Tights... what brand do you like best?

[isakswings]

We used to buy Danskin, simply because that is what they sold at the rink. The rink won't be carryign Danskin skating tights anymore and from what I can see, they are hard to find anyway(did they stop making skating tights?).

My daughter's coach likes the over the boot tights and I find at least one style of the Mondor brand to be quite thin, much thinner then the Danskin tights! It frustrates me that they are 16-20 for a pair of tights and in one minute, they could be ruined! Sometimes, it has nothing to do with skating...we had a pair run as she was putting them on over her boots! Thankfully, it was small enough that I didn't worry about it...but it was still frustrating. I tried to convince her coach to go with in the boot tights... but she loves OTB on dd(and I have to admit...I love that they hide her skates! LOL). I've found some great buys on ebay(10.00 or less for a pair of tights), but I am curious if other parents or skaters have found a pair of tights that is a bit more durable then others. We bought a pair of Capezio OTB tights for her last comp and those seem to be thicker then the Mondor tights I bought in May for her ice show. Any feedback?

[Skittl1321]

I like Capezio for OTB tights, but have Mondor and Danskin too. They are all fine.

I then wear body tights under them for my second pair (I got a few for $1 at Danny's Dance Warehouse website- they don't seem to be on special right now) I like the body tight because it means no uber-crease on my tummy from 2 pairs of regular tights, plus no bra needed (for me).

The biggest thing for me for skating tights is to make sure to take care of them. As soon as a hole develops, I mend it. I never mended tights in dance- they were cheap enough to toss, but at $20+ a pair, skating tights get sewn right back up and used again.

[isakswings]

I like Capezio for OTB tights, but have Mondor and Danskin too. They are all fine.

I then wear body tights under them for my second pair (I got a few for $1 at Danny's Dance Warehouse website- they don't seem to be on special right now) I like the body tight because it means no uber-crease on my tummy from 2 pairs of regular tights, plus no bra needed (for me).

The biggest thing for me for skating tights is to make sure to take care of them. As soon as a hole develops, I mend it. I never mended tights in dance- they were cheap enough to toss, but at $20+ a pair, skating tights get sewn right back up and used again.

I have heard you can mend them...I am going to try that too. I like the Danskin tights better. They seem to be thicker. I swear she would get 2 or 3 wears out of a pair before a hole would develop! But since they are hard to find, I am trying to find the best pair. I found these Jerry lycra "tights" and I am considering them. http://www.skate-buys.com/802belyboad.html . I don't know if they would be too thick for competition or testing tho! That is really what I would want to use them for. I don't know. Toe picks can do a a lot of damage in a matter of seconds. LOL!

[Skittl1321]

To mend a hole (like from a heel kick on a backspin)- I just fold the tight in half and stitch over it. It puckers a bit when not wearing it, but the negative ease of the tights stretch them out and they look fine. I've worn mended tights for testing.

I haven't had to deal with runs though. Just holes, and if you catch them early, they close up easily. A big hole is a problem.

The tights you linked too look shiny. Shiny tights aren't really "in style" anymore.

[sk8tmum]

Mondor makes a range of tights, from thin ones designed for competitions to heavy ones that are designed for practice wear. We use them exclusively; and they last for ever and ever and ever. I've gotten 3 seasons wear out of their heavier tights, and they are warm for on ice.

I will admit though that we do not do OTB tights - as our coaches will not permit them - so I can't comment on that. However, our synchro team uses OTB tights, and they use Mondor: from what the parents tell me, they last equally long.

I have found, though, that the new Bamboo tights seem to run a bit more than the ones we have alway used.

[sk8tmum]

I have heard you can mend them...I am going to try that too. I like the Danskin tights better. They seem to be thicker. I swear she would get 2 or 3 wears out of a pair before a hole would develop! But since they are hard to find, I am trying to find the best pair. I found these Jerry lycra "tights" and I am considering them. http://www.skate-buys.com/802belyboad.html . I don't know if they would be too thick for competition or testing tho! That is really what I would want to use them for. I don't know. Toe picks can do a a lot of damage in a matter of seconds. LOL!

