Sunday 18 September 2011

Reviewed: Autograph 60 Denier Velvet Touch Opaque Tights

Last week I purchased a pair of the Autograph 60 Denier Velvet Touch Opaque Tights in Marks and Spencer. I bought two pairs of these in Black last winter and was really impressed with the quality. They are now available in three new shades, Indigo, Carbon and Brown.

Today we are reviewing the tights in the Brown shade.

Materials and features
Marks and Spencer state that the Autograph 60 Denier velvet Touch Opaque Tights are: "The ultimate in luxury, these 60 denier opaque tights are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and quality at high street prices."

The fabric is 88% Polyamide and 11% Elastane and 1% Cotton. The quality of these tights is apparent as soon as you take them out of the packaging. They have a heavier feel compared with cheaper opaques. There are flat seams and a wide and very comfortable waistband. The feet are reinforced with a run resist toe.

Although the tights look quite small, the amount of stretch is surprising.

Fit and sizing
The tights come in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X - Large. 




I am 5'10" and tested a pair in Large size. These tights fitted exceptionally well.

Colour range
These tights are available in Black, Brown, Carbon (grey) and Indigo.

Price and availability
These tights cost £8.00. Slightly more expensive than some opaques but definitely worth it for the quality. They are available from large branches of Marks and Spencer, and can also be bought online.

Conclusion
I have recently found the quality of Marks and Spencer tights to be less good than in past seasons. However, the Autograph range has been consistently excellent. I would recommend these tights if you want some really good quality opaque tights but your budget doesn't stretch to brands such as Falke and Wolford.



11 comments:

  1. I like Marks and Spencer tights.. Great value and quality... I have always found that the sizing..comfort and fit to be very good..

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  2. I have just taken advantage of a £5 off offer from M&S and ordered a variety of tights. I've taken your advice and gone for large as I am 5'11''.

    I am currently wearing a pair of large opaques from Boots and these are a little big but the same size in a pair of firm support ones are quite tight. I guess the firm support causes them to feel tight.

    I can usually wear my wife's with no problem and these are mediums from M&S but I don't know how these would be once I am walking around. Time will tell....

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  3. Thanks Anon. Do please share your thoughts on the M&S Autograph Velvet Opaque Tights when you have tried them. I think they are excellent quality and the best opaque tights in the £7-£10 category. Under £7 and it has to be Charnos 60 Denier Opaque. Over £10, I think the best are Wolford 70 and Falke 100. All of these fit men well, hence the recommendations.

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  4. I have a question about their sizing. The Large size chart shows the maximum height range to be "177 - 183cm" supporting "86 - 100cm" hips, while the lower height range of "165 - 176cm" supports "101 - 107cm" hips. Unfortunately, moving to size XL causes a loss in the height range, becoming just "155 - 176cm". So, for someone 180cm tall but weighing 90kg might find neither L or XL size to work. Thoughts?

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  5. In all Marks and Spencers tights, the XL size suits a lower height range. That is why I always buy the L size. The L goes up to 183cm so I guess would suit someone up to 183cm. I am not sure about someone 90kg. I am about 73kg and these tights are a perfect fit for me. They also have plenty of stretch.

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  6. I have just this second bought a twin pack of these tights. Straight out of the pack they feel and look exquisite and as HFM said it's the weight that gives them away. I didn't do my homework for the sizing and bought the XL, I'm 6ft 6ins so will let you know how I get on (won't be trying on until tomorrow (6 Nov). My current low budget favourite is Tesco 140D. thanks for a great site, Tony

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  7. Let us know how you get on Tony. I would like to try to Tesco 140D sometime.

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  8. By the way, I was in an M&S last week and I saw that there are now Autograph Luxury 100 Denier Tights: http://www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-Luxury-100-Denier-Tights/dp/B002F6HYY2?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_3&nodeId=765539031&sr=1-3&qid=1383657170&pf_rd_r=13K837HY17CKZZY1QKJ4&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=765539031&pf_rd_p=321381387&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

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    Replies
    1. Sorry, yes it's the 100D I have bought and am commenting on (brain in gear). I saw the 60D online and then found the 100D instore.

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  9. Thanks - let us know what you think of them and whether I should do a full review. If you like the blog, do click on the ads from time to time as it helps us to keep going.

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  10. M&S Autograph Luxury 100 Denier Tights XL
    Have worn them for the first time today. My ideal tights are really smooth, very opaque, very matt, comfortable, huggy and be able to feel I have them on, these do not disappoint. They have a really comfortable 35mm waistband with gentle elastic and when on fits nicely just above my waist (the soft bit) which I like, I don't like them to fit on hips. As yet they haven't ridden down and become saggy at the crotch. They have good compression all the way down and hug just nicely. I am 6ft 6ins and slim and bought the XL before I realised the L states being for a taller person. For me the downside of tights that I am too tall for is a saggy crotch and too tight on my toes - these tights do not have that and fit wonderfully, I will buy an L in due course and let you know how I get on. They are very opaque with just a bit of 'me' showing through my thighs. I wear them under my jeans at work, the ankle showing when I sit down looks OK as if they are black socks from a short distance and more. What I like when wearing tights under jeans is that you can't feel the rubbing of the jeans which I can't with these.
    Downsides: well there is a slight streakiness which would only matter if my legs were exposed (I'd love to be able to wear a skirt to work) but otherwise more than happy with them. cheers Tony

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