Thinking Beyond the Nylon Tight

Pantyhose.  What was once a ladylike necessity has turned into a fashionable must-have for layering in the colder-months.  According to PopSci, the nylon was actually invented in 1938 in response to the modern woman’s dissatisfaction with spendy silk hosiery.  These days, from runways to storefronts, nylons are proven assets for day-to-day wear.  Before you slip into a pair though, know the shocking details that might make nylons a no-go.

Just what is nylon made of exactly?  PopSci reveals it’s man-made from sebacoyl chloride and hexamethylenediamine.  That’s right.  If you can’t say it, you may not want to wear it.  Nylon is not a biodegradable material. Plus, like the vast majority of fabrics in the garment industry, it ends up in the landfill.  Forever.  This past May, the nylon celebrated its 70^th anniversary.  Imagine the decades-long piles and miles of nylons we’ve created since then!

But nylons are not as prone to runs as other materials, so it’s hard to hate on them 100%.

We suggest you use and reuse what you’ve got: If you have nylons in good condition, wear them. If they’re snagged, reinvent instead of throwing them out.

• Make sachets filled with dried roses, cedar chips or lavender for your drawers and closets.
• Cut out small rings to use in place of store-bought nylon hair ties and headbands.
• Tend to the veggie garden and use a pair as plant tiebacks.

When buying new, choose eco-friendly options:

• Maggie’s Functional Organics has been making organic, fair trade clothing since 1992.  Its textured novelty tights in plum will add a pop of color to your neutral fall shades.

• For must-have opaque, turn to Sternlein.  The flat-knit organic cotton tights in black, navy, chocolate and charcoal will have you covered from day-to-night.

Photos Courtesy:  Maggie’s Organics, Sternlein and Etsy