You probably have seen it on the Brand’s website or on social media. What you may not know is that Hēdoïne packed a lot of great features into it. Hence in this review, we will look into it in detail.
**Disclaimer**
The pair was gifted by Hēdoïne. However, I have 100% freedom of expressing my thoughts in this review.
For high resolution photos, please visit my Google Photo album here.
Strengths & Weaknesses
⊕ Eye-catching pattern, making you the spotlight where ever you go.
⊕ Excellent quality and feels durable.
⊕ Opaque shorts that offer gentle-to-moderate shaping effect to the tummy.
⊕ Packaging looks stylish and sophisticated than before.
⊕ No itching from the fabrics.
⊗ No size indication on the packaging or on the leggings.
Packaging & product description
Hēdoïne has designed a new box for the leggings. It is a lot bigger than that used for the tights, measuring 28cm x 18cm x 4cm. The surface of the box are crafted in a way that mimics linen fabric. There are no other markings apart from the name and the logo of the Brand on the front cover, making the box especially “clean” and elegant. I have asked Hēdoïne if this is a gift box, and they told me this is the standard box for the leggings. Hēdoïne have plans to use it on tights as well.
Inside the box, you will find the leggings wrapped in a tissue paper. I have made a short clip for unboxing:
There are no markings to indicate the size of the product on the packaging or on the leggings itself. This can be a problem if say, one orders two pairs of leggings in two different sizes. Since the packaging is already elegant as is, I’d recommend adding some kind of sign on the tissue paper or on the tag that is sewn on the waistband. In addition, there is a paper tag secured on the leggings. One’s right to return the item will be void once the tag is removed.
The product features and description are shown online only, which reads:
“This is stay-at-home comfort meets saucy nights out (and in!) A design developed to upgrade your leggings addiction with a new versatile fashion essential. Sustainable warp knitting technology leads to leggings that support your movement, and feel barely there.”
- Looks like lace, feels like heaven
- Ankle length, perfect with flats, heels, and even slippers
- Sag-free, stay-in-place design
- Extremely soft, itch-free yarns
- 100% Vegan, tested on Hedoines, not animals
- Certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
- 100% recyclable packaging
“The Charmer leggings are your new normal, spicy yet stable. Just what you need.”
- Seamless and lightweight
- Super-soft and breathable
- Built-in shaping shorts
- Intricate yet durable pattern
- Responsibly crafted in Italy, where we’d rather be
Appearance & texture
The Charmer is open-knit leggings in total matt fashion. It features macro diamond-shaped patterns and thick threads running vertically. Among the patterns and thread are micro mesh that resembles fishnet. The total length of the leggings measures 70cm when laid on a flat surface. The texture of the open-knit is cottony and very stretchy. The knitted waistband is 4cm wide. The distance between the tip of the waist band and the crotch is approximately 17cm. There is a built-in shorts that is sewn onto the waistband. Its texture is elastic but tense. According to Hēdoïne, it has gentle-to-moderate tension that flattens the tummy. In addition, there is a tag on the inner side of the waistband. It provides the composition and wash instructions.
The cuff measures 2cm wide and has a circumference of 12cm when laid on a flat surface. It is knitted, and very stretchy.
The composition is 81% Nylon 6.6 and 19% Lycra.
Size range
The style comes in five sizes: XS to XL. At the time of writing this review, size XS and XL are not yet available. But you can choose to be notified once the item is ready by signing up the waiting list. I have included the size chart below. I received size M for this review.
Colour
The leggings is only available in Black colour only.
Impression
FIT
The fit was pretty good and true to the recommendation of the size chart. There was also a firm envelopment on both the lower torso and legs.
The waistband fitted very well and I had no issues with such. It is a lot wider than those of Hēdoïne’s seamless tights. Yet because it has very good elasticity, it didn’t wrinkle or budge down. Likewise, the shorts fitted nicely at the lower torso. The only potential problem I discovered is the opening at the upper thigh. The circumference of my upper thigh, where the opening sits, is around 49cm, and it was just fit. Thus, I can imaging the opening being tighter when this number increases.
The cuffs were slightly tight on me, as there were markings once I took them off. For your reference, the circumference of my leg just above the ankle is around 19.5cm. Having said that, I do prefer the cuffs being tighter than loose. It is aesthetically better than hanging loosely. Besides, the elasticity would loosen a bit over time.
LOOK
I have seen many, different presentations of fishnet tights, but never have I been so impressed with the design. The diamond-shaped patterns intertwined with thick threads and mesh looked sophisticated. They look like kaleidoscopic irises, and naturally draw people’s attention to it.
The shorts are opaque in nature, hence provided excellent protection against peeking. It also means one can wear the leggings without the need for outer layer. The elastic but tensed fabric offers gentle-to-moderate pressure. For me, it flattened the tummy as well as the hips a little.
For your info, the shorts are sewn at the tip of the waistband, apparently together with an elastic band. Thus, you can DIY and remove the shorts, giving an open-knit appearance from waist to ankle. Of course this is an irreversible process, and only do it when you are absolutely sure.
The leggings looked and felt very solid. I didn’t find any snags during unboxing, and the stitches were properly aligned. Overall, it was a huge step up in terms of quality!
I also experienced to have the cuffs sitting on the arch of the feet. It would pull the leggings down a bit, but overall, the length was alright.
FEEL
“No itching” was my first impression when putting on these leggings. This has been my main problem for open-knit hosiery made from wool and some of those from nylon. So I was glad that this is not an issue. In addition, the leggings felt pretty cottony, despite there is no trace of the material.
There is a sign which indicates one can scissor most of the tags off, leaving only a small section of it. I didn’t like the tag rubbing against my skin, so I removed it with a small knife, which only took a few minutes. I still have the “Hēdoïne” stitching as a reference.
Although being open-knit, the threads are thick and the leggings hug the legs firmly, not to mention an extra layer of cloth at the panty. Hence, it provides a good deal of warmth, and suits best for cooler days.
UNDERWEAR – to wear or not to wear
Given the inclusion of shorts, one can wear the leggings without the need for underwear. So I also tested how it feels like, with and without wearing a panty. My impressions are it felt less strained without one. There was also less heat being built-up at the lower torso. However, this means washing it every time for hygienic reasons. Wearing a panty implies washing it less often. But it can get rather uncomfortable with four layers on the body (a panty, the shorts, the open-knit leggings and an outer layer).
Final words
When Hēdoïne first provided me with their seamless tights for review, I often experienced minor quality issues. Snags could be found here and there during unboxing, and I had to avoid the BOLD, as they are more obvious to the eye. Yet, no such thing was observable on the leggings. In fact, the whole piece showed a whole new level of quality and craftsmanship. I feel so happy for the Brand to improve so much on their products in such short, uncertain times.
When I first saw images of the leggings, I had doubts about the shaping shorts. After trying it on a few times, I felt having the shorts was not a bad idea after all! It provided the opportunity to style differently. I am starting to wonder if the leggings will come in vivid colours.
The highly regarded leggings do come at a price. The style is available for £78, €92.95 or USD$111. You can buy directly from the Brand’s website:
Hēdoïne (English)
i love hosiery 
2 replies on “Review: Hēdoïne The Charmer leggings”
Thanks for the review!!! I was wondering what is the material for the shorts and does it seamless?
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Hi Lily, the material for the shorts is also nylon-based. And yes, it is seamless.
Allan
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