Links
Where to buy and where else to go...
Where to buy online
Buying "normal" tights isn't usually a huge problem - they're available all over the place including supermarkets, chemists, garages, corner shops and so on. However, if you're looking for something a bit special or prefer not to do your tights shopping in person, there are a number of online retailers who may be of assistance. If you want to know what's worth buying, try Tights Fashion which has an enormous directory of reviews of pairs of tights which is regularly updated.
Do check the sizing - it does vary between manufacturers. More expensive tights are likely to have a bit more give in them than cheaper ones.
All sites in this part of the list are based in the UK so shipping, returns, queries, etc. should all be easy and straightforward. Inclusion in or exclusion from this list shouldn't be taken to imply any specific recommendation or lack thereof. (Note that companies in the Google Ad sidebar may be from elsewhere.)
"a varied selection of quality legwear for you and your little angels. Tights for Adults, Children, Toddlers, Babies & Newborn for everyday wear, cute, funky, bright 'n' bold, or for an extra special occassion."
Suppliers of plus size lingerie including tights right up to XXXXL for those who need them.
All different sorts from plain to Purple Lurex. Most of the more interesting styles are in one size (8-14) though. Lots of other Goth clothing too, as long as you're on smaller side of medium mostly.
Stripy (and fishnet) tights in a range of colours and other punky clothing.
Jade Lingerie - Adult
Suppliers of "stunning bodywear and provocative legwear". And they mean it. Not what most people would be able to wear for work, even on casual day. If you can at you place, do you have any jobs going? Some interesting styles and patterns mostly not seen elsewhere (see also MyTights below if it's unusual you're after).
New addition to this list, linked from Hooligan above. They "specialise in hosiery for special occasions" they say. Do have an interesting range of patterns, especially in mesh/lace but lots of things that look like they should be links on the site aren't, so a bit confusing in places.
Premium brands and larger sizes including convenient searching by level of support.
Describe themselves as "Europe's Premier Online Lingerie Store". Carry a huge range of tights for normal wear and special occasions as well as many other items.
Guess what they sell... A fantastic range of print tights (about two dozen), Paisley, glittery, the works. A huge range of colours in some styles, an excellent advice section and a more detailed (and less sarcastic) glossary than the one here.
Another site to supply your inner punk (or emo). A fantastic range of tights and stockings: multicoloured, stripey, fishnets in every colour you can think of. Seem to be pretty much the place if you want a range of interesting prints especially, plus UV reactive fishnets.
Basic and fairly limited range of sheer tights but with a programme where they'll send you pairs of tights on approval. Buy them if you want them, send them back if you don't. Fine if you want pretty much the same thing on a regular basis but you'll get a wider range a better prices elsewhere. Site showing (c)2005 on the home page so may be worth getting in touch with them before ordering but they do seem to have updated the site a bit since I last looked.
Like the shops but online and not just for socks! They don't seem to still have some of the more exciting prints that they have in the past - it might be worth checking in stores to see if they have anything that's not available online. Shown right for example are a pair with Christmas Puddings and Holly on black semi-opaque tights.
Only a few lines are tights but all are made with at least 97% organic cotton (the rest is cotton coated Lycra. Range of other environmentally sensitive products.
Wide range of tights including lots of limited editions in the sale section. Have a look in the fashion section for some unusual lines too. Also host a hosiery discussion forum.
Great range, excellent service and a few ranges made from organic cotton (but they only have bamboo socks at the moment which is a shame). Super clearance and bargain sections too. (Affilite link, using this makes us happy)
A varied range of tights and stockings: multicoloured, stripey, fishnet, lacy, and funky pop-art designs plus other lingerie items.
Great range and a convenient wish list facility. Have a look at the WOW Fashion section for some hugely fun designs. The Sophisticated Fashion sections also lives up to its name, without being at all boring. Used to say they'd ship on a Saturday morning for possible Monday delivery but that doesn't appear to be the case. Still claim same day shipping for orders placed by 3pm though so should be quick, post allowing.
Mostly stockings but they do have seamed fishnet tights. Very classy website.
Manufacturers
"...proudly support and promote leg wear manufacturers and suppliers, and serve as the information gateway to consumers, retailers, legislators and the media." Certainly the consumer section is worth a look for hints, fashion tips and other information.
What is there to say? (Apart from 'site uses Flash heavily'?)
Makers of tights with support and massaging action and not at all frumpy
One of the best manufacturer sites - clear pictures and much quicker than the other Flash-based monsters! Direct online purchasing and a lot of styles most of the retailers don't carry so you might not otherwise see.
Improved site since last checked. Mailing list with monthly prize draw. See the full range but no online purchasing.
As well as viewing the product range you can download desktop wallpaper images in convenient sizes, if that's of interest. There's a calendar too but it has example of their whole range, not just tights and only seems to be available in Germany.
Other Links
Commercial
Original inventors of LYCRA™, an almost essential addition to any pair of tights these days!
An absolutely amazing range of colours and styles! Patterns, prints or textures, they have it covered. Well worth a look if you want to brigten up your legs. (US site)
Runaway
Provides a small sized spray that helps to stop runs and ladders in
hosiery
The SockMan
Based in the US, the SockMan supplies a range of interesting styles. If
you want butterflies, skulls or a chihuahua on your legs then have a
look here! Not much you can't get from the UK suppliers above but still a few bits to make it worth the look.
Tights Fashion
Enormous directory of reviews of pairs of tights, regularly updated.
Stockings & Suspenders
If you must... Stockings
HQ may be of interest
Personal / Non-commercial / Misc
Hoisery - an H2G2 Guide entry
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A617348
Tights and Green Electricity
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/newsnight/2006/12/i_am_not_a_transsexual_i_just_want_to_talk_green_e_1.html
A Glimpse of Stocking - (UG)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A11751608
SkirtCafe
http://www.skirtcafe.org
Skirt Cafe is an on-line community dedicated to exploring, promoting and advocating skirts and kilts as a fashion choice for men.