Comparison Review: Oroblù Magie 20 tights vs. CdR Eterno Super Lucido 20 DEN tights

      Occasionally, reviewing one style immediately reminds me of another because of their similarity.  In this comparison review, I would like to compare two glossy tights I recently reviewed – the Magie 20 tights from Oroblù and Eterno Super Lucido 20 den tights from Cecilia de Rafael.  For ease of reading, I have abbreviated the latter to Eterno SL in this review.  Also, the Magie 20 is in nude colour, whereas the Eterno SL is in black.

Specifications

	Oroblù Magie 20 tights	CdR Eterno SL tights
Denier:	20 den	20 den
Appearance:	sheer, shiny, sheer-to-waist	sheer, shiny, sheer-to-waist
Waistband:	knitted, 6cm wide	No waistband, but the area (4cm wide) is made thicker
Finger band:	2cm wide	No
Reinforced toe:	Yes	No
Reinforced heel:	No	No
Composition:	92% polyamide and 8% elastane	62% nylon and 38% elastane
Size:	S-MAXI	1-6
Colour availability:	10	5
Price:	£9.95, €11.95 or USD$21	Vary among retailers.

Similarities and differences

First look & packaging

      The packaging of the two styles are very much alike.  Both use a transparent plastic sleeve to wrap the tights and a hard cover on the outside.  Even the product features, specs, as well as the layout on the rear cover are very similar.  The presentation on the front cover are iconic for both Brands, which you can recognise them metres away.

FIT

      Ironically, I didn’t seem to get the size right for either styles.  The size for the Magie 20 was slightly larger than the size chart recommended, hence the loose fit (it was the only Oroblù tights I reviewed so far that size L doesn’t fit me).  With regard to Eterno SL, I had the assumption that the size will be smaller since it is made in Italy, but I was wrong.  As a result, I bought one size larger.  

      Though having larger sizes, the envelopment was actually pretty good for both styles.  Notably, the Eterno SL has a narrow hose, which led to a firm envelopment on the legs, especially at the calves.

      The Magie 20’s knitted, wide waistband was elastic and very comfortable to wear.  The lack of waistband of the Eterno SL made the edge curl naturally, and subsequently roll down.

The “reinforced waistband” (the stripe where the thumbs hold).

LOOK

      One major difference between the two is the appearance.  Although both styles has a shine ook, Magie 20 exhibits a glittering effect.  Eterno Super Lucido on the other hand, has a mirror-like shine.  The images shown below are a good example.

      Both tights are sheer (20 den) and sheer-to-waist.  Yet, the Eterno SL looked and felt a bit thinner, like 15 den.  Magie 20 on the other hand, looked like 30 den (but felt like 20 den).

      Quality-wise, The Magie 20 I bought was made in good quality, while the Eterno SL had a few snags before wearing.  I hope it was an odd one out.

Above and below: Evidence of the tights being too large for my size.

FEEL

      Both styles felt smooth and silky.  The Magie 20 did have a better feel in terms of silkiness.  Due to their glossy nature both styles are very slippery on polished floor.  Both styles have good breathability.

ilovehosiery advice

      The Magie 20 and the Eterno SL exhibits their shininess differently.  The former is more like stars glittering, whereas the Eterno SL is like mirror reflection.  Personally, I prefer Magie 20 for its comfortable waistband and silky feel.  It is also cheaper and more accessible online.

      If you like to learn more about the styles, you can find the full review on the Magie 20 tights here and the Eterno SL tights here.