Our desinger reveals all | Get behind the scenes on the Blog

As Dita Von Teese said “Lingerie is not about seducing men; it’s about embracing womanhood” and we know (at least) one person who couldn’t agree more…

This person knows the inside of your underwear drawer better than you do; studies the female form in all its naked glory for a living, could tell you your bust size with just one glance, and can recommend the perfect knickers for any occasion (yes, even that one)…

And, more concretely, she’s the lead designer on Heist’s upcoming underwear line.

Jess joined Heist after her final degree collection, a futuristic capsule of 3D printed silicone lingerie, caught the attention of UK media titles and Heist’s CEO. And, just weeks before our first underwear line drops, we wanted to go behind the scenes and find out why she’s SO obsessed with our underwear, get her advice on navigating the dreaded sizing conundrum and discuss what it’s like innovating for a modern woman…

Question 1: Why underwear? What makes you so passionate about women’s ‘intimates’?

I’ve always been fascinated by the element of fantasy attached to lingerie - the intimacy and romanticism of it, as well as the history of underwear; it’s reflection of societal values and ideals throughout the eras and how this has evolved over time. I love that I’m designing underwear during an era of such body positivity, diversity and acceptance - it’s a very exciting time to innovate.

Question 2: How do people react when you tell them you design underwear?

Oh, it’s a crowd pleaser… At the core of what I do is design garments for naked bodies, that will always stimulate conversation! Most often, women open up to me about their struggles with sizing (a common issue) and buying underwear, which is a great insight for me. It’s funny, but I find I learn as much from these really open and emotive conversations as I do from complex and rigorous fit sessions.

Question 3: Size is a common issue and divisive subject in our industry. As both a designer and a consumer, what is your view?

There is still so much stigma attached to sizing. For a woman, there will always be that emotional connection with size. The most important thing is to identify the shape of your body, what feels right and learn what works for you – remember, ‘the size’ it’s just a number. A lot of women tend to wear the wrong size, because they believe they are the same size they were 1 year or 10 years ago! A woman's body is in a constant state of flux (always evolving - forever incredible!). It seems obvious but if it feels uncomfortable or too tight or too loose, then you’re wearing the wrong size. A good fitting item of underwear shouldn’t hurt you or make you pull it up constantly - it should sit, almost unnoticed, and quietly support you throughout the day.

Question 4 - Of all the underwear brands, why Heist?

What drew me to Heist is that they operate differently to other brands. At Heist, we're saying you can wear whatever underwear you want to, without judgement, and here's the best, most innovative version of that garment out there. I am passionate about innovation, that is at the heart of Heist – to create the world’s most liberating underwear. I couldn’t not be involved.

Question 5: Underwear myth to debunk?

Fit assistants in stores aren’t always right. Listen to your body! Only you know what you feel comfortable in.

Question 6: What do you want women to feel when they wear the underwear you designed?

Liberated - that is what underwear should do! We believe it should make you feel free to do whatever you want. It is a powerful foundation layer - what you do in it is not up to us, we just want you to feel liberated while you do it.

Question 7: What is the hardest part of trying to innovate in such a forgotten category?

Our design philosophy when it comes to product development at Heist is this concept of ‘trilogy’ – look, feel, perform. That is no small feat! There is a reason why underwear is either sexy, supportive OR comfortable. Designing underwear that does one of those things is easy, designing garments that do all three is smashing it. That’s why it takes time to truly innovate and why we work hand-in-hand with our community as we go. We are creating from scratch – that’s hard, but so necessary.

Question 8: You mention working hand-in-hand with the Heist community, what’s it like bringing customers into the design process?

Earlier this year, we set up CO.LAB.12 - an initiative that invited the Heist community to work with our innovation team (Lab12) on our first underwear line. It taught me a lot. Nothing can replicate 150 different people trying a product and sharing how it makes them feel. With their feedback, we pushed the product further on every level - look, feel, perform. Their insights were incredibly valuable, I’m so grateful to our community for signing up in their thousands to be a part of the process. It reinforced my understanding that literally every woman is unique - that is part of the challenge, and also the appeal.

Question 9: Any details you can give on the new underwear collection?

I cannot WAIT for this to launch. We have been working on the line for a long time, with extraordinary women. It’s incredibly exciting. The collection encompasses our trilogy ethos – it looks beautiful, feels comfortable and truly performs. It is designed to cater for age, shape, size, and skin tone. We spent hours (days, weeks, months!) doing fittings across an entire spectrum of women, and have used their feedback throughout our design process. We’ve taken inspiration from all over, including our existing products. The result is phenomenal styles that cater to all body shapes. Can you tell I’m excited?!

Question 10: Finally, if you could create one magical piece of underwear, what would it be?

A bra that truly performs… watch this space (can I say that?!)

If you (like me) are in desperate need of some underwear advice or you’re just curious about Jess’s creative process, email our Customer Collective team (support@heist-studios.com) - they will pass your message on to Jess who will get in touch.

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In a world overflowing with choice, finding styles that truly suit you (and feel amazing) can be a challenge. The same goes for tights. Tights can be worn in many ways. You can layer them under clothes or wear them as a statement piece. They come in every shape, color, and style you can think of. So, how do you know which ones will look best and when to wear them?

