For Sheen V: Opaque Two Color Pantyhose

For part 2 of 3 for my hosiery review/giveaway, I'm taking a minute to talk about the Opaque Two Color Pantyhose from American Apparel, picked out by poster on this blog, and regular read of mine Sheen V of Sheen V's Place. I have to admit, this is exactly what I was hoping for when I issued this challenge to my readers in the first place. I had walked by (and in) the local American Apparel store many times and have always been intrigued by the variety of hosiery they sell there, but for whatever reason, I had yet to purchase anything. Sometimes you just need that push.

After looking around for a picture to post for this blog entry, I'm kind of bummed I didn't go with the fluorescent yellow/coral option. Instead, I went with an aqua blue/black combination. There are several different options available and I have to admit, I spent quite a while deciding.

As for the tights, themselves, they are available in two sizes (OS and M/L). My first observation is that these tights can run very very big. Maybe it's that Stockingirl has given me a complex due to the number of pairs of tights I've ordered that have ended up not fitting, but I assumed I was a M/L. After putting these on, I'm thinking I can get away with an OS, though. These fit quite comfortably and have plenty of stretch to give. I'm wondering if the smaller size might give off a bit more transparency (mine look much more like an opaque tight, while the picture here makes them look quite a bit sheerer). I guess the sizing itself is a bit confusing. OS, or one size, usually encompasses everything within the small to large (or even extra large) range. Yet with these, the other option is M/L, or medium/large. So if you're a medium, which do you pick? I always try to err on the larger side since tights aren't always constructed with my body type in mind, so I feel a little extra fabric could help me avoid runs and tears. Maybe it would be worth it to get the OS and see how those fit.

At any rate, I didn't mean to make this into an essay on American Apparel's sizing. I do really like these tights. As an opaque tight they fit very well and feel very comfortable all day long. The color variation certainly puts a fun spin on an otherwise difficult to spice up opaque tight. The fabric is certainly durable, and I could see myself getting plenty of wears out of this item and perhaps even buying more.

These tights are comprised of a 89/11 blend of nylon and elastane and have a 60 denier appearance. They're great for some of the recent weather we've been getting here where it has felt more like March than May. They have a seem sewn into the toe and the two tones continue all the way up to the waist, so there is another seam at the top separating the two colors in the front and in the back. They cost $16. So you could certainly find a less expensive opaque tight around (MaxMara and BCBG immediately come to mind) but you won't find the color variation at most (if not all) of these places.

All in all I like this idea, and I think it was a imaginative creation by American Apparel. Judging by the reviews on their website, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with even the detractors not coming up with anything too substantial in their complaints. One detractor did point out, however, that she or he has not seen anyone wear these out in public. I have not either. I'd love to hear from ladies (or men more daring then myself) as to whether they have or would. Personally, if done right, I think they can be a good way to stand out.