Tights, panels and components for tights, and methods of manufacturing tights

Abstract

Tights having a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 09 at rest. Panels and components for use in the manufacture of the tights are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture.

Description

[0001] TIGHTS. PANELS AND COMPONENTS FOR TIGHTS. AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING TIGHTS

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to tights, panels and components for tights, and methods of manufacturing tights.

[0004] Background

[0005] Tights are a form of tight-fitting hosiery manufactured from a stretchable fabric. Tights comprise leg portions, joined at their upper ends by a body portion. Tights may be worn under skirts and dresses.

[0006] Tights may be knitted from a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester, and may contain a flexible material such as elastane.

[0007] Summary

[0008] According to first embodiments, there are provided tights having a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.9 at rest. A waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.9 at rest may help reduce the propensity of the tights to ride down when being worn.

[0009] The waist-to-hip ratio may be less than 0.88, 0.86, 0.85, 0.84, 0.82, 0.80, or 0.78.

[0010] The tights may comprise a waistband disposed at an uppermost region of the tights.

[0011] The waistband may comprise at least a first fabric, and a region of the tights adjacent to the waistband may comprises at least a second fabric. The first and second fabrics may be different from each other.

[0012] The tights may comprise an elongate first reinforcement region extending diagonally down across a left frontal region of the tights towards a crotch region of the tights, and an elongate second reinforcement region extending diagonally down across a right frontal region of the tights towards the crotch region. Such reinforcement regions may provide support to the fabric in the respective left and right frontal regions, which may improve longevity of the tights.

[0013] The first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region may have a higher Young’s modulus than fabric of the left frontal region and the right frontal region through which the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region respectively pass. The higher Young’s modulus may further improve the support provided to the fabric in the respective left and right frontal regions, which may further improve longevity of the tights.

[0014] The first reinforcement region may join the waistband at a position within 50 mm of a left-most side of the waistband, and the second reinforcement region may join the waistband at a position within 50 mm of a right-most side of the waistband. The first and second reinforcement regionsjoiningthe waistband within these regions may provide an improved anchor point for the first and second reinforcement regions, which may reduce downward sliding pressure on the waistband.

[0015] Each of the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region may comprise stitching. Stitching is a simple, low-cost method for providing the first and second reinforcement regions.

[0016] The tights may comprise a triangular or truncated-triangular front panel, the front panel extending across a frontal region of the tights between the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region.

[0017] The front panel may comprise the same number of layers of fabric as adjacent panels of the tights.

[0018] The stitching of the first reinforcement region may join the front panel to an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel of the tights, and the stitching of the second reinforcement region may join the front panel to an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel of the tights. Stitching may be an effective and low-cost way to both join the front panel to the rest of the tights and provide the first and second reinforcement regions.

[0019] The tights may comprise a central front seam extending vertically downwards towards a crotch region of the tights from the waistband.

[0020] The tights may be at least partly manufactured from a fabric that comprises less than 14% elastane. The proportion of elastane may be less than or equal 12%, or less than or equal to 10%.

[0021] According to second embodiments, there is provided a set of panels for tights accordingto any embodiment herein, the set of panels comprising at least: a left panel, comprising a left leg portion and a left-hand portion of a body portion of the tights; and a right panel, comprising a right leg portion and a right-hand portion of the body portion.

[0022] The set of panels may comprise the triangular or truncated-triangular front panel.

[0023] According to third embodiments, there is provided a left and / or a right panel for use in the manufacture of tights according to any embodiment disclosed herein.

[0024] The left and / or right panel may comprise the first reinforcement region and / or the second reinforcement region.

[0025] According to fourth embodiments, there is provided a front panel for use in the manufacture of tights accordingto any embodiment disclosed herein.

[0026] According to fifth embodiments, there is provided a component for use in the manufacture of tights according to any embodiment disclosed herein, the component being configured for attachment to left and right legs to form the tights, the component comprising a body portion having a waist opening, a left leg opening, and a right leg opening.

[0027] According to sixth embodiments, there is provided a method of manufacturing tights accordingto any embodiment disclosed herein, the method comprising: providing a left panel; providing a right panel; and joiningthe left panel to the right panel.