While we can’t make the decision for you, we can share a few tips to help you find your perfect pair, and how to make the most of your Heist Tights.

Sheer to Opaque: How a Plain Black Tight Can Save the Day

Classic and timeless for a reason, a black tight is the ultimate wardrobe essential. Perfect under skirts or trousers for warmth and comfort, or paired with a mini skirt and boots for a night out, black tights are the unsung heroes of any outfit.

Heist Tights are known for their lasting wear and flawless finish. No digging, rolling, snagging, bobbling, or sagging - just smooth, sculpting comfort, whatever the denier.

When to Wear Sheer Tights

Sheer tights are perfect for warmer days or evenings out. When the weather’s mild - think autumn days with clouds and light showers - try The Fifteen or The Thirty-Five for a touch of coverage without overheating.

For a natural, second-skin look, The Nude, The Bare Nude or The Contour Nude add just enough warmth and confidence for in-between days. For nights out, pair your sheer tights with a mini dress or skirt for a sleek, elegant look (and a little extra warmth on the way home).

When to Wear Opaque Tights

When temperatures drop, opaque tights are your best friend. Ideal for work events, monochrome outfits, or those freezing mornings when you need an extra layer, our go-tos are The Sixty, The Eighty, and The 125. They deliver warmth, coverage, and polish in equal measure.

Stylist and long-time Heist friend Aimée Croysdill says:

“I always love a monochrome look - it feels chic and fashion-forward. Sticking to a single shade makes a simple but strong statement.”

How to Wear Colours and Patterns

Whether you’re drawn to bold prints, subtle textures, or unexpected hues, colour and patterned tights instantly elevate an outfit and add depth to your look. From timeless classics to modern statement pieces, Heist Tights make experimenting with colour and pattern effortless and endlessly wearable.

Lace Tights

Once seen as daring, floral tights have become a staple. They’re perfect for nights out or layered under long skirts. We love styling them like socks - peeking out from ballet flats or pumps - or making them the star of the show with a mini skirt and heels. Go classic in Black, or bold in Vintage Ivory - especially chic for brides-to-be.

Polka Dot Tights

A timeless favourite. Our Polka Dot (or Spot Tights) have been top of the hosiery drawer for years. Simple, reliable, and endlessly versatile, they come in multiple colours to suit every outfit and occasion. Available in classic Black, or refreshed in rich Burgundy or Vintage Ivory.

Simplistic but Bold Patterns

Transitioning from plain tights to patterns doesn’t need to be intimidating. With tights now recognised as both a practical essential and a fashion statement, we’ve designed pairs that make the switch effortless.

The Fine Line – Empowered yet subtle. A delicate upgrade from your usual sheer tights, offering a hint of difference that’s wearable for every day.
The Oversized Leopard – Bold and fashion-forward. Designed in collaboration with Aimée Croysdill, this reimagines a classic leopard print into something chic and sophisticated. Aimée recommends pairing it with your favourite LBD for coverage with a stylish edge.
The Overknee – The mini skirt’s best friend. Understated yet playful, this design adds a twist to a simple outfit—best paired with heels.
The Fishnet – A true classic. Season after season, The Fishnet remains a go-to for adding texture and interest to dark, monochrome looks. Try it in Chocolate Brown for an on-trend alternative to black.

Building an Outfit Around Tights

We’ve all had those moments when you love one piece but can’t build the outfit around it. Tights can be the solution. Pairing boots with dresses and tights is one of our favourite go-to formulas - it’s easy, stylish, and endlessly adaptable.

Chocolate Brown Tights and Bodysuits

Neutral tones and soft “colourful neutrals” have taken centre stage in recent years. Right now, rich browns and hot chocolate hues are trending as chic alternatives to black. This autumn, we’ve been pairing a Chocolate Brown Secondskin bodysuit with black suit trousers, jeans, and skirts.

Burgundy Tights

Another colour we can’t resist? Burgundy. Worn beautifully by Isabella Wei at our launch dinner for The Perfect 10 Collection (in collaboration with stylist, Aimée Croysdill), burgundy tights can be either a standout feature or a subtle accent. We love The Sixty for everyday wear, and The Eighty as temperatures drop.

An unexpected but beautiful combination we’ve been loving is powder blue and burgundy.

“Burgundy pairs well with black, grey, white, or tonal colours - but this season’s hero pairing is burgundy with baby blue,” says Croysdill. “Ground it with black or white so it stays fresh and cool - not too sweet.”

So, How Do You Choose?

Start with the basics. If there’s a colour or trend you’re curious to try, tights are the perfect (and affordable) way to experiment. Your favourite all-black outfit can instantly feel new with a pop of burgundy, chocolate brown, or powder blue.

If you’re dressing for functionality, work backwards from your needs. Ask yourself:

How formal is the occasion?

Will sheer or opaque tights suit best?

Will you be inside or outside?

Do you want a pop of colour, or to keep it simple?

The options are endless - but that’s part of the fun. Tights are a chance to refresh your wardrobe with layers that feel good and look amazing, no matter the season.