These are leggings not tights ... they would look odd on the ice IMHO ... if you want Jerrys, I think these are closer to what you would usually term tights ... I don't know what Jerry's tight quality is, as I've never bought a pair.

http://www.skate-buys.com/hewebocotivf.html

[Skittl1321]

These are leggings not tights ... they would look odd on the ice IMHO ... if you want Jerrys, I think these are closer to what you would usually term tights ... I don't know what Jerry's tight quality is, as I've never bought a pair.

http://www.skate-buys.com/hewebocotivf.html

I don't know Jerry's quality either, but the fact that you can see the boot through the stretched out tight makes me think they are thin and will ripe easily.

Or maybe the photographer used the flash at a weird angle...

[Schmeck]

For practice, Mondor's more heavyweight OTB tights have lasted in our house for 2-3 years before they get thrown out. A new pair is bought for every few testing sessions, and I've been known to carry tan thread and a needle in my purse for testing sessions, so that after a warm-up, I can patch any little new snags. Once, I forgot to bring the thread, and we used scotch tape inside the tights - it worked great!

Tights should not be running just from putting them on over the skates unless the skater is being careless. It takes both hands and a bit of focus to get them down over the eyehooks, and away from the balde and toepick.

[Isk8NYC]

I buy the Mondor heavier-weight tights for my daughters. Their sweater-knit weight tights are very durable.

Heavier tights can last a long time. You can just put a little clear nail polish or run-stop (from the fabric store) over a hole and give it a few stitches. I darn the holes rather than making a seam as Skittl suggests, but it doesn't really matter as long as you follow the "stitch in time will save nine" rule. Check the tights after every wearing, preferably before she takes them off. It's hard to find the runs when the fabric's not stretched.

The Mondor tights with the under-foot clips are much better than the velcro-straps. It's a PITA to keep the velcro from snagging and pulling the tights while you're trying to put them on or close the velcro. I replaced the velcro on two pairs for that reason.

If your skater puts some packing tape over the hooks, or rolls down her pantyhose/socks to cover the hooks, the OTB tights will last much longer. It's not only snags, it's the friction of the hooks against the tights that wears out that area and causes holes and runs.

[isakswings]

These are leggings not tights ... they would look odd on the ice IMHO ... if you want Jerrys, I think these are closer to what you would usually term tights ... I don't know what Jerry's tight quality is, as I've never bought a pair.

http://www.skate-buys.com/hewebocotivf.html

Thanks. I know they are leggings since they are made form lycra. :) I don't necessarily want Jerry's but I am looking for thicker, longer lasting tights. I agree, the shine on them would look odd for competition, but for practice, maybe they would be OK. That said... she doesn't always wear OTB for practice. And if she does, it is usually an older pair with flaws. Thanks for the feedback!

[isakswings]

Mondor makes a range of tights, from thin ones designed for competitions to heavy ones that are designed for practice wear. We use them exclusively; and they last for ever and ever and ever. I've gotten 3 seasons wear out of their heavier tights, and they are warm for on ice.

I will admit though that we do not do OTB tights - as our coaches will not permit them - so I can't comment on that. However, our synchro team uses OTB tights, and they use Mondor: from what the parents tell me, they last equally long.

I have found, though, that the new Bamboo tights seem to run a bit more than the ones we have alway used.

Thanks! I find the footed tights list a long time(I think she has had some for a year...) but the OTB tights are making me nuts! I must be buying the thinner tights from Mondor. :)

[isakswings]

For practice, Mondor's more heavyweight OTB tights have lasted in our house for 2-3 years before they get thrown out. A new pair is bought for every few testing sessions, and I've been known to carry tan thread and a needle in my purse for testing sessions, so that after a warm-up, I can patch any little new snags. Once, I forgot to bring the thread, and we used scotch tape inside the tights - it worked great!

Tights should not be running just from putting them on over the skates unless the skater is being careless. It takes both hands and a bit of focus to get them down over the eyehooks, and away from the balde and toepick.

