How to Put Tights on with Nails: Tips to Avoid Rips or Runs

Co-authored by Taissha G. LaReau and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 1, 2022 References

Putting on tights without ripping them is already a struggle, but it can be even harder when you have long nails. It’s frustrating to not wear your favorite pair of tights, especially if you love your nails, too. With just a little bit of preparation and some careful maneuvering, you can keep your legs warm and look fashionable while you rock both tights and nails.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparation

1
Buy thick, sturdy tights. Tights made with at least 6% Lycra are usually more durable than those without it. Similarly, tights that are opaque rather than sheer usually hold up against long nails much better.^{[1]
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- Tights are usually thicker than hosiery or panty hose, so go for those if you want to avoid runs at all costs.
2
Take off any jewelry before you start. If you already have long nails, it won’t do you any good to keep on your rings or bracelets that might snag. Save your jewelry until after you’re dressed.^{[2]
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- The same goes for long coats with zippers—if you can take it off before you hit the restroom or sit down, they’re less likely to snag.
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3
Put on cotton gloves to cover your nails. Anything with a sharp edge has the potential to rip your tights. To eliminate any worries, slide on a pair of cotton winter gloves to dull your sharp edges while you put on your tights.^{[3]
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- It might seem silly, but it can really be a life saver, especially if your nails are pointy.
4
Rub lotion into your legs before you put your tights on. If your legs are silky smooth, you’ll have a much easier time pulling up your tights. Rub some moisturizer onto your legs, then let it dry for a few minutes before attempting to pull on your tights.^{[4]
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- Letting it dry is super important. Slick, slimy legs can only hinder your ability to pull your tights up.
5
Spray your tights with hairspray. Just before you put your tights on, spread them out flat and give them a light misting of hairspray. The hairspray will help to stiffen the material, making it harder for your nails to rip through.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
- Go for a light misting, not a drenching. Wet, soggy tights won’t be any fun to wear, and they could dry super stiff.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Sit to Stand Technique

1
Sit on the edge of a chair and roll your tights up. Make sure your legs are free by sitting on the edge of your bed or on a chair. Roll up your tights from the waist down until just the feet are sticking out of the bottom.^{[7]
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- Pulling up your tights without rolling them up can lead to ripping and tearing, so it’s important to do this first.
2
Put your foot into the tights, gripping the tights with your palms. Instead of using your fingertips (where your nails are), hold your tights with the palms of your hands. Slide one of your feet into the foot of your tights, then use your hands to guide the tights up to your knee.^{[8]
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- If you have cotton gloves on, you can grab your tights like normal.
3
Slide your other foot into the tights, then pull them up to your other knee. Keeping your grip with your palms, insert your other foot into the foot of the tights, then guide them up to your other knee. You should now have your tights pulled up on both knees with the majority of the tights left in your hands.^{[9]
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- Slow and steady wins the race!
4
Pull your tights up to mid-thigh. Slowly pull your tights up by alternately pulling on your left leg, then your right leg, then your left again. When your tights hit mid-thigh, pause for just a second.^{[10]
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- If you pull both legs at the same time, your tights could rip.
5
Stand up and pull your tights up to your waist. Grab the tights with both hands and slowly pull them up until they fit you perfectly. Make sure the crotch is snug against you and the waistband sits at your natural waist for the best fit.^{[11]
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- If you need to pull them up anymore, do so gently by using the palms of your hands, not your fingertips.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I stop my tights from ripping?

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Taissha G. LaReau is a Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist based in Albany, NY. With more than three years of experience, Tai specializes in helping people maximize their wardrobes by creating functional, everyday outfits that are tailored to their lifestyle and make them feel polished. While she offers virtual and in-person closet editing, personal shopping, and outfit creation, she also has a knack for helping people shop strategically, discover new brands, and experiment with new styles. Taissha holds a BS in Marketing from The State University of New York College at Oswego.

Taissha G. LaReau

Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist

Expert Answer

Try chilling them beforehand! It may sound silly, but stick them in a bag and put them in the refrigerator or freezer overnight. This makes the fibers tighter, and prevents the material from ripping.
Question

What do you do if you have a hole in your tights?

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Taissha G. LaReau is a Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist based in Albany, NY. With more than three years of experience, Tai specializes in helping people maximize their wardrobes by creating functional, everyday outfits that are tailored to their lifestyle and make them feel polished. While she offers virtual and in-person closet editing, personal shopping, and outfit creation, she also has a knack for helping people shop strategically, discover new brands, and experiment with new styles. Taissha holds a BS in Marketing from The State University of New York College at Oswego.

Taissha G. LaReau

Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist

Expert Answer

Apply a little bit of clear nail polish over the hole. The hole and rip soak it up, which helps put the fabric back together.