The Do's and Don'ts of Pantyhose (2024)

FAQs

The Do's and Don'ts of Pantyhose? ›

It turns out pantyhose sales have been sagging for the last two decades, because of self-tanner, open-toed shoes, women wearing pants more often, and, generally, more casual dress in the workplace. Millennials don't own pantyhose. One article says, "Many people associate sheer with grandma."

It turns out pantyhose sales have been sagging for the last two decades, because of self-tanner, open-toed shoes, women wearing pants more often, and, generally, more casual dress in the workplace. Millennials don't own pantyhose. One article says, "Many people associate sheer with grandma."

Thus, a simple pair of stockings worn as tights has landed itself as the most viral trend of 2023 (so far). Indeed, 2023 is really in its 'no pants, no problem' era after a handful of celebrities have stepped out sans the bottom half of their outfits and honestly the look is a mood and a half.

Otherwise, in terms of technique, I've found it's best to put them on slowly — take the leg opening and gather the fabric until all you've got is 3-4 inches of hose to put over your toes. As you step into the hose and pull them up your leg, un-bunch the fabric as you go, trying to pull the hose tight enough as you go.

At the end of the day, it's fine to wear hosiery or skip it on certain occasions. It's simply a matter of wearing what looks best for you. If you're still in doubt, then try your ensemble both ways to avoid making any last-minute outfit decisions the night before you plan to go out.

#1. Go without. If you don't care for pantyhose and you're comfortable going without, that's perfectly fine for all but the most conservative of semi-formal events. (If it's a business event, you may want to ask around and see what the other women are going to wear to be sure you look appropriate.)

According to Stacy London of What Not To Wear, she too agrees that hosiery can be paired with open-toe shoes so long as the shoe is more of a peep-toe. Interestingly enough, fashion designers have intentionally dressed models in pantyhose with open-toe shoes on the runway as well.

Classic sheer, nude pantyhose are worn with dresses to keep from baring legs, and all their imperfections, in formal and professional environments. They're not exactly a style statement, but more of a practicality.

But the bottom line is this: Between 2009 and 2013, according to Experian Marketing Services, the number of women in the U.S. who said they bought regular pantyhose declined 40%. The number of women who said they bought control top pantyhose declined 47%.

Match your tights or stockings to the hemline of your skirt or dress. For example, if you have a black dress, then choose a pair of black tights or stockings. There is an exception to this rule, however; if your outfit is darker than the shoes you are wearing, choose nude-colored tights or stockings instead.

Should I wear pantyhose with an evening gown? ›

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer.

They're not exactly a girdle or a crinoline, but they are a descendant of that genetic line: undergarments foisted on women to cover their bodies and make them “acceptable” to outsiders. They also, of course, help keep your legs warm and maybe prevent skirts from clinging, but that's the trade-off.

To save money, time and the environment it is best to wash your clothes, and likewise your stockings, only when needed. We recommend hand-washing your tights in cold water, every 5-6 wears or when needed, in order to get rid of the build-up of body oils and dead skin cells.

Let's face it, no matter what you do, bare legs look hot in the winter, but it's still cold outside. You've gotta shield your exposed skin with a stylish long coat, that *bonus* will look amazing when paired with a shorter hem underneath. Yes, knee length or higher is acceptable here!

Here's the general rule: Yes, you can wear pantyhose, so long as the shoe that you are wearing has a closed or peep toe. If it is a true sandal with an open toe, I will stay clear of pantyhose. Wearing pantyhose with strappy open-toe sandals weighs your legs down and makes you look old and dowdy.

Pantyhose are the more “evolved” version of stockings and preferred more these days. Though stockings are lauded for the sensual appeal, pantyhose are deemed as the more utilitarian and functional counterpart as the stay-ups make it convenient to keep them in place.

Solid black pantyhose works well for a formal gathering on a warm day, as it elongates the black look while keeping you cooler than wearing dress slacks. Pair the hose with a matte-finish black pump or flat. If you must add some color to your look, do so with metallic jewelry or a delicate dark-hued scarf.

You may be asking, what color hose to wear with a black dress? Black sheers dress up black dresses, giving them a wow factor. It's the go-to choice for black dresses. Black nylons aren't just reserved for black dresses.

The resurgence of black pantyhose is in line with Pinterest's 2023 trend predictions, announced on December 7, which included “Airy Styles” as one of next year's top fashion trends.

DON'T wear hose with slingbacks or mules—not attractive. DO get toeless hose (try Hanes Silk Reflections Transparent Sheer collection, $10.50 each) to wear with open-toe shoes.

Can you wear pantyhose with ankle boots? ›

The Do's and Don'ts of wearing ankle boots with stockings:

Do wear pattern stockings with ankle boots - Kick your outfit up a notch by mixing pattern tights with boots. Do wear boots and hosiery during cold weather - stay warm by wearing thick tights underneath your dress or skirt.

A: A sheer toe is when the toe area of the stocking is as thin and fine as the visible part. A reinforced toe is when the stocking material around the toes is thicker and more durable so that the big toe will not … see more.

Many flight attendants swear by the benefits of compression socks for travel — but given the strict airline dress codes, many female flight attendants can't wear socks to work and must don pantyhose or stockings instead.

