There is perhaps nothing more irritating in the morning rush than putting on a brand new pair of tights, only to immediately discover a rip or a ladder. It feels like money literally slipping through your fingers.
Fortunately, a savvy fashion influencer has gone viral on social media for sharing a remarkably simple pre-wearing ritual that promises to significantly boost the durability of your delicate hosiery.
The Viral Freezer Hack For Stronger Tights
Lydia Altman, a TikTok creator with a following of over 128,600 people, demonstrated her go-to method in a video that has captured the attention of fashion lovers. She began by unboxing a fresh pair of tights, acknowledging the common frustration many face.
"If like me, your new pairs of tights last five minutes before [they're] ripped, laddered, whatever, then you need this hack," she stated confidently.
Her process is straightforward but requires a bit of foresight. First, you must run the new tights under cold water until they are thoroughly wet. After gently squeezing out the excess water, the tights should be lightly damp but not soaking.
The next step is the surprising part: place the damp tights into a sealed plastic bag, like a ziploc, and put them in the freezer for a full 24 hours.
"And in 24 hours, you wanna take them out, and this is literally gonna completely increase the durability of the tights, and it's gonna make them last longer, and make your money go further," Lydia explained. Once frozen, you must allow them to thaw and come to room temperature for a few hours before wearing them.
Why Does Freezing Tights Work?
While stuffing clothing in your freezer might seem like an odd laundry-day activity, experts confirm there is solid science behind this household hack.
Simon Elliott, the founder and operations director of the clothing brand Clifton, provided a technical explanation to NBC. He stated, "Freezing tights can strengthen the fibres temporarily by tightening their bonds."
This process of tightening the molecular structure of the materials, often nylon and polyester blends, effectively reinforces the fibres. This reinforcement makes the tights more resistant to the minor snags and overstretching that typically cause runs and rips, giving you a stronger pair of tights for their first few wears.
Additional Expert Tips For Tights Care
Beyond the freezer trick, there are other practical steps you can take to extend the life of your hosiery. A primary recommendation is to ensure your legs are as smooth as possible before dressing.
Applying moisturiser can help the tights slide on more easily, reducing the friction and strain that can lead to immediate damage. Elliott also emphasises the importance of being gentle when putting tights on and taking them off.
When it's time for washing, he strongly advises placing tights inside a mesh laundry bag. This simple act protects them from getting caught on zippers, buttons, or hooks from other items in the wash, which is a common cause of ladders.
By combining the pre-wear freezer treatment with careful handling and washing, you can transform your tights from a disposable item into a longer-lasting wardrobe staple.
