Though the Princess of Wales has in recent years embraced corporate chic styles and grown enamored of boardroom blazers, smart slacks and business bodysuits, she’s also continued to wear pantyhose for special and somber occasions.
The princess often wears tights with tall black boots and has been spotted in patterned brown tights and a salmon pink Joseph coat at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013, black matte tights paired with a bespoke blue Christopher Kane coat in October 2015 and navy blue tights coordinated with a baby blue coat by Matthew Williamson in November 2014.
When forgoing bare legs for wintertime outings or trips abroad, Kate will often don a pair of sleek semiopaque black pantyhose. She frequently pairs them with heels, suede Aquatalia Rhumba boots and Tod’s rubber grip block heels.
Kate’s black tight collection includes solid tights, semiopaque matte and ultra-sheer glossy black hosiery.
Prior to the Queen’s funeral in September 2022, Kate greeted mourners surrounding Windsor Castle in a fitted black Jenny Packham sheath and semi-sheer black pantyhose.
In the past, the princess has worn four styles of tights on repeat including navy sheer hose, invisible sheer taupe tights, brown pantyhose and various iterations of black nylons.
It’s rumored that the Princess of Wales has three main hosiery brand favorites. Many fans in the Catherine Club believe the princess wears John Lewis Barley There Non-Slip Tights. Kate’s gel cushions have been seen in images peeking out from the bottom of her natural bare leg tights.
In July 2011, wearing a grey Catherine Walker dress for a tour of the Canadian War Museum, Princess Kate’s clear rubber non-slip gripped nylons were exposed near her arch in a pair of Tabitha Simmons Dela silver lizard pumps. (The John Lewis tights come equipped with a non-slip texture on the soles.)
The princess has frequently been spotted shopping at John Lewis stores and likely owns a pair of the brand’s affordable ‘Barely There’ stockings. The tights have a subtle sheen, ladder-resist design for durable wear and a reinforced toe.
In addition, the princess is rumored to be fond of Wolford Tights which are also sold at John Lewis (Kate is believed to favor the brand’s Number 8 Denier Nude Hose — which are ultra thin and comfortable). Created in a variety of iridescent and ultra-transparent versions, these smoothing tights banish any blemishes and bruises as well as spider-veins and spots. And while they conceal imperfections, the trendy tights also offer warmth and can be purchased in various prints and patterns like tiger stripe, floral jacquard and fishnet.
Many of the brand’s sheer pantyhose not only offer coverage but also render tummy support and come equipped with control top waistbands. Made in Europe under strict sustainably standards, these flattering tights are perfect for pairing with tunic dresses, day coats and skirt suits.
Finally, an article appearing in the Philadelphia Inquirer called “Hose Regains a Toehold” claimed the princess was a fan of “legwear from Philippe Matignon.” Designing luxury hosiery, the brand was launched in the early 80’s by Golden Lady Company and offers special 3D lycra blend tights (ensuring fit and comfort) and special sticky silicone adhesive for thigh-high styles. Produced in Europe and designed in Italy, the brand’s feminine nylons are distributed in over 2,100 stores and department chains internationally. The news article claimed the princess is a fan of the brand’s Jade Sheer 20 Denier’ tights — the tights boast flat seams, a hygienic gusset, and sheer toes. The stylish tights have an ultra-sheer finish and a hint of glossy sheen.
