Pulling on a pair of tights after months of bare-legged abandon is one of those watershed end-of-summer moments, much like new stationery and the arrival of pumpkin-spice lattes.

Whether you can't wait to get back to your trusty nylons or are one of those people who recoils at the thought of spending half a year semi-encased in a nylon chrysalis, competitively holding out until frost sets in, this year we've found a reason to approach tights season with renewed enthusiasm.

Step forward, Heist. Throwing out the convention that tights are a necessity dictated by weather or age, these revolutionary shapewear experts were all too familiar with pinching, sagging and laddering - and made it their mission to solve it.

With comfort and practicality high on their hit list, their trailblazing HeroPanels technology is akin to a second skin. Breathable design provides support in all the right areas, while seamless waistbands won't roll, twist or dig - hello, slinky slip dress.

We never thought we'd say this, but they're also kind of… stylish, already raved about among the fashion pack from London to New York. With an offering that spans control wear, bodysuits and hosiery - make use of the nifty Shapewear Finder tool to select your perfect garment - we've effectively tipped the contents of Heist's online store into our underwear drawer.

But what have we plucked out for our carry ons? From pavement-pounding in Rome to après ski in Zermatt via a gallery opening on Lower East Side, these are the shapewear heroes we're refusing to travel without.

Keep it chic with these shapewear heroes

The Outer Body

Where to wear: Roaming about Rome, Italy

After polishing off some next-level cacio e pepe at a local trattoria, you'll be particularly glad you packed The Outer Body for your Roman holiday. Stretchy in all the right places, this shaping bodysuit smooths and supports your waist, stomach and bust. We're rocking the brown version for our first day (and first feed) in the Eternal City, paired with cut-off jeans and an oversized, burnt-orange silk shirt to complement the yellow-hued architecture. Worn to make a statement - dare to bare and ditch the shirt? - The Outer Body is a transitional piece that will see you through rigorous touring of the storied city - from ancient landmarks to contemporary hotel bars.

Buy now at £95.00

The High Waist

Where to wear: Gallery opening in New York, US

With a high-profile Lower East Side gallery opening inked in our diaries for weeks, we've got a particularly vampish look set aside for the night. In need of a helping hand, The High Waist pants are deployed to excellent effect, giving us a confidence boost as well as aiding posture (who knew?). As our LBD is, on this occasion, a LWD, we're opting for total invisibility and going neutral with the beige colour option. Clashing with the artwork is a faux pas we've learnt to avoid.

Buy now at £55.00

The Eighty

Where to wear: Après ski in Zermatt, Switzerland

One minute you're shivering on a chairlift and the next you're sweating as you tabletop stomp in your ski boots come après. Far surpassing the baggy, saggy thermals of yesteryear which slip down at the crucial moment as you navigate a mogul, The Eighty will keep the warm in and the winter out. These opaque outfit chameleons will see you through from slope to fondue dinner, raising your winter basics game. Their wide, unbudging waistband makes them the perfect choice for fashion forerunners who (despite the cold) keep the midriff exposed with the tights waistline peeping out above their salopettes.

Buy now at £24.00

The Highlight Short

Where to wear: Beach hopping in Tel Aviv, Israel

Just when we'd dismissed the cycling shorts trend as something reserved for the Hailey Baldwins of the world, Heist invents The Highlight Short and suddenly the look becomes accessible. Body-contouring shorts that lift, smooth and sculpt, we're packing these thigh-hugging darlings for our trip to Tel Aviv. Thanks to HeroPanels enhanced with 20,000 laser perforations to let your body breathe, traipsing from sand to street won't leave you hot and bothered. With the dilemma of beach to bar attire dealt with, we're spending days flitting between seaside mezze lunches and various rooftop pools.

Buy now at £65.00

The Fifthy

Where to wear: Business meeting in London, UK

Consider Heist Studio's bestseller, The Fifty, as your new best friend. Flesh-coloured tights - as favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge - are a tricky one at the best of times, so we're opting for jet-black, 50 deniers instead. One for those who would really rather not be wearing tights at all, The Fifty are the ones to pop on with a pair of commute-friendly trainers on your way into work, and will hold the fort on your toes when you slide into something smarter on arrival at the office. In fact, the only thing we won't be pairing them with is open-toed shoes - barely-there they may feel, but that look is never acceptable.

Buy now at £22.00

The Lowdown

About Heist

Born with real female bodies in mind, Heist exist to revolutionise underwear for all women. Through innovative technology never before used in the category, and knowledge of the female physiognomy, Heist are on a mission to create world-first innovations in hosiery and shapewear.