expensive but worth treating yourself
I bought these tights in mulberry,and they are my second pair of Brora cashmere tights. They feel soft and luxurious to wear, and fit well. The sizing is potentially problematic as the fine cashmere and lacey design cannot be stretched too much. I'm 5ft 5in size 12 to 14 and bought the large but someone much taller might find they're not long enough. I think they look and feel great so I'm keeping them.
|
Unclear sizing
I couldn't figure out what size to order these in. I ended up going for Large, because I'm tallish - ie around 5 feet nine - with long legs. I thought XL might be geared towards people who are not only tall, but heavier overall. However, they weren't long enough and even though I love the colour (elderberry) and design, I had to send them back. This is particularly annoying because I'm in Australia, so it becomes quite an expensive exercise once you factor in the shipping costs, which aren't refunded. I don't think there's enough sizing guidance for this product.
|
Don't buy! Poor quality for this price!
I agree with Tight Buyer from NI on all counts. I remarked on how lovely these tights looked in a Broha shop and my friend gave me a pair as a gift - diesel, M - and they fit perfectly. Unfortunately I could see that I would need to be careful because the feet, upper thigh and hips are not reinforced. After one wear, the cashmere blend was pilling on my feet (inside and around the edge of my ballerine shoes), as well as on the inner thigh. Other brands of high-end wool, silk, cashmere blend tights didn't result in the level of pilling and I would assume this is because the design uses the (lovely) lace pattern from top to toe, without regard for wear. I don't expect them to last for more than a season, but I am shocked to find that my third wear - today - resulted in further pilling and the friction snared the elastic thread and created a hole. I had worn them to work, under a pencil skirt and am so disappointed they couldn't last more than THREE wears. Even at a discount - this is a ridiculous level for this brand. I'm disappointed that the design hasn't changed either.
|
Fabulously Warm, Soft, Nostalgic Design.
I have bought a few pairs of these over the past couple of years so I can wear them against each other, I hand wash them with care and so far they are still looking good. I have to add that I wear trousers a lot of the time so they don't get an extreme amount of wear. For some one who was wearing them every day I 'm not sure how long they would remain looking good. As other reviews have said the feet in particular could do with some reinforcement especially the toe & heal areas.
I have to disagree with the review about the tops needing to be plain I love the pattern going right to the top, I have always found most tight designs ugly with unsightly tops. Wearing Brora tights these & the more robust ribbed, have encouraged me out of trousers in the winter as they are so comfortable, being very warm and soft. They are an expensive luxury, but in a world of cheap, itchy, ugly leg attire they are a joy to wear.
The colour palette is versatile, I have the Black (classic, smart) Chocolate (rich brown very vintage, nostalgic inspired) Diesel (blue/grey that enhances/tones with an autumn/winter palette) & the Burgundy (rich wine/berry that contrast or tones, whilst adding colour on dark winter days). So now I just need to save up for the elderberry for next winter.
I do think Brora need to look at revamping the design around toe & heel area; it surprises me that with most reviews flagging this up as a definite or potential problem that they haven't done so already. So come on Brora design team let's hear from you on this matter.
Regarding fit I buy the large (I'm 5ft 8 a size 10 - 12) the leg length is better for me in this design especially, I would not want to be stretching/pulling them up too much as they are after all a delicate, lacy knit.
I would defiantly recommend these tights, especially to others who hate the feel of the 100% man made ones. Maybe not for the person who wants/needs to wash in the machine/tumble-dry to wear daily, as they are best hand washed & dried carefully.
For those who delight in the beauty that is Brora design, just take the plunge, invest you won't regret it & neither will your legs which will the best dressed in town.
|
Lovely tights but they do go bobbly.
|
Wonderful product although needs careful handling
|
Lovely
I thoroughly recommend these lovely warm, flattering tights. True to size (I am 5'7") and bought the large. I am going to buy another pair in Brown.
|
Unsure about durability
Bought diesel in Harrogate yesterday. Have just got home and tried them on. I am size 10 5'3 and the fit is perfect, as is the colour. However I have just read review from 'Northern Ireland Tight Buyer' and have same apprehension regarding design and durability. I agree with everything she has written.They are very expensive and at that price need to last.If they do last I will invest in more. On a positive note my cable and patterned tights bought in the autumn are both lasting well.
|
A lovely idea-needs to be made robust to justify cost
Found the sizing to be tricky initially. I am just under 5 foot 9 and a slim size 10 - was advised by Customer Services to try the Medium but it was not quite long enough in the leg - too taut when pulled up - felt like it would stretch the lace dangerously over time to the point of ripping, so got the Large to afford more leeway and the fit is indeed more comfortable - not so taut.The foot seems to be a bit longer however than the medium size I think so it needs to be pulled back across the heel into place more. Hope that will not cause a wear issue, where the plain knit on the heels moves forwards. Fabric seems a little saggy at the feet - first impression was that a little lycra should be injected into the design to make them keep their shape - am concerned they will go baggy due to the lack of it.
Lovely lacey pattern - the prettiest of the range. Got the diesel colour which is deep blue toned and unique.In view of the slightly obscene £££££££££ outlay on these I had hoped they would have been designed in a more robust way, to justify the cost. However, was very surprised and disappointed to see that the top section of the tights (ie waist, hips and tops of thighs, gusset which other brands usually leave in a plain knit all over and double thickness knit, as it is not seen, and to improve the robustness of them, has been left patterned and lacey up to the very top on these tights! I think this is a very hazardous design. I think it is pointless to continue the lace over your bottom, hips and waist, as the pattern will be covered with clothing anyway! It is a waste of Brora's effort. This should definitely be changed to plain thick knit, to add strength as I can anticipate the lacey top section will pull holes as the tights are pulled up over time. That really needs to be attended to Brora and it would be so simple to do and would really help your customers! Also, the feet (toe area and heels need to be strengthened also - make them double thickness plain - the plain knit does not seem thick enough - get your design team to work out something really practical - perhaps a slightly different, stronger, fabric composition on the heels and toes?) Brora, your customers are discerning so really think you should respond to this issue asap as I have seen it has been raised in several reviews for some time. With a reinforced top section/gusset and strengthened toe and heel area, I would feel more confident in the durability of these tights to convince me to invest in more, and I am sure other customers would too- no point in tights being pretty/lacey if they rip through after a couple of wears - that will just leave exasperated clients! I will see how this pair will endure. Would have considered other colours but am conducting a test on one colour first to see how they go.
In short, I think these tights are a lovely, unique,vintage inspired idea, which needs to have more practicality introduced into the design to encourage repeat purchase. Hope this will help both Brora and its customers. : )
|
Love this colour and wish you did it in all your tights
|
|