Why everyone’s talking about... tights

Could tights bring down the Monarchy?

That’s something of an overstatement, but one reported conflict between Meghan and the Royal Family was whether bridesmaids at her 2018 wedding should wear tights. New sister- in- law Kate reportedly felt they should, since it’s an unspoken rule that Royal women follow the Queen’s lead in such matters. But fashionista Meghan allegedly said ‘no’. Cue reports of tears.

Regardless of whether the altercation centred on whether Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitted or the protocol about bare legs, does Meghan always shun tights?

Not always. She wore nude tights on her first post-wedding appearance, leading some to suggest The Firm had foisted conservative fashions on her.

What’s the verdict of fashion bible, Vogue?

US Vogue’s Anna Wintour maintains that women who go with bare legs all year- round signpost that they have a level of wealth that permits them to dress without bothering about the weather.

Ah, the weather....

Whereas actress Julia Roberts, above, says she always wears tights, the 60 denier question for most women is which month it becomes warm enough to ditch them. According to Vogue rival Harper’s Bazaar: ‘Tights need to be removed the minute April arrives, and come rain or shine, they should not be worn until October 1.’ In general, 65F is said to be the benchmark.

Tights are big business

Indeed, the average woman spends £3,000 on them in her lifetime. M&S sells 5.4 million pairs a year – some for just £1. Meanwhile, Heist offers ‘the best tights you’ve ever worn – made in Italy with a hand-sewn waistband’ at £22 a pair. Still a snip compared to Gucci’s £750 nude crystal tights.

Not much value during lockdown

Covid has certainly hit sales this winter, with no socialising or office-working. Another thing, considering the froideur between the Sussexes and the Cambridges, there’s little likelihood that Princess Charlotte will be invited to Meghan’s daughter’s christening – whatever she wears.