Kate Middleton’s Sheer Nude Tights Go A-List – And See Sales Soar 500%

An entire generation’s relationship with one of the lingerie department’s most marmite products – nude tights – has changed forever. Formerly reserved for the conservative and let’s be honest, more mature woman, nude sheers are finally back with a vengeance, and we’re almost considering giving them a go.

And why this sudden change of attitude? Why, it’s the effect of the queen bee of hosiery herself, the Duchess of Cambridge! In all of Kate Middleton’s formal, social and tour images, we’ve only twice seen the Duchess go bare-legged and given the scorching temperatures in Cambodia in summer-time, we’ll let her off!

As WWD reports, there has been a tremendous soar in the sales of nude tights, and their popularity is believed to be a direct result of the Kate Effect. Asda reported that sales of its flesh-toned tights had grown by 500% in response to the Duchess’ frequent outings. Blimey! High-end hosiery is on the up too, with sales of nude hosiery up by 46% straight after the royal wedding and up 27% this year compared to last at Selfridges. According to Helen Attwood, Selfridges’ swimwear and hosiery buying manager, sales of Wolford’s Naked style are up 130% there and those of Falke’s Sensation 20 are up 250%. Nice work, K-Middy.

So why are we going crazy for the flesh coloured hosiery? According to society bible Tatler’s editor Kate Reardon, “Up to about 20 years ago, it was seen as a bit trashy not to wear tights at all times, while the rest of the world has moved on — revelling in advances in hair removal and self-tan — posh Englishwomen have clung to them doggedly.”

And it isn’t just high-society British women that have jumped on board this trend. Our American friends are diggin’ a nude sheer too, and boy oh boy they do it well. Beyonce is known for her quality sheers, always almost invisible underneath her hot pants and skirts. Meanwhile, Carla Bruni has donned several pairs, but frustratingly chooses to pair them with an open-toe heel. Eek, way to ignore rule number one of nude tights!

So will you be sporting a nearly nude leg this Spring? Have a peek through our gallery to see Kate, Pippa, Beyonce et al nailing their nude hosiery and let us know your verdict. Well, if it gets Anna Dello Russo's vote...