In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends flicker like seasonal leaves, Pretty Polly stands as a steadfast icon of British legwear sophistication. Founded in 1919 by Harry Hibbert and Oswald Buckland in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, this venerable brand began with humble origins—just 10 employees and two machines producing ladies’ stockings. The name “Pretty Polly,” adopted in 1924 from a triumphant racehorse, quickly became synonymous with innovation and style. Over the decades, Pretty Polly pioneered milestones that revolutionized hosiery: the first fully fashioned stockings in 1924, nylon stockings in 1939, hold-ups in 1967 (freeing women from suspender belts), and seamless one-piece tights in 1968. By the 1960s, it claimed the top spot in the UK market, blending fun, playful accessibility with high-quality craftsmanship. Today, in 2025, Pretty Polly continues to thrive, offering a diverse range that includes tights, stockings, hold-ups, leggings, lingerie, and eco-friendly options, all designed with the modern woman in mind. Committed to sustainability through biodegradable yarns and recycled materials, the brand embodies classic elegance while adapting to contemporary demands for quality, seasonal versatility, and subtle sexiness.
Pretty Polly’s hosiery isn’t just apparel; it’s an extension of personal expression, crafted to enhance confidence and flatter every silhouette. With a focus on premium materials like nylon and Lycra blends, their products promise durability, comfort, and a flawless finish. Whether you’re seeking the sheer subtlety of skin-tone tights for everyday elegance or the bold allure of patterned stockings for a sexy edge, Pretty Polly delivers. Their collections span deniers from ultra-sheer 8 to opaque 100+, accommodating everything from professional poise to playful flirtation. Seasonal releases keep things fresh—think shimmering opaques for winter warmth or breathable sheers for summer lightness—while maintaining a core of timeless classics. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the brand’s tights and stockings, highlighting their quality construction, elegant designs, and how they infuse outfits with that irresistible touch of sexiness.
The Essence of Pretty Polly Tights: Classic Sophistication Meets Modern Flair
Tights form the cornerstone of Pretty Polly’s hosiery empire, offering a versatile canvas for both understated elegance and bold statements. Ranging from sheer skin tones that mimic bare legs to opaque styles that provide coverage and shaping, these tights are engineered for all-day comfort with features like reinforced toes, cotton gussets, and seamless finishes. Quality is paramount: many incorporate recycled nylon for sustainability without compromising on softness or stretch. Elegant designs dominate, with gloss or matte options that lend a polished sheen to formal attire, while seasonal patterns—like florals for spring or shimmers for holiday festivities—add timely relevance. For those craving sexiness, textured meshes and fishnets tease with subtle reveals, perfect for evening ensembles.
Pretty Polly’s tights embody classic British refinement, drawing from over a century of expertise. Their denier system—explained on their site as a measure of thickness (lower for sheerness, higher for opacity)—ensures options for every occasion. Sheer tights (8-20 denier) offer a natural, barely-there look, ideal for elegant office wear or weddings, while opaques (40+ denier) provide warmth and coverage for cooler seasons. The brand’s commitment to inclusivity shines through curve-friendly sizes and multipacks for everyday value, making quality accessible.
Spotlight on Signature Tights: From Everyday Essentials to Seductive Statements
Diving into specifics, Pretty Polly’s best-sellers and featured products showcase their mastery of form and function. These items, praised in customer reviews for longevity and fit, blend classic lines with innovative touches.
Nylons 10 Denier Gloss Tights
A perennial favorite and bestseller, the Nylons 10 Denier Gloss Tights epitomize classic elegance with their ultra-sheer fabric that delivers a silky, second-skin feel. Available in shades like Barely Black, Black, Pewter, Navy, Highlight, Sensation, Sherry, Sunblush, and Tivoli, these tights feature a 10-denier nylon blend with Lycra for stretch and durability. Priced at around £7 (often on sale for £3.50), they include a reinforced toe and cotton gusset for all-day comfort. Reviews rave about their quality—rated 4.8/5 from 92 users—highlighting resistance to ladders and a natural gloss that enhances leg contours subtly sexy. Perfect for seasonal transitions, they pair elegantly with skirts in spring or add polish to winter outfits, embodying timeless sophistication without fuss.
Soft Shimmer Opaque Tights
For a touch of glamour, the Soft Shimmer Opaque Tights in Black offer opaque coverage with a subtle metallic sheen, making them ideal for evening events or seasonal holidays. At 60 denier (inferred from similar opaques), these tights use a soft, high-quality yarn blend that feels luxurious against the skin. Priced at £14, features include a flat waistband for seamless wear under dresses and reinforced heels for longevity. Customers praise their elegant finish—soft yet shimmering, evoking classic Hollywood allure—while the opacity provides shaping for a sexy silhouette. Versatile for fall/winter, they transition from office to after-dark with ease, underscoring Pretty Polly’s quality craftsmanship.