Are they just called "heavyweight"? I must be buying the thinner pairs. I know I have bought the bamboo tights lately too. Those are the tights that are running. She uses both hands and is very careful about eyehooks and she does not get them near the blade or toe pick. The holes are not from her being careless...other skaters in her club are having the same issues with Mondor tights. We must be buying the thinner tights. I will have to investigate the tights when I take dd in for her fitting.

Anyway... thanks for the tips also! I will keep that in mind as well.

[isakswings]

I buy the Mondor heavier-weight tights for my daughters. Their sweater-knit weight tights are very durable.

Heavier tights can last a long time. You can just put a little clear nail polish or run-stop (from the fabric store) over a hole and give it a few stitches. I darn the holes rather than making a seam as Skittl suggests, but it doesn't really matter as long as you follow the "stitch in time will save nine" rule. Check the tights after every wearing, preferably before she takes them off. It's hard to find the runs when the fabric's not stretched.

The Mondor tights with the under-foot clips are much better than the velcro-straps. It's a PITA to keep the velcro from snagging and pulling the tights while you're trying to put them on or close the velcro. I replaced the velcro on two pairs for that reason.

If your skater puts some packing tape over the hooks, or rolls down her pantyhose/socks to cover the hooks, the OTB tights will last much longer. It's not only snags, it's the friction of the hooks against the tights that wears out that area and causes holes and runs.

Thanks! Do you buy the Mondor tights with the plastic buckles on the feet? I am wondering if those are the thicker tights. I am just frustrated because I could get away with 2 or 3 pair of Danskin tights a season. I bought her a new pair of OTB tights in May for the club show and hoped to use them again for the comp in June. Didn't happen because of holes developing for normal use! OY. I have 2 pair of good tights sitting in her dresser and they will stay there until her test session next month! LOL.

[CaraSkates]

My best advice to make your OTB tights last longer, no matter what the brand, is two things. One, buy a size larger. I wear a Danskin "B" and buy C/D OTB tights. This means less stretch/stress on the fabric and less chance of holes. Two, before wearing, toss in the washer AND dryer!! This helps the lycra shrink up and not run.

I wash all of my practice tights in the washer and dryer and they last for years (some are going on 5 years now). Competition tights will fade slightly over time in the dryer. I only noticed the fading after about a year of weekly washing though so you should be ok. I do the same thing with dance (ballet) tights and mine last much longer then other people at my studio.

[icestalker]

I have the Evolution OTB* tights. They have the little clips, and they do have rips on my lunging side and on the heel, though I think they a bit small for me is why they rip through the heel. They only rip in lunges when the ice is chewed up and bumpy, causing a great deal of friction. I wear them everytime I skate and they only have a few rips on the heel.
Mondor does sell some thinner tights, you just need to look at all their models to determine the ones to stay away from. Their sweater-knit tights are impossible to damage. I wear them underneath my cheapy thin leggings, and they keep my legs warm even when not moving.


*I don't know if the Evolution ones are the ones made with bamboo. Are they?

[fsk8r]

I used to love the Danskin tights, but found them hard to get hold of now. My current preferred brand is USIcewear. There tights are very similar to the Danskin ones, possibly a little thicker, but are still fine for competition / tests. They have options velcro, clips (and hooks I think) for OTB.

As for Mondor, I HATE the Performance OTB tights. I've got their largest size and they won't stretch enough to go over the boots without risking laddering them. Unfortunately, they're the synchro tights so I've got no choice, but it's really annoying when they cost over $20 a pair (I'm not in the US and the prices are higher) and I get one competition out of them. I'm not the only person on the team with this issue, but getting the club to change is proving difficult.

Can anyone recommend cheap practice footed tights? I keep thinking it should be possible to get them for less money as my winter tights don't cost half as much.

[isakswings]

I used to love the Danskin tights, but found them hard to get hold of now. My current preferred brand is USIcewear. There tights are very similar to the Danskin ones, possibly a little thicker, but are still fine for competition / tests. They have options velcro, clips (and hooks I think) for OTB.

