Can you choose between tights and stockings correctly? - Discussing the differences from a manufacturer's perspective - [Lots of outfit examples]

Hello.
I am Akuru, who runs the sock workshop Toré.

Until now, I have worked in the field of major apparel OEM,
producing millions of pairs of socks and tights.

Today, I'm talking about tights and stockings.

I have truly made so many of them over the years, and
I have also planned many of them.

I have spent a long time thinking about them as well.

As spring arrives, there are more opportunities to wear stockings.

People are fussy about TPO and such, and
there are so many different kinds sold in stores that it's confusing.

Today, I have summarized the differences and how to choose them!

To begin with, what is the difference?

Basically, it is the denier count.

Under 30 → Stockings
30 or more → Tights
There are no specific rules, but...

Essentially, rather than denier, I think
the intent and purpose are more important.

Stockings = Products that control appearance → Other-oriented
Tights = Products that control physical sensation → Self-oriented

This difference in design philosophy
extends to the entire structure.

For stockings, the top priority is simply to 'make the legs look uniformly beautiful'.

That is why the yarn is as thin as possible, the knitting is uniform, and transparency is valued.

On the other hand, for tights, the top priority is to 'keep the legs warm and support movement'.

That is why the yarn is thick, the knitting method is changed for each part, and various functions such as compression, reinforcement, and heat retention are added.

Stockings prioritize beauty even when it is cold,
while tights prioritize warmth over appearance.

And this 'design that prioritizes appearance' is actually what leads to their fragility.

Why do stockings run so easily?

It's the issue of runs.

The reason stockings run easily is simply because they are thin, but...

To put it another way, because their top priority is to 'look beautiful,' they pursue uniformity to the extreme.

In the stocking manufacturing process, a single irregularity in a thread immediately results in a defective product.

Uneven knitting means disposal. Tension discrepancies mean disposal.

It is a product where 'being uniform' is the first priority.

Because the structure allows a single irregularity to spread through the stitches to the entire garment, even a slight snag can cause it to run all at once.

Tights are different. Because the threads are thicker, they can absorb some irregularities.

Though the basic manufacturing method is the same.

From a manufacturing perspective, stockings are a 'product that is less forgiving of mistakes.'

However, times change.

The role of stockings is changing little by little.

While product quality continues to evolve, the volume handled is decreasing year by year.

I think it's because the culture of 'it must be this way' is changing itself.

With the spread of telework, the number of 'situations where one is seen' has decreased.

The norms of 'how things should be' have gradually weakened.

It seems that tights are becoming acceptable even for formal occasions like weddings and funerals.

Formal occasions are situations where social norms are strongest.

Values change with the times, and I feel that 'formal style' is truly strongly influenced by that.

Men's formal suits have also decreased quite a bit, haven't they?

Now, let's take a look at various outfits.

Many outfit examples

Let's summarize.

Stockings are products worn to look beautiful from the outside. They make the skin look uniform and refine the visual impression.

Tights are products worn to take care of yourself from the inside. Color, pattern, thickness, and function.

Please think about it according to your mood and plans for the day.

Thank you for reading until the end.

This time, I have talked about the differences between tights and stockings in a general sense.

Since these are products with a long history, I could talk about tights and stockings in infinite detail, but I will leave it here for today.

But, it really is a change of the times.
Formal suits for men's clothing are also decreasing.

While having the correct knowledge, I believe it is stylish to use them skillfully according to the TPO without being too formal.

At the sock workshop Toré, we value this kind of design with the theme of "socks that are not flashy but can be worn every day."

Click here for Toré's socks ↓↓

I also write other notes like this: