Tights, stockings, and hosiery have the shortest lifespan of any wardrobe category — often a few wears before ladders. Most of the damage is care issues, not quality issues.
What kills hosiery fast
Machine washing on regular cycle (friction tears sheers). Sharp nails (rough edges snag). Putting on without rolling them down first (stretches fibres). Not having backup pairs for emergencies (rushed dressing causes damage).
Care that doubles lifespan
Hand-wash sheer tights in lukewarm soapy water. Air dry. Use mesh laundry bag for opaque tights in machine. Smooth nail edges with file before dressing. Keep two backup pairs for emergencies.
Cheap hosiery cared for well outlasts expensive hosiery treated poorly. The care, not the price, drives lifespan.