Fine tights are a relatively new product in the tights industry. In the early stages of the 1960's it was technically possible to manufacture tights with yarns between 7 and 40 denier (denier gives the thread weight per 9000m on). Responsible for the tights current form is the circular knitting machine.

Tights fast displaced the socks. At that time Nylon represented the ideal combination with the modern mini-skirt fashion. The lower prices and the faster and safer handling (no slipping) were fast accepted. Today there is a whole range of materials, which are involved in these tights. Beside most modern microfibers and many kinds of polyamide also cotton is used for tights.
The elasticity and fitting form of tights depend on the kind of involved Elastane. The softness of tights depend on the involved yarn: is the thread not entwined (usually mentioned as voile) than the tights feel like nylon, microfiber and in particular double entwined Elastane (3D Lycra) feels especially soft and gentle.

Read more about: Overknees and Seamed nylons