Wear Your Stockings and Boots With a Dress

A midi or maxi dress with stockings and boots is a chic winter look that will keep you warm all day. It's a simple look that can be worn both during the day and at night.

Bigger is better

Tights are typically made small and considering their close fit, it's better for them to be bigger rather than too small. There's really no need to ever try and squeeze into a pair!

Because they are tight, compression hose squeeze the leg muscles and encourage blood to return uphill toward the heart instead of allowing the blood to pool at the lower legs. While they cannot entirely prevent varicose veins, compression pantyhose might ease leg discomfort associated with venous insufficiency.

Can be used for an export declaration.

When thousands (or in the case of the Super Bowl, millions) of eyes are watching your every move — and you're moving, like, a lot — tights can provide a feeling of security that allows performers to focus on what really matters: performing. “I feel naked without them on stage,” says Grady.

What is the difference between tights and pantyhose? ›

Tights are generally thicker than pantyhose, with a denier of 40 to 100; they can range from almost-see-through to totally opaque. Unlike pantyhose, they can come in a range of fabrics, patterns, and styles, though they are usually footed and worn under some item of skirt- or dress-type clothing.

The simple answer to this question is: yes. Fashion does not dictate that tights can only be worn in the winter months. Also, it comes down to your personal choice as well. You may feel very comfortable in tights, and just because the weather has warmed up doesn't mean you have to ditch them.

Pantyhose were invented in the late 1950s and went on sale in 1959. They didn't become popular until the mid-1960s (thanks to the mini-skirt). They were revolutionary because women no longer needed to wear a girdle or garter belt.

While we're all used to putting on tights when we wear our short party dresses out all through the winter, opting for a longer midi dress is another fresh option. For a cool layered look, add a chic overcoat, and for some texture, opt for subtly patterned tights.

Tight leggings under dresses work best. Looser leggings run the risk of making you look saggy. They do, however, work under a very loose, flowing dress. In this case, they should match in style and fabric, much the way a Punjabi suit does.

Muscles contract when they get cold as a way of preserving energy. This means you must exert more force to move your muscles in the cold. Not using our contracted muscles increases stiffness, spasms, and cramps. Add slight dehydration during the winter, and you've got achy, tired legs.

The truth is, as the mother-of-the-groom, you can wear whatever you want to the ceremony. While it's not required to wear pantyhose to weddings, we highly encourage you to look and feel fabulous for the occasion. Thigh highs are a glamorous way to help you reach this goal.

Tights and pantyhose should be soft and smooth. Hosiery with a high denier means comfort and durability. Look for high denier tights and pantyhose when looking for quality.

Pantyhose are considered a type of underwear. They are sometimes also called tights, though tights are usually thicker than pantyhose (but still not opaque, like leggings.) Pantyhose usually encapsulate the feet, unlike leggings, which end at the ankle (or above).

Did pantyhose go out of style? ›

This fall into disrepute has probably been hastened by the pandemic, since pantyhose are not exactly a necessary part of one's wardrobe when working from home. And indeed, even before remote work became a reality for many of us, most offices had abandoned the requirement (spoken or not) for pantyhose at work.

Pantyhose decline

Around 1991, pantyhose sales started dropping because office workers were adopting a more casual appearance, wearing slacks with knee-high hose rather than pantyhose.

Pantyhose were invented in the late 1950s and went on sale in 1959. They didn't become popular until the mid-1960s (thanks to the mini-skirt). They were revolutionary because women no longer needed to wear a girdle or garter belt.

WHAT HAPPENED. Nylon is a pretty simple polymer to produce, however, thanks to the shortage of ADN, one of the key ingredients in producing Nylon 66, this has put the industry on brink of a global shortage of this plastic material.

Solid black pantyhose works well for a formal gathering on a warm day, as it elongates the black look while keeping you cooler than wearing dress slacks. Pair the hose with a matte-finish black pump or flat. If you must add some color to your look, do so with metallic jewelry or a delicate dark-hued scarf.

For example, if you have a black dress, then choose a pair of black tights or stockings. There is an exception to this rule, however; if your outfit is darker than the shoes you are wearing, choose nude-colored tights or stockings instead.

Classic sheer, nude pantyhose are worn with dresses to keep from baring legs, and all their imperfections, in formal and professional environments. They're not exactly a style statement, but more of a practicality.

Unfortunately, these pantyhose, tights and nylons do not benefit your feet. In fact, they could actually be harming your feet and here is why. You have excess fabric - the excess fabric will bunch up around your toes or heels, rubbing against the skin.

Vintage stocking sizes range from about 8 1/2 to 14, and it's based largely on foot size. Sometimes you'll find petite, regular, and tall options to account for differing leg sizes.

Are black nylons in style? ›

The resurgence of black pantyhose is in line with Pinterest's 2023 trend predictions, announced on December 7, which included “Airy Styles” as one of next year's top fashion trends. This ethereal, sensual style includes translucent, gauzy fabrics, like lace and tulle.

Pantyhose weren't left-back in yesteryear. Many women enjoy them today, and you don't have have to settle for the squeezed-in corseted feeling of the past. Hipstik provides comfortable low-rise pantyhose with a non-squeeze waistband for women of today.

In fact, you may find that your synthetic fiber shirts smell before even putting them on from your last wear. They love to hold bacteria parties that stay forever and make your armpits a stink hole.