Fishnet Fashion Tights
Injecting a dose of sexiness, the Fishnet Fashion Tights in Black are a bold, patterned option that nods to retro pin-up styles while feeling thoroughly modern. With a medium mesh weave (denier not specified but mid-range for durability), these tights feature elasticated tops for stay-put fit. At £12-£14, they’re crafted from resilient nylon, resistant to snags as per reviews. Their sexy appeal lies in the teasing transparency, perfect for pairing with mini skirts or shorts, yet elegant enough for layered looks. Seasonal versatility shines in cooler months, adding edge to boots and coats, with users noting the high quality that withstands multiple wears.
Pretty Cool Tights 15 Denier Semi-Sheer
Designed for warmer seasons, the Pretty Cool Tights 15 Denier Semi-Sheer with Open Gusset prioritize breathability and comfort. In neutral tones like natural skin shades, these use a cooling yarn technology in nylon-Lycra blend for moisture-wicking. Priced around £10, features include an open gusset for ventilation and reinforced sections for quality endurance. Reviews highlight their elegant, barely-there look—subtly sexy with a matte finish that flatters without shine—making them a summer staple. Their seasonal focus on coolness aligns with Pretty Polly’s innovative edge, earning praise for ladder-resistant quality.
Cobweb Tights
Embracing seasonal fun, the Cobweb Tights in Black are a Halloween-inspired gem with intricate web patterns for a playful yet sexy vibe. Mid-denier for opacity and stretch, they’re made from durable synthetic blends. At £10-£12, they feature comfortable waistbands and toe reinforcements. Users love the quality weave that holds shape, adding an elegant twist to costumes—think witchy chic with heels. While niche, they exemplify Pretty Polly’s ability to blend classic patterning with timely sexiness.
The Seductive World of Pretty Polly Stockings and Hold-Ups: Timeless Sexiness with a Quality Edge
Shifting to stockings and hold-ups, Pretty Polly revives the allure of vintage legwear with modern twists. These pieces, often in 10-30 denier, offer a sexy alternative to tights, with silicone bands on hold-ups for grip without garters. Quality materials like soft nylon ensure smoothness and longevity, while elegant sheens and laces add sophistication. Seasonal adaptations include warmer opaques for winter or sheer for summer, catering to both daily wear and intimate occasions.
Stockings evoke classic femininity, perfect for pairing with garter belts, while hold-ups provide convenience and a flirty flash of thigh. The brand’s focus on skin-tone matching (six shades) ensures a natural, elegant integration into any outfit.
Featured Stockings and Hold-Ups: Elegance Personified
Soft Shine Stockings
The Soft Shine Stockings deliver irresistible elegance with a light sheen that smooths and flatters. In 15-20 denier nylon, available in skin tones and black, they feature a super-soft finish for all-day wear. Priced at £8-£10, their quality is evident in the ladder-resistant weave and comfortable tops. Reviews describe them as subtly sexy—enhancing leg lines without overpowering—ideal for formal events or seasonal parties, blending classic style with modern comfort.
Flirty Lace Top Hold Ups
True to their name, the Flirty Lace Top Hold Ups in Black or Nude ooze sexiness with intricate lace bands and silicone grips for secure hold. At 15 denier, these sheer stockings use premium nylon-Lycra for stretch and sheen. Around £19.50 (on sale from £30), features include reinforced toes and a matte option for elegance. Customers applaud the quality fit—curve-hugging without rolling—making them a sexy staple for date nights or under dresses, with versatile seasonal appeal.
Nylons Everyday Plus Stockings
For everyday quality, the Nylons Everyday Plus Stockings in various skin tones offer 20-denier support with graduated compression for leg health. Priced affordably, they feature durable nylon and seamless finishes. Their classic, elegant profile suits professional settings, with subtle sexiness in the sheer reveal—perfect for all seasons.
Why Pretty Polly Remains a Hosiery Icon in 2025
Pretty Polly’s hosiery transcends mere functionality, weaving classic elegance, superior quality, seasonal adaptability, and undeniable sexiness into every thread. With innovations rooted in a century of history and a forward-looking eye on sustainability, the brand empowers women to stride confidently. Whether slipping into the glossy embrace of Nylons tights or the teasing allure of Flirty Hold Ups, Pretty Polly invites you to celebrate your legs. Explore their collections today and discover why, after 106 years, they remain the epitome of legwear luxury.
