Though Velma Kelly famously sings about rouging her knees and rolling her stockings down, rest assured ours are going to be rolled right up to our necks as the mercury drops this winter.
The iconic lead character in the hit musical Chicago references the 1920s flapper trend of rouged and decorated knees to draw attention to that illicit peekaboo of skin which was so very controversial at the time. While hosiery used to be a non-negotiable sartorial accessory if a woman was to look presentable in the early-mid 20th century, this act of rebellion was one of the very first to slightly shift the zeitgeist of women’s clothing from prim and proper to daring and unique.
While the ’20s saw the popularity of painted, rouged knees and bunched stockings soar, post-war austerity signalled a return to plain and lifeless hosiery – if you could even get your hands on a pair at all due to the scarcity of nylon and silk at the time. But, in the decades to follow, bright and beautiful patterns would re-emerge.
The most notable example of patterned tights comes from Mary Quant and her collaboration with hosier Pamela Mann in the ‘60s. The inventor of the mini skirt came up with an equally fun, flirtatious and feminine accessory so that women could continue to wear their tiny Quant skirts well into the winter.
Fitting, too, that Mary Quant’s brand logo was – and continues to be – a flower. The trend towards brightly coloured and patterned tights continued through the flower-power Swinging Sixties well into the Seventies before grunge took over in the late Eighties and early Ninteties.
Yet if Burberry’s 2023 winter collection is anything to go by (which it certainly is), ostentatious and brightly-hued pattern tights are making a comeback. Hurrah!
We’ve curated a selection of the best and brightest patterned tights to doll up your outfits this winter in an array of vintage-inspired and contemporary designs.
Shop now
Falke Powder Check 40 Den Women Tights
Featured here in a rose-blush checked pattern, these fashion-forward stockings from the iconic German hosiery Falke have been crafted using innovative 3D knitting technology.
Buy now £33.00, Falke
Burberry Wool-blend Jacquard Tights
Daniel Lee’s 2023 winter collection for Burberry was all about bold motifs and colourful patterns. Aside from the cosy hot water bottles, our favourite accessory from the runway show was the check jacquard-knit tights.
Buy now £490.00, Net-A-Porter
Wolford Intricate Sheer Pattern Tights
With the ballerina-core trend showing no signs of slowing down, it’s time to bite the bullet and purchase a pair of coquettish ivory tights. From the most luxurious hosiery brand of them all, this sheer patterned pair by Wolford will last you a lifetime.
Buy now £85.00, Wolford
Mary Quant Jacquard Daisy Coloured Tights
Pay homage to the designer who started it all with a bright and beautiful pair of tights from Mary Quant featuring the iconic daisy motif.
Buy now £28.00, Mary Quant
Nevermore Peekaboo Bow Tights
A pair of stockings fit for a gothic fairy, these Sandy Liang-inspired tights with peekaboo cut-outs and pearl bow detailing are going straight on our Christmas wish list this year.
Buy now £58.00, Free People
Swiss Sheer Dot Tights
Keep it cool and classy with a pair of sheer black stockings featuring delicate polka dot details in a diagonal, spiralling pattern. Posh Spice would approve.
Buy now £20.00, Anthropologie
Burlington Argyle Tights
Rumblings and rumours are circulating that Taylor Swift has secretly written the new Hollywood blockbuster Argyle. If the superstar’s influence is anything to go by, you best stock up on argyle stockings before it’s too late. We adore this subtle, forest-green pair from Burlington.
Buy now £28.00, Burlington
Tulle Tights with Back Seam and Multicoloured Diamanté Details
Subtly bejewelled in a myriad of gleaming multicoloured diamentés, you’ll make any room shimmer as soon as you walk in while wearing these beautiful stockings.
Buy now £26.17, Calzedonia
Fiori Rendez-Vous Twist Tights 40 Denier
Realised in a traditional grey and red checked pattern, these wonderfully warm tights feature flat seams and a comfortable welt for a barely-there feel throughout the winter months.
Buy now £11.90, NK
Anna Sui Snakeskin Sequin Tights
Toeing the line between stockings and skin-tight trousers with feet, these fully embellished sequin tights by Anna Sui are a maximalist’s dream come true. Pair with a black velvet mini dress and sky-high platforms during the festive season for a show-stopping look.
Buy now £268.00, Free People
Maison Soksi Zan Tights
Pink to make them wink. Made in Italy, these sumptuously soft and spiralling super wormhole tights by Maison Soski are available in a rainbow’s worth of colourways if pastels aren’t quite for you.
Buy now £80.00, Maison Soksi
