Product test
Falke has proven that functional clothing can look good too
by Stephanie Vinzens
These merino wool tights are indispensable for me right now
23.12.2024
Translation: machine translated
Who would have thought that a pair of tights could arouse so much enthusiasm? The "Softmerino" model from Falke surprised me as much as it convinced me: warm, high-quality and comfortable - for me now an absolute must-have in winter.
When the first snow of the season falls at the end of November, I'm still in autumn fashion mode. I realise just how much I've gone wrong with my outfit when I'm caught off guard by the white winter landscape outside in a mini skirt and tights. I don't have time to turn back, so I brace myself for a day of shivering knees. But the big freeze doesn't materialise.
Warm thanks to merino wool
On that day, I wore the «Softmerino» tights for the first time, which Falke provided me with on request. Based on their composition of 57 per cent merino wool, 23 per cent cotton, 18 per cent polyamide and 2 per cent elastane, I assumed that they would be warmer than regular nylon models - but I didn't think they were suitable for anything more than very mild winter weather.
Although my face and hands were freezing, my legs remained surprisingly warm in combination with knee-high boots and a calf-length coat, despite temperatures close to zero degrees. Of course, I wouldn't go on any extended outdoor activities in the snow in this outfit, but the tights are actually warm enough for my commute to work, errands in the city or short walks.
Comfortable fit, flat seams
Not only the warming properties, but also the wearing comfort are impressive. The material is soft and the socks fit like a glove without constricting or cutting in. The reinforced stress zones in high-wear areas such as the ball of the foot and the flat chain seam at the foot end are small but fine quality features. Almost all of my other socks have a bulging Rosso seam in the toe area instead, which can pinch uncomfortably in shoes.
This is what you should consider
The high proportion of merino wool requires gentle care: 30 degrees on a wool wash cycle with a mild detergent is ideal. As I usually have enough woollen clothing in my laundry basket, this is easy to organise. However, I assume that the socks will also survive normal cold wash cycles - possibly with a loss of longevity. At the same time, they seem to be more robust and less susceptible to snags than typical models made from synthetic fibres.
The finish is not as smooth as that of nylon tights. Instead, the «Softmerino» models impress with a slightly textured, natural surface that goes perfectly with cosy cold-weather looks. However, the material tends to attract fluff more easily - a garment roller can quickly remedy this.
In a nutshell
Not without my merino tights
Falke's "Softmerino" tights have quickly become so indispensable to me that I have now bought myself a second pair in black and a pair in brown. The fact that I can wear short skirts in colder temperatures without any worries thanks to the tights gives me more freedom when choosing my autumn and winter outfits. Because they are so comfortable to wear, they are also ideal for layering under long trousers or over regular tights.
Pro
- warming merino wool
- High-quality, robust workmanship
- Comfortable to wear
- cosy fine knit look
Contra
- Requires wool care
- attracts lint
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
Fashion
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