[0028] Brief ion of the

[0029] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an example of tights;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a schematic left view of the tights of Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of a further example of tights;

[0033] Figure 4 shows a schematic left view of the tights of Figure 3;

[0034] Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of a further example of tights;

[0035] Figure 6 shows a schematic left view of the tights of Figure 5;

[0036] Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of components of a further example of tights, prior to assembly; and

[0037] Figure 8 shows a schematic front view of the tights of Figure 7 after assembly. Detailed Description

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown example tights 100.

[0039] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” may refer to a garment intended to be worn underneath a skirt or dress, although such a garment may also be worn under other clothing such as trousers, or by themselves.

[0040] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” may refer to a garment constructed from a knitted fabric. For example, all or part of thetights may bethe product of a circular or seamless knitting manufacturing process.

[0041] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” may refer to a garment that is partly or fully constructed from a fabric that is at least partially see-through, such that the wearer’s skin is at least partially visible through the fabric of the tights.

[0042] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” may refer to a garment that is partly or fully constructed from a fabric of, for example, 200 denier or less, or more preferably 100 denier or less, 80 denier or less, 40 denier or less, or 30 denier or less.

[0043] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” may refer to a garment constructed from a stretchable polymer-based fabric. Tights may be partly or fully constructed from nylon or polyester, optionally with a proportion of an elastic material such as elastane to improve stretchability of the fabric.

[0044] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” are distinct from leggings (such as cotton-based leggings), including sports leggings, form-fitting bedwear for covering the legs, and other tight-fitting garments such as jodhpurs and legwarmers.

[0045] In the context of the present disclosure, “tights” are distinct from underwear or other garments that do not extend to at least the ankle, more preferably onto the wearer’s feet, or most preferably enclose the wearer’s feet.

[0046] Tights may include portions made from different fabrics. For example, a gusset (not shown) may be included, formed from a material having a different type, weight and / or construction (e.g., woven rather than knitted) from the rest of the tights.

[0047] The tights 100 have a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.9 at rest. In other implementations, the waist-to-hip ratio may be less than 0.88, 0.86, 0.84, 0.82, 0.80, or 0.78. In this context, “at rest” means when the tights 100 are not being worn by a wearer. The waist-to-hip ratio may be determined by, for example, layingthe tights 100 out flat on a smooth, flat surface, measuring a waist dimension and a hip dimension across the front of the tights, then dividing the waist dimension by the hip dimension to arrive at the waist-to-hip ratio.

[0048] The hip dimension may be the largest circumference of the tights 100. The waist dimension may be the smallest circumference of the tights at a region above the circumference defining the hip ratio. The circumferences may be measured in a horizontal plane (relative to the orientation of the tights when being worn by a standing wearer) intersecting the tights.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1 , the tights 100 have a left leg 102 and a right leg 104 (noting that the view of the tights 100 is from the front). The left leg 102 and the right leg 104 extend downwards from a body portion 106. When the tights 100 are being worn, the body portion 106 covers at least part of the wearer’s pelvic region. In some implementations, the body portion extends further upwards to cover at least some of the wearer’s abdomen.

[0050] In Figure 1 , the hip dimension (i.e., the widest circumference of the tights 100) is indicated by a horizontal dotted line 108. The dotted line 108 is vertically positioned at the lowest point of the body portion 106. The waist dimension is indicated by the upper edge 110 of the body portion 106.

[0051] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the tights 100 schematically represent a medium size of medium length. The waist dimension is 39.5 cm (approximately 15.6 inches) and the hip dimension is 46 cm (approximately 18.1 inches). Accordingly, the waist-to-hip ratio is 39.5 / 46 = 0.86 (approximately).

[0052] The inventor has determined that it may be preferable for the waist-to-hip ratio to vary across sizes for a given range of tights of a given style. For example, smaller sizes within a range may have a lower waist-to-hip ratio than larger sizes. For example, a small size within a range may have a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.77 while a large size within the same range may have a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.86.

[0053] In other implementations, the vertical position of the hip dimension is higherthan the dotted line 108 in the embodiment of Figure 1 . In other implementations, the vertical position of the waist dimension is lower than the top edge 110 in the embodiment of Figure 1. For example, the smallest circumference of the tights may be located lower than the top edge ofthetights. This is particularly the case when the body portion extends further upwards to cover at least some of the wearer’s abdomen.

[0054] The inventor has discovered that reducin the waist-to-hip ratio of the tights below 0.9 may reduce the proportion of elastane or other flexible material used to provide sufficient stretch for a given set of tights. Reducingthe elastane component in tights may reduce manufacturing costs and / or improve the options for recycling tights at the end of their life.

