Charnos Size Guide
Charnos is a premier UK-based specialist in high-quality women's hosiery, renowned for blending elegance with exceptional durability. For decades, the brand has been a staple in the British wardrobe, providing everything from sheer, delicate nylons to robust, shaping tights and luxurious hold-up stockings. The Charnos sizing philosophy is designed to accommodate a variety of body types, focusing heavily on height, hip circumference, and weight to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit that stays in place throughout the day. Whether you are seeking the subtle shimmer of a 10 denier sheer tight or the intense compression of a shaping product, understanding your specific measurements is essential to achieving the signature Charnos look.
How to Measure
- Determine Your Height: Stand barefoot on a flat surface against a wall. Use a tape measure to find the distance from the floor to the top of your head. Accurate height is critical for hosiery, as it determines the vertical stretch and prevents the waistband from sitting too low or the toe area from being too tight.
- Measure Your Hip Circumference: Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Ensure the tape is level all the way around and not pulled too tightly. This measurement is the most vital metric for determining the width and comfort of the leg and waistband.
- Calculate Your Weight: Use a reliable scale to determine your current weight. In hosiery, weight is used alongside height to ensure the fabric has enough elasticity to provide the intended level of compression or sheer coverage without overstretching the fibres.
- Verify Measurements: Always double-check your measurements before ordering, especially when transitioning between different product categories like tights versus stockings, as the fit requirements can vary slightly.
| Size Label | Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) | Hip (inches) | Hip (cm) | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 4'11" — 5'4" | 150 — 163 cm | 34" — 38" | 86 — 97 cm | 88 — 122 lbs | 40 — 55 kg |
| Medium | 5'5" — 5'9" | 165 — 176 cm | 38" — 42" | 97 & — 107 cm | 123 — 150 lbs | 56 — 68 kg |
| Large/XL | 5'10" — 6'0" | 178 — 182 cm | 42" — 48" | 107 — 122 cm | 154 — 183 lbs | 70 — 83 kg |
| Size Label | Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small/Medium | 4'11" — 5'4" | 150 — 163 cm | 123 — 150 lbs | 56 — 69 kg |
| Medium/Large | 5'5" — 5'9" | 165 — 176 cm | 132 — 163 lbs | 60 — 74 kg |
Product-Specific Guidance
Tights & Sheers: When selecting tights, consider the 'Denier' rating. Lower denier (e.g., 10D) offers a sheer, skin-like finish, while higher denier (e.g., 40D or 100D) provides more opacity and warmth. For sheer styles, ensure your hip measurement is within the correct range to prevent the fabric from becoming transparent due to overstretching.
Stockings & Hold-Ups: For products featuring silicone or lace bands, the fit is more dependent on leg length and thigh circumference. Ensure the band sits comfortably on the thigh without rolling or pinching. If you are between sizes in height, we recommend sizing up to ensure the band remains secure.
Shapewear & Control Tops: Charnos shapewear is designed for targeted compression. If you are looking for maximum tummy or hip control, ensure your weight and hip measurements align with the higher end of the size bracket to allow the compression technology to function effectively without causing discomfort.
Sizing Tips
- Prioritise Hip Measurements: In hosiery, the hip measurement is the most critical factor for comfort. If your height suggests a Small but your hips align with a Medium, we recommend choosing the Medium to avoid excessive tension on the seams.
- Consider the Denier: Remember that very sheer tights (10-15 Denier) are more prone to visible stretching. If you are at the upper limit of a size's weight range, consider moving up one size to maintain the intended opacity.
- Check the Vertical Fit: If you are particularly tall, even if your weight is within the Small range, you may require a Large or XL to ensure the toe reinforcement does not sit too far up your foot.
- Account for Compression: When purchasing control-top or shaping products, do not size down. The compression is engineered for specific weight ranges; sizing down can lead to restricted circulation and discomfort.
- Review Product Descriptions: Always check if a specific item is listed as 'Slim Fit' or 'Regular Fit'. Charnos occasionally releases specialized collections that may deviate slightly from the standard size chart.
- Consult Customer Feedback: Before finalizing your purchase, read customer reviews specifically regarding 'fit' and 'stretch'. This can provide real-world insight into how a particular denier or fabric blend behaves on different body shapes.