As for Mondor, I HATE the Performance OTB tights. I've got their largest size and they won't stretch enough to go over the boots without risking laddering them. Unfortunately, they're the synchro tights so I've got no choice, but it's really annoying when they cost over $20 a pair (I'm not in the US and the prices are higher) and I get one competition out of them. I'm not the only person on the team with this issue, but getting the club to change is proving difficult.

Can anyone recommend cheap practice footed tights? I keep thinking it should be possible to get them for less money as my winter tights don't cost half as much.

The problem you are speaking of with the Mondor tights, is what happens to us. It is very frustrating when you pay that much for tights and have them run! I do like the Capezio tights and so does dd. Dd LOVED Danskin tights, but as you have noticed, finding them is proving to be very difficult! Dd's friend's mom bought a pair of the kind you mentioned at a recent comp. I will have to ask her about the durability because if it is good enough, I will definately order a pair! :) No idea about practice tights!

[isakswings]

My best advice to make your OTB tights last longer, no matter what the brand, is two things. One, buy a size larger. I wear a Danskin "B" and buy C/D OTB tights. This means less stretch/stress on the fabric and less chance of holes. Two, before wearing, toss in the washer AND dryer!! This helps the lycra shrink up and not run.



I buy dd's tights a size larger then she needs as well. She could wear the largest child's size tights, but we usually buy the adult small unless we can't find them for her.

Thanks for the tip about washing. I will try that with the new pair I have waiting in her dresser for next months test session. I am finding the Capezio tights on ebay for 10.00. I am going to order another pair and hang onto them for September's competition!!

[sk8tmum]

All I can add about the Mondor tights is that they are amazingly resilient: my eldest DD grabbed a package of new tights on her way out the door to a test day. Note that she was 5'8" at the time with a 34" inseam She got to the test day, pulled out the package ... and they were a child's 6 to 8 years size. Darned if the stupid things didn't stretch out enough to be worn successfully. Took some bouncing up and down holding the waistband to do it ... but, we did it :roll:

They then happily shrank back to fit my tiny then 5 year old daughter for a couple of years use. Can't ask for more than that for toughness.

[isakswings]

All I can add about the Mondor tights is that they are amazingly resilient: my eldest DD grabbed a package of new tights on her way out the door to a test day. Note that she was 5'8" at the time with a 34" inseam She got to the test day, pulled out the package ... and they were a child's 6 to 8 years size. Darned if the stupid things didn't stretch out enough to be worn successfully. Took some bouncing up and down holding the waistband to do it ... but, we did it :roll:

They then happily shrank back to fit my tiny then 5 year old daughter for a couple of years use. Can't ask for more than that for toughness.

How long ago was this? I ask simply because I think part of the problem is the new bamboo fabric. I think it is weaker then it used to be. It certainly makes this mom crazy! LOL

That is pretty cool tho! :)

[Morgail]

Didn't Capezio stop making skating items (including tights) a year ago or so? Or maybe I'm going crazy...

I second the recommendation for Mondor's heavyweight OTB tights (I think they're also called Matte). They're my favorite practice tights. Mine have velcro on the bottom. They're warm, and the only holes I have in mine are from landing jumps with my feet still crossed. The best thing about the heavyweight tights is that it's easy to sew up any holes you make.

For tests & competitions, though, I use the Danskin OTB tights. Yes, they're thin, but I layer a pair of in-boot tights underneath. I like the color of the Danskin tights the best. I think I bought them from either tidewaterice.com or skate-buys.com. I think Rainbo used to sell them, but I don't see them listed there any more.

[Kim to the Max]

I mainly wear footed tights because I wear pants 99.99999% of the time. For my show and test OTB tights, I wear the thin evolution mondor tights because they are thin...I get really really warm on the ice, so thin is good!

For my footed tights, I used to wear capezio because they fit really well and wore forever (I still have some!), but the newest pairs I have in the same size are quite a bit shorter in the waist. I tend to wear my tights very high (I get made fun of, but that's okay), but these sit extremely low and just feel awkward, so I changed brands to the mondor evolution. I like then, but I don't really like the color, but they are always covered by something else, so I don't really worry about it!

In the summer, I will wear my very thin footless tights I got from GK right before they stopped making skating wear. They are amazing and I wish I could get more!!