Our Review - Cervin Paris Capri 15 Denier Stockings (By Rowan)

I have a confession to make regarding Cervin stockings; I have never bought a “perfect” pair. I first came to Cervin RHTs as seconds and, having found them perfectly adequate (and much more than that), I have never felt any necessity to buy them full price.

I, therefore, come to this review somewhat biased. I feel a jolt of joy when I open an envelope containing a new batch of Cervin seconds (as I always order a goodly number of pairs) and will often hold on to a pair or two just for that special moment when I want to impress someone.

The packets only have a cover on the front, so you can see the stocking clearly at the back. Even in the packet, they look sheer and shapely and the quality shines through. Taking them out, they are smooth and slightly crisp with only a very delicate shine. The welts are relatively narrow and the sub-welt is almost as wide. Although the welts are very plain, they have the same sheen as the stockings themselves and enhance the lovely vintage look of the stockings. The legs themselves have a very slightly ribbed texture and are slightly coarser than some other non-stretch stocking brands, but they are also more hard-wearing.

The reinforced heel and toe are slightly silkier than the rest of the stocking but relatively subtle and look fine worn with peep-toes (although I wouldn’t wear them with open-toed shoes).

The feel on the leg is possibly slightly unusual to those used to modern stockings. You can feel your leg being hugged and held with every step and there is very little stretch and give. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you get the right size for you. This may take a little bit of trial and error, as finding the right size in any non-stretch stockings can be tricky. (For information, I’m a 5’6” size 14 with relatively slender, but not terribly long, legs and wear a size 3 which comes to mid-thigh.)

A warning, however, these are not the stockings for you if you are concerned about the size of your thighs; the French seem to believe that women only get taller and never wider, so these stockings are very unforgiving to fat thighs. They have a tendency to cut in to flesh that isn’t perfectly firm, particularly if worn with anything less than a 6-strap belt. I have found them to be best worn with a 6-strap girdle, as the stockings will be held firm and straight.

All in all, I love these stockings; I love the nude ones; I love the black ones; I even love the grey ones. They are subtle enough for work; they are dressy enough for an evening out and they are certainly sexy enough to make you feel like a goddess. The range of sizes is good (height-wise, anyway) and the range of colours almost endless. They do occasionally cut in, if you don’t place the straps on your suspender belt carefully, and they are not good for larger thighs, but I’d highly recommend at least giving them a try if you like a vintage look.

29 August 2009

Our Review - Cervin Paris Capri 7 Denier Stockings

The ultimate in sheer hosiery. Capri stockings come in 4 weights, 7, 10, 15 and 20 denier.  These are seamless so ideal for wearing in warmer weather when stockings are the hosiery of choice over tights and you don’t want to make a bold fashion statement. 

Our 7 denier sample was sublimely smooth and soft

Beautifully made and ever so sexy. 

Available in 5 sizes, be aware that sizing is not generous so buy the size above if in doubt.

24 July 2006

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