17/10/2023 18:11

Heist tights are great nude tights in various deniers and skin tones including very pale.

Invisimamma · 17/10/2023 18:13

Try snags in 'builders tea' colour.

sparklefresh · 17/10/2023 18:18

Snag do a few 'nude' tones which are brilliant

Parakeetamol · 17/10/2023 18:21

I think black tights are fine. Just get less sporty style trainers.

Stentor7 · 17/10/2023 18:22

Elbeo lightweight support tights. The shade called 'Silky' is really good.

Whataretheodds · 17/10/2023 18:24

Nah, just do like the Manhattanites apparently do and use baby oil.

cwirkee · 17/10/2023 18:27

Erm, less of the Granny Grin I have been known to partake in the wearing of American Tan tights in the late 90s and I've still got moderately small children!

HideTheCroissants · 17/10/2023 18:28

These tights are excellent. They are truly ladder resist. I’ve even had colleagues ask me how my legs look so good! If you go to the store they usually have sample swatches so you can find the best shade for you.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3pk-10-denier-ladder-resist-matt-tights/p/clp60500254?color=PALEOPALINE&prevPage=srp#intid=plpnav_swatch|pid_pg1pip4g4r1c2

LadyHester · 17/10/2023 18:38

Have you thought about wearing leggings under your dress, with the bottoms cut off if necessary, and then keeping up the fake tan?
Or have you considered ballet pumps? - sturdier ones with a high vamp rather than the Amy Winehouse toe-cleavage ones of the Noughties.
I’m totally with you on tights with trainers.

nancypowers1983 · 17/10/2023 18:53

Definitely have a look at Snag Tights! They are amazing and so comfortable, best tights ever and they do up to a size 36. Just follow their sizing chart and you'll be fine.

Original poster
TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 20:17

Whataretheodds · 17/10/2023 18:24

Nah, just do like the Manhattanites apparently do and use baby oil.

Is this a thing? Have you tried it? Does it keep your legs warm?

Might walk the dog for twenty minutes tomorrow and report back. Mind you, I was hoping for a tights solution as then I can grow my leg hair for warmth!

OP posts:
Elektra1 · 17/10/2023 20:19

Falke Shelina are my go-to. Not cheap though so it hurts when they ladder.

Elektra1 · 17/10/2023 20:20

Or you could try that Vita Liberata leg stuff that goes on like fake tan and makes your legs look tanned, but washes off with soap (does not come off on clothes or in normal rain)

Original poster
TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 20:23

LadyHester · 17/10/2023 18:38

Have you thought about wearing leggings under your dress, with the bottoms cut off if necessary, and then keeping up the fake tan?
Or have you considered ballet pumps? - sturdier ones with a high vamp rather than the Amy Winehouse toe-cleavage ones of the Noughties.
I’m totally with you on tights with trainers.

I used to wear leggings and they are absolutely fine with certain black/dark tunic style dresses. I don't think they work as well with the more floaty ones and very on the fence wearing them with the satin shirt dresses I am currently in love with.

I cannot wear ballet pumps. They are not me. Not in any variation I'm afraid. I do love a chunky boot or funky trainer as in my head I'm Debbie Harry circa 1978. I'm not, but I feel a ballet flat is a step too far in the wrong direction!

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 17/10/2023 20:23

Definitely does keep them warmer! Though so does leg hair...

Original poster
TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 20:24

Elektra1 · 17/10/2023 20:20

Or you could try that Vita Liberata leg stuff that goes on like fake tan and makes your legs look tanned, but washes off with soap (does not come off on clothes or in normal rain)

I have that and use it when I need my legs to look very nice - it is fab stuff. But unless they make a self heating version it is off the cards for winter...

OP posts:
Original poster
TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 20:27

nancypowers1983 · 17/10/2023 18:53

Definitely have a look at Snag Tights! They are amazing and so comfortable, best tights ever and they do up to a size 36. Just follow their sizing chart and you'll be fine.

I love snag tights and wear them all the time. I had their fishnets on earlier this week and they're nice too. Mind you, snag green tights were the ones that someone said made me look like an elf...

I just cannot picture those looking like a leg as opposed to a leg in tights as they're quite substantial but I will have another look on their website.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheDogIsInCharge · 17/10/2023 20:28

HideTheCroissants · 17/10/2023 18:28

These tights are excellent. They are truly ladder resist. I’ve even had colleagues ask me how my legs look so good! If you go to the store they usually have sample swatches so you can find the best shade for you.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3pk-10-denier-ladder-resist-matt-tights/p/clp60500254?color=PALEOPALINE&prevPage=srp#intid=plpnav_swatch|pid_pg1pip4g4r1c2

ohhh - I have the country's best M&S near me so I might trundle down tomorrow and have a look.

OP posts:
Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius · 17/10/2023 20:31

I have never seen nice nude tights so don’t think they exist. Why don’t you wear black tights with dark trainers?

RampantIvy · 17/10/2023 20:47

Mumsnetters hate nude tights, but I managed to find some in Boots this summer. The weather, and the office aircon, made having bare legs too chilly for me, and I was happy to find some that made me look look pretty realistically bare legged.