Why Women WearStockings
January 22, 2010 by The Image Expert
By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM with Sarah Ward, Conselle Affiliate
Image by © Colin Anderson/Brand X/Corbis
Have you ever questioned why it is that women are supposed to wear stockings?
At a national convention, one so-called expert said, “Men have to wear socks, so you have to wear them, too.” I’m not buying that. It is not a logical reasoning for why women wear stockings. In order to come on board with this concept, women need real logic with value.
As we look back in history, women started wearing shorter skirts in the 1920s that showed a little more leg. They also wore stockings for comfort and continued modesty.
Clothing sets the boundaries for socialinteraction as well as office interaction. A bare leg invites touch. Stockings say hands off.
Photo c/o http://www.nordstrom.com
Some women think that wearing stockings is old-fashioned and outdated. There is real logic to wearing stockings. We’re seeing a lot of ugly mottling and broken veins on women’s legs nowadays. Stockings are an excellent solution as they give a flawless look to your legs. When wearing nylons, you achieve that finished look. For women that don’t care to wear nylons, they can choose to wear longer skirts instead.
Stockings also provide additional warmth in the cooler months and denote a cue to refinement as well. Color and patterned tights have become all the rage among Generation X and Y, effectively opening them up to the concept and benefits of stockings for women.
It is my experience that when it comes to their image,it is important for women to understand why. Why do women wear stockings? A bare leg invites touch. Stockings say hands off.
Copyright Judith Rasbandand Conselle L.C. 2009
Judith Rasband is the Image Expert and would love towork with you! Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.
Posted in Body Language, Clothing, Dress | Tagged 1920s, boundary, clothing history, colored tights, concept, Conselle, hosery, logic, nylons, pantyhose, value, why women wear stockings | 12 Comments
12 Responses
At last an article that explains why stockings are an important piece of an outfit for woman. There is also another advantage to stocking in our days, they have shaping functions and helps makes your tummy, tights and bottoms look much better. Some can even help you blood circulation. Stockings are definitely much more than just another accessory to your wardorbe.
on January 29, 2010 at 11:12 am | Reply
Judith RasbandThank you, Evelyne for your comment and positive feedback. Women really need a WHY if they are going to adapt the way they dress.
You bring up excellent points as well — the shape factor! Spanx have built their business on that powerful concept alone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
on March 24, 2010 at 7:54 am | Reply
Karen KaplanI agree. I work in Boston, where it is cold and windy most of the year. I can’t understand why women go without tights or stockings!
on March 31, 2010 at 10:11 am | Reply
Judith RasbandWarmth is certainly a great benefit of wearing tights and stockings, particularly in cooler temperatures. Thanks for your input, Karen.
I feel women who called themself dressed without stocking are not. If you wear a short outfit with ugly knee believe me it looks awful but stocking will help them to look much better. I can’t imagine putting my feet in a pair of high heel without stocking on times have change a little to much, but for me I would still wear them.
on January 4, 2011 at 12:02 pm | Reply
Top 5 Blogs in 2010 « Image Management Consultant at Conselle Institute[…] Why Women Wear Stockings January 2010 5 comments 3 […]
on April 17, 2011 at 10:52 pm | Reply
BillDisagree. Stockings (not pantyhose ) invite touch and a bit of sensuality. Bare legs do nothing.
on February 22, 2012 at 5:08 pm | Reply
StocknglegmanAs a man & one who LOVES women in stockings, I applaud you that have the courage & conviction to wear them & be well dressed. TO ME there is nothing sexier or more desirable that a woman with nice legs wearing a tasteful. pair of hose
on February 12, 2014 at 3:56 pm | Reply
JohnI think we are all talking cross purposes here,Tights and stockings are totally different.Tights or Pantyhose are a nylon sack with two legs.Stockings are seperate legs and can either be held up with a garter belt or self supporting hold ups.So when you talk about tights and stockings in the same breath you really mean pantyhose.Stockings are stockings and tights are pantyhose!
on January 30, 2017 at 1:15 pm | Reply
GretchenStockings and pantyhose make the legs look flawless which encourage
touch, silky smooth. Bare legs to the touch and to look at, ick! Not unless
your under 30 or 20 and have great smooth perfect legs.
I think of tights as leggings which everyone is wearing now, how grotesque
unless you wear long top to cover everything you shouldn’t see.
If you look back in the first 60 years of 1900’s men and women sure new
how to dress when they left the house. We are going backwards.on December 2, 2017 at 5:57 am | Reply
BettyI think stockings/pantihose are uncomfortable and annoying. I do think a little color on a bare leg is advisable for appropriate appearance. If it were a requirement of my job, I would NEVER wear a dress or skirt. It is disrespectful not to follow dress code, the company pays your salary. Work within the dress code and you will be ok
Karen Kaplan
Bill
Stocknglegman
John
Amvi Awan
Gretchen
BettyLeave a Reply
As an image consultant and enthusiast in the realm of fashion and clothing, I bring a wealth of expertise to elucidate the intricate reasons behind why women choose to wear stockings. My understanding extends beyond the superficial to encompass the historical context, societal norms, and practical considerations that shape this aspect of women's attire.
Firstly, let's delve into the historical perspective. The article rightly points out that the trend of women wearing stockings gained traction in the 1920s when skirts became shorter, revealing more leg. During this era, stockings served the dual purpose of providing comfort and maintaining a sense of modesty. This historical insight illustrates how fashion choices often intertwine with societal changes and cultural norms.
Moving on to the practical aspects, the article emphasizes that stockings play a role in setting boundaries for social and office interactions. The concept is grounded in the idea that a bare leg may invite touch, while stockings send a clear signal of 'hands off.' This highlights the psychological impact of clothing choices on interpersonal dynamics and social behavior.
Moreover, the article addresses contemporary perceptions, acknowledging that some women view stockings as old-fashioned. However, it counters this perspective with a practical argument—stockings offer a solution to issues such as mottling and broken veins on the legs, providing a flawless and finished look. The author suggests that for those who prefer not to wear stockings, opting for longer skirts is a viable alternative.
The discussion also touches upon the additional benefits of stockings, including warmth during cooler months and the expression of refinement. The evolution of fashion is evident as color and patterned tights gain popularity, appealing to newer generations (Generation X and Y) and expanding the concept and benefits of stockings for women.
Finally, the comments from readers further enrich the discourse. Points raised include the shaping functions of modern stockings, their role in enhancing the overall appearance of legs, and the sensuality associated with wearing stockings. These comments reflect diverse perspectives on the cultural and personal significance of stockings in contemporary society.
In conclusion, the decision to wear stockings is a nuanced one, influenced by historical trends, practical considerations, and evolving fashion preferences. It goes beyond a mere accessory, encompassing elements of style, modesty, and interpersonal dynamics, making it a fascinating subject within the realm of clothing and image.
