Pantyhose

Classic sheer nylon pantyhose

Pantyhose are the ultimate leg-enhancers. Easy to wear, they give women the confidence to wear skirts and dresses in even the direst circumstances. Pantyhose provide cover-up for the untanned, pasty white leg, veins, freckles or moles, and even a leg that hasn’t seen the sharp side of a razor for a few days. Pantyhose can also provide some warmth on a cold day and reduce rubbing between your feet and your shoes. With the number of types available, it’s easy to find sleek pantyhose that are just right for you.

Pantyhose Materials

Pantyhose can be made of a number of soft textiles. Nylon is the most common material for pantyhose (hence the common term “nylons”), and nylon pantyhose have been around since the 1940s. Pantyhose often incorporate spandex for its elastic qualities. Many pantyhose have a nylon leg with a cotton crotch for increased breathability. Thicker pantyhose, often referred to as tights, can be made of materials such as wool and cotton.

Pantyhose are classified by their denier number, which refers to their transparency on a scale of one to one hundred. Sheer pantyhose are barely visible and fall in the 3-15 range; pantyhose in the 30-40 range are semi-opaque; and pantyhose become fully opaque as the numbers approach 100.

Wearing Pantyhose

Unlike stockings which require some device or method to stay up, pantyhose pull up to the waist and stay put without requiring constricting elastic material. When purchasing a pair of pantyhose, read the label to make sure you are purchasing the right type for your needs. Pantyhose come in many finishes, so consider the style and look of your outfit to determine whether you should choose opaque tights or shiny pantyhose.

The toe type is one final consideration when choosing pantyhose. For close-toed shoes, opt for a reinforced toe. This will last longer, and since it will be inside your shoe, no one can see it anyway. Sandalfoot pantyhose are the best choice for an open-toed shoe, though if you are dying to show off your latest pedicure, you can also get open-toed pantyhose which work like a thong sandal, slipping between your first two toes to stay in place.