[0055] One example of the tights 100 uses a 57-denier, circular-knitted fabric, comprising 89% nylon and 11% elastane. Other examples may use different materials and / or different proportions of materials, and be of any suitable denier. Other potentially suitable materials include, but are not limited to, other polyamides, polyester, and blends thereof (including polyamide / cotton blends, for example).

[0056] When the tights 100 comprise elastane, the proportion of elastane may be less than or equal to 14%. In some implementations, the proportion of elastane is less than or equal to 12%, or less than or equal to 10%.

[0057] In the implementation of Figure 1 , the tights 100 have a waistband 112, indicated by hatching. The waistband 112 is formed from a separate piece of material that is attached to an adjacent edge 114 of the body portion 106. In the implementation of Figure 1 , the waistband 112 is attached to the edge 1 14 by way of stitching. The attachment may be by other means, such as by use of an adhesive, welding, or heatbonding. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the waistband 112 is approximately 50 mm (2 inches) high.

[0058] The waistband 112 may be formed from, for example, an 80-denier knitted fabric, comprising 95% nylon and 5% elastane. Other examples may use different materials and / or different proportions of materials, and be of any suitable denier. Other potentially suitable materials include, but are not limited to, other polyamides, polyester, and blends thereof (including polyamide / cotton blends, for example).

[0059] In some implementations, the waistband 112 is formed from the same fabric type as is used for the rest of the tights. Optionally, the fabric may be of the same general type in terms of, for example, being knitted and / or of the same material composition, while being different in terms of weight, density, elasticity, or the like. The waistband may comprise at least a first fabric, and a region of the tights adjacent to the waistband may comprise at least a second fabric, where the first and second fabrics are different from each other.

[0060] The fabric of the waistband may be thicker than the fabric used for the rest of the tights. The waistband may comprise two or more layers of fabric. The waistband 112 may at least partly overlap the edge 114.

[0061] The tights 100 comprise an elongate first reinforcement region in the form of a first stitched region 116. The first stitched region 116 extends diagonally downwards across a left frontal region 118 of the tights 100 towards a crotch region 120 of the tights. The tights 100 also comprise a second reinforcement region in the form of a second stitched region 122. The second stitched region 122 extends diagonally downwards across a right frontal region 124 of the tights 100 towards the crotch region 120.

[0062] The first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 may be formed from a stretch stich, such as a flatlock stitch with cover-stitch, or an overlock stitch. By using a stretch stitch, the first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 provide support to the fabric in the respective left frontal region 118 and right frontal region 124, while still permitting some stretch along their length. Such support may improve the longevity of the tights, due to reduced loads being placed on the fabric in the left frontal region 118 and right frontal region 124, especially when the tights are being pulled on by a wearer or are being washed. Different stitch types may be used in other examples, including non-stretch stitches where a stretch thread is used.

[0063] The thread used to sew the first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 may be an 8% stretch, elastane-based thread. Different thread types may be used in other examples, including non-stretch thread where a stretch stitch is used.

[0064] The first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region may have a higher Young’s modulus than fabric of the left frontal region 118 and the right frontal region 124 through which the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region respectively pass. The Young’s modulus of the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region is based on the elasticity of the fabric of the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region, and the additional support provided by the respective first stitched region 116 and second stitched region 122. In the implementation of Figure 1 , the first stitched region 116 joins the waistband 112 at substantially the left-most side of the waistband 112, and the second stitched region 122 joins the waistband 112 at substantially the right-most side of the waistband 112.

[0065] The inventor has found that the first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 joining the waistband 112 at, or adjacent to, the respective left-most and rightmost sides of the waistband 112 provides a surprisingly effective anchor-point for the first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122. Loads from the first stitched region 116 and second stitched region 122 are transferred to the waistband 112 at respective positions that reduce downward sliding pressure on the waistband 112, relative to, for example, positions closer to the front of the tights 100.

