A long time ago, I made the decision in life that, when making a claim (especially in an argument) go all out and defend it to the death. It doesn't matter at all if I'm right or wrong, as long as I believe what I'm saying. I try to steer away from the middle ground and keep things black or white. I love giving my opinion and I love hearing others' opinions and I prefer when that of others' flies in the face of mine. I have one friend, in particular, that I routinely drive insane with this. When we argue, which is usually whenever we talk, he'll try to present me with as much information as possible to sway my opinion. Typically, and sometimes on purpose, I refuse to change my opinion...and it drives him nuts. For some reason this amuses me. I guess you could call me stubborn, although I never look at myself that way.
Why am I saying all of this? I guess because I'm not sure it translates into my writing ("I guess"..."not sure"...see what I'm saying?). I've begun to wonder, for whatever reason, if my writing is too...gray.
I long ago tabbed Wolford as the gold standard for leg wear (black and white enough, I'm sure). As such, Wolford is always in the back of my mind when it comes to any other leg wear, even if its other premium brands like Falke or Fogal, but especially if it is less expensive brands. It comes out in my reviews, I've noticed. Many times I'll look at or try a inexpensive pair of tights and thoughts such as 'Wolford-like' or 'less expensive version of Wolford's x,y, or z' enter my head. Yet, at the same time, I'll swear to anyone who asks that Wolford is worth every penny due to things like quality, durability, length of life, etc. So which is it? Maybe its time to take a stand.
This happened sort of by accident. This morning, just because they were recently washed, dried and, therefore, readily available on the drying rack, I grabbed the Wolford Satin Touch 20 tights. Upon putting them on, it instantly reminded me of the Kunert Satin Look 20 Denier tights (practically the same name even). Before you think that a) I think waaaay too much about tights (which is true) or b) I have some sort of really strange tights-only photographic memory (which isn't true), remember that I just reviewed these on Tuesday and was particularly happy with them, so they were fresh in my mind. At any rate, I checked the tag just to make sure the ones I grabbed were the Wolford's (they were).
So let's go to the Tale of the Tape:
As stated in their names, they're both 20 denier and have a satin (somewhat shiny) finish. The Wolford Tights, which I reviewed as well, a little over a year back, are made from 85% nylon and 14% elastane. The Kunert Tights are 84% nylon and 16% elastane. In other words, slight more stretch to the Kunert with a heavy, heavy stress on the 'slight'.
So they do indeed look identical and they should feel pretty damn close to identical, unless you have one leg in each, maybe...
The Wolford's have a flat-knit waistband, and almost invisible reinforced toe, and a cotton gusset. The Kunert's do as well. The Kunert's come in 6 different sizes...the Wolford's 5. The Wolford's come in 14 different colors (chutney, anyone?) the Kunert's 5. The Wolford's are sheer throughout, the Kunert's have a high leg panty (no extra control, however). The only other difference, is that the Kunert's have a touch of Aloe Vera, which could be a good or a bad thing (hello, Cafe Fashionista).
So...what's the difference in price? The Wolford's retail for £16.00 while the Kunert's are only £9.13. In USD, that's a difference of $10.84...not bad savings when you're talking about tights in the $15-25 range. You might even buy and extra pair or Kunert's for not much more than the one pair of Wolford (or at least that's what I'd do).
So, yeah, I guess it's fair to say that the Kunert's could be compared to the...(wait, wait...black and white...remember?). Save yourself some money...buy the Kunert Satin Look 20. You wont be sorry.
Feel free (I mean, please) disagree with me (I'm begging you).
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