These universally disliked tights are making a major comeback

Nude tights, often maligned in the past, are now experiencing a striking resurgence. This piece delves into the nuances of this polarizing fashion trend.

We're witnessing the comeback of a style once deemed passé: nude tights. A staple in women's fashion in the 1960s, these tights were later dismissed as unfashionable and forgotten. Criticized for their unflattering opacity that sometimes altered the natural look of the skin, they nevertheless maintained a dedicated following, including prominent figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Bernadette Chirac. Fashion, however, is an ever-revolving cycle. The 2023 iteration of nude tights is redefining desirability, edging towards sensuality. The Miu Miu Autumn-Winter 2023-2024 collection exemplifies this trend, showcasing an array of nylon stockings in diverse shades. Among these, the 'skin effect' hue stands out, marking its presence in the fashion palette.

Fashion houses are reimagining nude tights as a versatile accessory that complements any style. They can be paired with a miniskirt and a varsity jacket for a casual look. They also match with all types of shoes: from high heels to sneakers, and even flip-flops as seen in Sportmax's collection. Some designs offer a sculpting effect, enhancing the hips, legs, and elongating the silhouette. Comfortable and sometimes shimmering, adorned with lace or various patterns, nude tights are reinventing themselves. On the Spring-Summer 2024 runway shows, they were a highlight. Chanel featured them with stripes, Paul & Joe in a baby doll pink, and Sportmax offered shades for every skin tone.

The Return of a Symbol of Freedom

This resurgence should be viewed in the context of the history of tights. In 1962, the miniskirt, a creation of Mary Quant, sparked controversy by revealing women's legs. To counter the backlash against this sexual and commercial revolution, some women added nude tights to their outfits, serving as a 'barrier'. Besides offering warmth, these tights subtly reduced the sexualization of women's legs. It raises the question: how can one criticize legs that are 'not to be seen' yet are actually covered?

With the #MeToo movement, fashion is reigniting the liberation of the female body. In its wake, we see the 'no pant' trend, largely driven by the brand Miu Miu, encouraging women to step out... in their underwear. Today, it's not just the legs that are on display, but also the thighs. And within this movement, nude tights are making a comeback, presenting themselves as a stylish and... less revealing alternative.