Tights Tuesday: Kunert Mystique Tights

My tights review pick this week from UK Tights is the Kunert Mystique Tights. This is my second review of Kunert tights, and the thing that continues to strike me about their product is the quality. While Kunert does dabble, somewhat, in fashion tights with prints and effects, their real strength seems to be in their basic tights. A while back, I did an in-depth post where I compared their satin tights to that of Wolford. At the time, I couldn't believe how favorably they compared to Wolford at a much lower price point. Since then, I've worn their satin tights several times, and the quality continues to stand up wear after wear and (hand) wash after (hand) wash (you knew I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of hand washing, right?).

With the mystique tights, I have a feeling I'm going to be in the same kind of long-term relationship. The quality of these tights surpass the price point in much the same way the Satin Look tights do. If I were to go through the exercise of comparing these to Wolford the way I did with the Satin Look, I'd say these most resemble the Wolford Individual 20, which were the first tights I ever tried from Wolford way back when. Once again, the main difference is price. The Mystique 20 delivers every bit of look and quality and does so at slightly less than half the price of the Wolford counterparts. The premium you pay is for the Wolford name and for little else, as it turns out.

But enough about Wolford. The Mystique 20 tights are a perfect fit. They're fully boarded and designed to fit the curve of your legs and result and a fabulous, and extremely comfortable fit. These are going to feel every bit as good at the end of the day as they did in the beginning, no matter how long your day is. As always with a basic tight, they can be worn everywhere and can adapt to multiple occasions in the same day whether formal or casual. Because they fit so well, you won't have to worry about tugging at them or adjusting them as the day goes on. Trust me. These tights wont move. Getting all of this for a pair of tights at under £10 is an absolute steal. If you need basics, and you're going anywhere else, you're making a mistake. Trust me. I've tried 'em all :).

The Mystique 20 are made from a blend of 61% polyamide and 39% elastane. They are completely sheer throughout except for a shadow toe with flat seams. They are an incredibly soft and smooth fit. For a price of just £9.93 ($16), I can't recommend them enough.

How Much For a Touch of Satin?

I say a lot of things.

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).

Tights Tuesday: Kunert Satin Look 20

My pick for review this week from UK Tights is a basic pair of tights with a twist. For all the tights I've tried over the last several years, this is my first experience with Kunert. Kunert is based out of Germany and produces moderately priced hosiery. The thing that immediately stuck out to me the most about these tights is the quality, particularly given the price points. Without even wearing these, you'll immediately notice that these look like expensive tights. Kunert markets the fact that they use high quality materials and it is immediately noticeable upon wearing their products. In addition to looking great these are among the softest and smoothest tights I've ever tried. Wearing these, its hard to justify spending two or three times as much to wear other brands.

In particular, I liked the Satin Look 20 tights. I'm personally partial to tights around the 20 denier range. They maintain a sheer look on the legs, but they feel sturdier and fit more comfortably then some of the ultra-sheer tights. I also very much love the satin look. These tights give a more than subtle but much less than overpowering shine to the leg. It's perfect for a night out but also completely appropriate for office or even more casual wear. The shine creates quite an attractive, inviting look without hitting the observer over the head. Its perfect.

In addition, these tights are made with a touch of Aloe Vera to keep the legs moisturized. They're perfect for me for a day like today when the upcoming snowstorm has brought arctic-like weather to New England. There is a flat seam across the toe and a "shadow" reinforcement on the toe that would be somewhat noticeable if these were worn with open-toed shoes. But it could be done without looking tacky. Otherwise, they are sheer throughout and are fully boarded. Fully boarded means that the tights, when not being worn, already have a shape of a foot to them. This is typical to higher quality hosiery as it aids a more comfortable and more accurate fit to the wearer as the heel fits more snugly into the foot of the hose.

The tights are made from 85% polyamide and 15% elastane. They come in a staggering 6 different sizes and 5 different shades and are versatile enough to fit a variety of body types. These tights are an absolute steal at £9.13 (about $14). They'd still be a good value if Kunert charged twice as much (but don't tell them I said so ;-) ). Honestly, if you're the type of person that hardly every buys or wears tights, invest in these. They may be all you ever need. They may even convert you into a Tights Lover, yourself...

New Fashion Legwear

Here are just some of the things I'm lusting over in the leg wear world at the moment. This is typically the time when I'd put in a huge order at UK Tights...that is, if I hadn't blown my entire paycheck at Home Depot already. Oh well...I guess crown moldings are pretty exciting too....right...I mean, aren't they........anybody?

Hudson Mermaid Fashion Tights

Hudson Fashion Stay Up Capri Leggings

Oroblu Angie Fashion Leggings

Oroblu Penelope Fashion Leggings

Kunert Deep Lace Stockings