[0066] Reinforcement stitching, such as double- or triple-reinforcement stitching, may be applied where the first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 join the waistband 112. Such reinforcement stitching may increase the strength and resilience of the join in those regions, which may improve longevity of the tights 100.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a schematic closeup side view of the left-hand side of the waistband 112 while the tights 100 are being worn, with the left-most side of the waistband 112 being indicated by dashed line 130. There is a significant angle 126 between the first stitched region 116 and line 130 where the first stitched region 116 joins the waistband 112. This angle allows relatively good lateral load transfer from the first stitched region 116 to the waistband 112. Also, the outward curve of the wearer’s hip at the point indicated by dashed line 130 tends to support the waistband 112 and reduce the chance of it slipping down in response to the loads placed on it by the first stitched region 116 while the tights 100 are beingworn.

[0068] This also applies to the angle of the second stitched region 122 relative to the waistband 112 on the right-hand side of the waistband 112.

[0069] The first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 may join the waistband 112 at positions that are offset from the respective left-most and right-most positions shown in Figure 1. For example, the first stitched region 116 may join the waistband 112 at a position within 50 mm (approximately 2 inches) of the left-most side of the waistband 112, and the second stitched region 122 may join the waistband 112 at a position within 50 mm (approximately 2 inches) of the right-most side of the waistband 112.

[0070] Alternatively, the first stitched region 116 may join the waistband 112 at a position within 30 mm, 20 mm, or 10 mm of the left-most side of the waistband 112, and the second stitched region 122 may join the waistband 112 at a position within 30 mm, 20 mm, or 10 mm of the right-most side of the waistband 112.

[0071] Figures 3 and 4 show a further embodiment of the tights 100. In the Figures 3 and 4 embodiment, the first stitched region 116 joins the waistband 112 at dashed line 134, which is 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) forward of the line 130, as indicated by arrow 136. Although not illustrated, the second stitched region 122 similarly joins the waistband 112 at a position approximately 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) forward of the right-most side of the waistband 112.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a schematic close-up side view of the left-hand side of the waistband 112 while the tights 100 of Figure 3 are being worn. There is a significant angle 132 between the first stitched region 116 and the line 134. This angle still allows relatively good lateral load transfer from the first stitched region 116 to the waistband 112. Also, the outward curve of the wearer’s hip at the point indicated by the line 134 still tends to support the waistband 112 as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0073] Figures 5 and 6 show a further embodiment of the tights 100. In the Figures 5 and 6 embodiment, the first stitched region 116 joins the waistband 112 at dashed line 138, which is 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) rearward of the line 130, as indicated by arrow 140. Although not illustrated, the second stitched region 122 similarly joins the waistband 112 at a position approximately 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) rearward of the right-most side of the waistband 112.

[0074] Figure 6 shows a schematic close-up side view of the left-hand side of the waistband 112 while the tights 100 of Figure 5 are being worn. There is a significant angle 142 between the first stitched region 1 W and the line 138. This angle still allows relatively good lateral load transfer from the first stitched region 116 to the waistband 112. Also, the outward curve of the wearer’s hip at the point indicated by the line 138 still tends to support the waistband 112 as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. The inventor has identified that moving the points at which the respective first and second stitched regions 116, 122 join the waistband 1 12 too far forward may result in poorer performance. Loads generated along the first and second stitched regions 116, 122 are still transferred to the waistband 112 in such an arrangement. However, downward forces applied towards the front of the waistband 112 will tend to pull the waistband 112 down in this region. This is because the pelvic (or lower abdominal) region typically does not curve outwards underneath the waistband 112, in contrast with the outward curve provided by the laterally outer regions of the waist.

[0075] In addition, there is decreasing lateral transfer of such loads to the waistband 112 as the positions at which the first and second stitched regions 116, 122 join the waistband 112 move forwards.

[0076] As such, in at least some embodiments, there is a synergy between the provision of the first and second stitched regions 116, 122, and the respective positions at which the first and second stitched regions 116, 122 join the waistband 112.

[0077] The various embodiments of the tights 100 of Figures 1 to 6 may be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the left leg 102 and the left side of the body portion 106 may be manufactured as a single left-hand piece, and the right leg 104 and the right side of the body portion 106 may be manufactured as a single right-hand piece.

[0078] The left-hand piece and the right-hand piece may be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, each of the left-hand side and the right-hand side may be manufactured using a circular or seamless knitting machine. Such machines may knit a garment, or garment component, in a tubular form. Some seamless knitting machines are capable of creating specific profiles, which may reduce the amount of cutting and sewing required to complete the garment.

[0079] Seamless technology may provide advantages such as comfort (due to reduced seams), efficiency (due to reduced cutting / stitching requirements), improved fit, and / or less fabric waste.

