Tights/Strumpfhosen

Quite an unusual title, but I have been looking at tights for over a week now.  First it was cotton tights for girls.  We did order a few from Lands' End because we had a coupon, but what a disappointment when they arrived: thin material and very tight (no pun intended).  I also ordered women's tights, but they were just so bad that I sent them back.  One tore right away and was cut so strangely that I don't know who will be able to wear those.  I tried Hanna Andersson for myself next, but again, I was not happy with one of the two pairs I had ordered.  It arrived with a hole.  So I think I will go back to order from Garnet Hill.  At least, their tights are pretty good and last for at least one season.  However, they are not particularly warm.  Maybe I should try their girls' tights for Veronika.  She is in between sizes and nothing fits right now.  Or maybe try the loose fitting ones from Hanna Andersson for her?  The ones form Mini Boden were already sold out and Gymboree did not have a good selection.  We have had some luck with the ones from Children's Place in the past, but the quality is just so, so.  Or L.L. Bean?  They used to be okay, but just okay because they are also fairly thin.  So this is quite frustrating.


And today I find myself looking at white footed men's ballet tights (again).  That is even a more difficult task.  What fabric should we get?  A cotton blend or synthetic?  What kind of waist?  Which tights are the least see-through when you are up on a stage?  Which will survive a wild battle scene and several falls?  Which are in stock and ship fast?  Unfortunately, we will have to buy several ones in case one tears.  That happened last year . . . In case you have not guessed it, these are for Jonathan's role as the Nutcracker.  I love the site Boys dance too, good selection, and great service and advice (I have had many "conversations" with the male experts there about what boys and young men need in terms of ballet outfits.  Most dance stores do not have any male employees, quite annoying when you have to go shopping with your son.)  But even there, once you buy those tights, you cannot return them in case they don't fit!  And they are expensive!!

Oh well, the search continues.

Auf Deutsch kann ich das hier nicht alles so schreiben wie auf Englisch, da es sich auf viele amerikanische Firmen bezieht, die in Europa nicht alle bekannt sind.  Aber so viel kann ich doch sagen: Ich habe in den letzten Wochen verzweifelt dicke Baumwollstrumpfhosen für alle Mädchen und auch mich selbst gesucht.  Wir haben einige bestellt, doch ist die Qualität inzwischen miserabel oder der Schnitt ist so eigenartig, daß man nicht weiß, wer die tragen soll.  Andere kommen mit Löchern an, und das von namenhaften Läden. 

Heute ist dann noch die Suche nach weißen Ballettstrumpfhosen für junge Männer dazugekommen.  Das ist noch schwieriger, weil es verschiedene Materialien gibt, einige in dieser Farbe zu durchsichtig sind und alle einen Kampf und viele Stürze des Nußknackers aushalten müssen.  Letztes Jahr sind Jonathan beide Strumpfhosen während der Aufführung zerrissen.  Das soll uns nicht wieder passieren.  Und das Dumme ist, daß man diese Strumpfhosen nicht wieder zurückgeben kann.  Wenn man sie einmal gekauft hat, bleibt es dabei.  Sie sind leider auch sehr teuer.  So werden wir wohl noch weiter suchen müssen, doch viel Zeit bleibt nicht mehr, die Aufführung ist Anfang Dezember!