There's nothing more that I hate than being cold, and when it comes to this time of year, I'm always wrapping myself up in layers to stay warm when going out. Most of the time, this would sadly mean storing away all my dresses and skirts, and bringing my jeans and leggings to the front of my wardrobe... at least that's what I thought before making a game-changing purchase.
No longer do I have to switch up my wardrobe and put my pretty skirts and dresses to the back of my closet as winter arrives. Now, I'll still be able to get my legs out when taking a walk in the park with my family or going for a night out with the girls.
How? Well with a pair of thermal sheer tights! They have become my go-to once the temperature drops and mean I can trick everyone into thinking I'm just wearing thin black tights, when that isn't the case.
Online fashion brand Shein is selling a pair, titled Thickened Thermal Women's Warm Elasticity Translucent Leggings, for just £4.25. At first, due to how cheap they are to buy, I was sceptical about whether they would do any good and really keep my legs warm while looking stylish.
But now I regret doubting the masses of glowing reviews as I have been thoroughly impressed. Although they look like you're only wearing 15 denier tights, once on it feels more like 80 denier thanks to the nude-coloured fleece-like lining inside - which looks like your own skin.
There are different levels of thickness you can go for, with the thinner the fleece lining, the cheaper the price. I opted for thickest, costing me £4.50. The cheapest option for the thinnest lining is £4.25. There are three shades to pick from: black, grey and brown, I went for black.
Inside, the fabric is very soft and comes in a light tan shade, which doesn't look too yellow or too light, so seems believable on. The lining also comes all the way up to the waistband but finishes around the ankles, which is one thing I was disappointed about as I suffer from cold feet. However, there are some alternatives (which I've listed below) that are lined all the way to the toes.
Another slight downfall is that the elastic around the waistband is pretty tight, which can be uncomfortable, especially after I've enjoyed a meal out. But, how warm they keep my legs and how they enable me to still wear skirts and dresses in winter outweighs that.
They also aren't too thick, to a point where don't they make my legs look bulky. I'm also able to wear them underneath my jeans as an additional layer for those extra cold days.
Scanning through all the other reviews on Shein, it would seem I'm not the only one impressed by the sheer thermal tights. One shopper wrote: "Very thick and cosy giving the illusion of a sheer black tights." Another said: "It is amazinggg!!!! The best purchase everrr! Now I can wear all my dresses in the middle of winter without worrying about the cold." A third put: "Sooo soft and very nice to wear!"
However, one shopper did warn: "If you go for the cheapest option, you must know that they are not thermal. They have this kind of see-through effect and feel more like a thin legging." A second claimed: "Loved it at first but after a few minutes it ripped."
A third said they were too small, writing: "Very disappointed. Too short." Another said they had an issue with the seams: "OMG I didn't like these at all. The seams are in really weird places and squeezes the inner thighs... Looks awful. But I think these are warm and very good for cold weather."
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These aren't the only thermal sheer leggings available on Shein, you can view many more on the site which vary in price and thickness. Besides Shein, several other retailer are selling their own versions. Amazon is selling a pair of FeiFei's Bow Double Lined Stretch Thermal Fleece Tights for £12.99, Stypop Fleece Lined Tights for £9.99 in four different colours and a pair of 140 denier Brushed Lining Tights for £5.98.
Elsewhere, Calzedonia has a vast range of thermal tights, starting from £15.99. M&S also has a pair of Black 140 Denier Thermal Sheer Fleece Tights for £15. Shoppers can also check out Very's Fleece Lined Sheer Look Tights for £10.