[0080] Alternatively, the left-hand piece and the right-hand piece may each be manufactured from a piece of fabric, using stitching, welding, and / or heat-bonding for example, to form the required pieces.

[0081] The left-hand piece is then joined to the right-hand piece. For example, the lefthand piece may be stitched or otherwise attached to the right-hand piece along a seam, such as a vertically extending central seam. Such a seam is shown as seam 128 in Figures 1 , 3, and 5.

[0082] The tights 100 may include a triangular or truncated-triangular front panel. For example, the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6 all have a generally triangular front panel 130 extending across a frontal region of the tights 100 between the first stitched region 116, the second stitched region 122, and the waistband 112.

[0083] In at least some embodiments, the front panel is a separate panel that is attached to the other panel(s) of the tights 100 during manufacture. In such cases, the first stitched region 116 may comprise a seam that joins the front panel 130 to an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel of the tights 100, and the second stitched region 122 may comprise a seam that joins the front panel 130 to an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel of the tights 100. The adjacent panels of the tights may comprise the left and right frontal regions of the body portion 106.

[0084] The front panel 130 may comprise the same number of layers of fabric as adjacent panels of the tights 100 to which the front panel 130 is joined. The front panel 130 may be formed from the same fabric as the adjacent panels, or at least from a fabric having similar visual characteristics when worn.

[0085] Even when provided as a separate component of the garment, the front panel 130 may include a central front seam (similar to the seam 128 shown in Figures 1 , 3, and 5). Such a seam may provide additional vertical support to the region of the tights through which it passes, as well as providing the wearer with a visual indication of the alignment of the tights when worn.

[0086] The tights 100 use stitching for the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region. In other embodiments, the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region are reinforced in any other suitable manner. For example, each of the reinforcement regions may comprise a strip of material, such as a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, or any other fabric or material. The strips of material may be stitched, adhered, heat-bonded, welded, or otherwise joined to the fabric of the tights to provide the respective first reinforcement region and second reinforcement region.

[0087] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a further embodiment of the tights 100. In the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the left leg 102 and the right leg 104 are formed as separate components. The left leg 102 and the right leg 104 may be manufactured using a circular or seamless knitting manufacturing process, for example as described above. The left leg 102 and the right leg 104 may be manufactured using materials such as those described above.

[0088] The body portion 106 is also formed as a separate component. The body portion 106 may be manufactured usingthe same manufacturing process and materials used to manufacture the left leg 102 and the right leg 104, or may use a different manufacturing process and / or materials.

[0089] The body portion 106 of the Figures ? and 8 embodiment is configured to coverthe buttocks and the front of the wearer’s pelvis. Upper ends of the left leg 102 and the right leg 104 are stitched, adhered, heat-bonded, welded, or otherwise attached to edges of respective leg-holes 144, 146 formed at the lower part of the body portion 106. The attachments are shown as lines 148, 150 in Figure 8.

[0090] Although not shown in Figures 7 and 8, the body portion 106 may include elongate first and second reinforcement regions as described above. For example, the body portion may include a first stitched region 1 16 and a second stitched region 122. The first stitched region 116 and the second stitched region 122 may join the waistband 112, for example at any of the positions described above.

[0091] Where elongate first and second reinforcement regions are provided, lower ends thereof may join to the crotch 120 as shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6. Alternatively, lower ends of any such reinforcement regions may join the respective lines of attachment 148, 150.

[0092] The elongate first and second reinforcement regions may each comprise more than one component or element. For example, if the elongate first and second reinforcement regions comprise stitching, then more than one line or region of stitching may be provided. Such lines or regions of stitching may be parallel to each other. Alternatively, the lines or regions of stitching may converge or diverge from each other along their lengths. Similar comments apply when the elongate first and second reinforcement regions do not comprise stitching.

[0093] The elongate first and second reinforcement regions may be formed in the fabric during manufacture. This may be done by, for example, a circular or seamless knitting machine changingthe stitch type or tension when knittingthe elongate first and second reinforcement regions. In some embodiments, there is provided a set of panels for use in the manufacture of tights. The set of panels may comprise a left panel, comprising a left leg portion (e.g., left leg 102) and a left-hand portion of a body portion of the tights (e.g., the left side or portion of the front panel 130). The set of panels may similarly comprise a right panel, comprising a right leg portion (e.g., right leg 104) and a right-hand portion of the body portion (e.g., the left side or portion of the front panel).

