Run (Ladder)
A run—called a "ladder" in British English—is a vertical line of unraveled stitches in hosiery. When a single thread breaks or snags, the knit structure unravels along that vertical column, creating a visible line that can extend the entire length of the stocking or tight.
How Runs Happen
Hosiery is made with a warp-knit structure where threads loop together in columns. When one loop breaks:
- The loop above it loses its anchor
- It unravels and releases the next loop
- This chain reaction continues up and down
- Result: a visible vertical line of missing stitches
Common Causes
| Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Fingernails | Wear gloves when putting on, keep nails smooth |
| Rough hands | Moisturize, use cotton gloves |
| Jewelry | Remove rings/bracelets, watch for rough clasps |
| Velcro | Avoid contact with shoes, straps, bags with velcro |
| Rough surfaces | Be careful sitting on wood, wicker, rough chairs |
| Toenails | Keep trimmed and smooth, wear foot pads |
| Wrong size | Size up—overstretched hosiery snags easier |
Emergency Fixes
When a run starts, you can sometimes stop it from spreading:
- Clear nail polish: Dab at both ends of the run to seal broken threads
- Hairspray: Spritz the area—the stiffening can slow spreading
- Fabric glue: Small dot at run endpoints
- Run-stop product: Specialty hosiery repair product
These are temporary measures. Once a run starts, the structural damage is done—you're just slowing further unraveling.
Run-Resistant Hosiery
Some hosiery is designed to resist running:
- Different knit structure: Warp knit modified so a single break doesn't cascade
- Reinforced threads: Stronger fibers at stress points
- Thicker denier: More material = harder to snag
Run-resistant doesn't mean run-proof—it just means a snag is more likely to stay as a small hole rather than becoming a full ladder.
Run Prevention Habits
- Moisturize legs: Smooth skin snags less
- Remove jewelry: Before putting on hosiery
- Use gloves: Cotton gloves for handling sheer hosiery
- Bunch before wearing: Gather fabric before putting foot in, then smooth up
- Size correctly: Hosiery under tension is more vulnerable
- Store properly: Flat or rolled, away from jewelry and zippers
- Hand wash: Machine washing damages fibers
When Runs Are Fine
Runs have been embraced as a style element in some contexts:
- Punk/grunge fashion: Intentionally ripped tights
- Pre-ripped styles: Hosiery sold with deliberate ladder patterns
- Distressed look: Worn, casual aesthetic
Pro Tip
Keep a spare pair of pantyhose at work and in your bag. Runs happen at the worst times. A backup pair saves the day.