[0094] The set of panels may include a triangular or truncated-triangular front panel, such as front panel 130.

[0095] In some embodiments, the set of panels includes one or more panels comprising one or more of the left leg, right leg, and body portion. Any or all of the left leg, right leg, or body portion may comprise multiple panels. Such panels may be used to assemble the left leg, right leg, and / or body portion, which are then assembled to form the tights. Alternatively, the panels may be assembled in any other suitable order. For example, the panels may be assembled in an order such that there is never a separate left leg, right leg, or body portion by itself.

[0096] Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a method 200 of manufacturing tights as described herein. The method 200 comprises providing 202 a left panel, providing 204 a right panel, and joining 206 the left panel to the right panel. A waist-to-hip ratio of the tights is less than 0.9 at rest.

[0097] The left panel may comprise a left leg portion (e.g., left leg 102) and a left-hand portion of a body portion of the tights (e.g., the left side or portion of the front panel 130). The right panel may comprise a right leg portion (e.g., right leg 104) and a right-hand portion of the body portion (e.g., the left side or portion of the front panel).

[0098] The method may comprise providing a triangular or truncated-triangular front panel (e.g., front panel 130), and joining the front panel to the left panel and the right panel.

[0099] References to “elastane” include within their scope proprietary products such as Lycra™ and Spandex™, and other similar elastic materials.

[0100] Although examples described above relate specifically to tights, features described herein may be used in relation to othertypes of garment, such as legwear. For example, legwear comprising the first and second reinforcement regions may be provided.

Claims

Claims1 . Tights having a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.9 at rest.

2. The tights of claim 1 , wherein the waist-to-hip ratio is less than 0.85 at rest.

3. The tights of claim 1 or 2, comprising a waistband disposed at an uppermost region of the tights.

4. The tights of claim 3, wherein: the waistband comprises at least a first fabric; a region of the tights adjacent to the waistband comprises at least a second fabric; and the first and second fabrics are different from each other.

5. The tights of any preceding claim, comprising: an elongate first reinforcement region extending diagonally down across a left frontal region of the tights towards a crotch region of the tights; and an elongate second reinforcement region extending diagonally down across a right frontal region of the tights towards the crotch region.

6. The tights of claim 5, wherein the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region have a higher Young’s modulus than fabric of the left frontal region and the right frontal region through which the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region respectively pass.

7. The tights of claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein: the first reinforcement region joins the waistband at a position within 50 mm of a left-most side of the waistband; and the second reinforcement region joins the waistband at a position within 50 mm of a right-most side of the waistband.

8. The tights of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each of the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region comprises stitching.

9. The tights of claim 8, wherein the tights comprise a triangular or truncated- triangular front panel, the front panel extending across a frontal region of the tights between the first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region.

10. The tights of claim 9, wherein the front panel comprises the same number of layers of fabric as adjacent panels of the tights.

11. The tights of claim 10, wherein: the stitching of the first reinforcement region joins the front panel to an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel of the tights; and the stitching of the second reinforcement region joins the front panel to an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel of the tights.

12. The tights of any preceding claim, comprising a central front seam extending vertically downwards towards a crotch region of the tights from the waistband.

13. The tights of any preceding claim, at least partly manufactured from a fabric that comprises less than 14% elastane.

14. A set of panels for the tights of any preceding claim, the set of panels comprising at least: a left panel, comprising a left leg portion and a left-hand portion of a body portion of the tights; and a right panel, comprising a right leg portion and a right-hand portion of the body portion.

15. The set of panels of claim 14 when dependent on any one of claims 9 to 11 , the set of panels comprisingthe triangular ortruncated-triangularfront panel.

16. A left and / or a right panel for use in the manufacture of the tights of any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. The left and / or right panel of claim 16 when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising the first reinforcement region and / or the second reinforcement region.

18. A front panel for use in the manufacture of the tights of any one of claims 9 to 11 .

19. A component for use in the manufacture of the tights of any one or claims 1 to 13, the component being configured for attachment to left and right legs to form the tights, the component comprising a body portion having a waist opening, a left leg opening, and a right leg opening.

20. A method of manufacturing the tights of any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: providing a left panel; providing a right panel; and joiningthe left panel to the right panel.

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