Pantyhose
From LoveToKnow Lingerie
What is pantyhose? First appearing in the 1960’s, it replaced wearing stockings that were held up by garter belts. Simply, they are stockings combined with panties. They can be made of many types of material, from plain nylon to a combination of spandex, Lycra and other fabrics.
Why wear Pantyhose?
Women like to look their best, and wearing pantyhose gives legs a silky, smooth and unblemished appearance. Appropriate to wear with dresses, business suits, slacks or skirts, the look is attractive. Another advantage is that they can give the hips and legs a slimmer look, which is always a plus.
In the workplace, wearing pantyhose is very common for women in the corporate environment. Wearing them with business attire looks more professional, and less like casual wear. Depending on how formal the dress code is, some women may choose to go without wearing them, especially in the hot months of summer.
On more fun events, like a date, wearing a silky pair of pantyhose can give a sexy, beautiful look to that fashionable outfit. Combined with a pair of high-heeled shoes, it is a look that will capture your partner’s attention.
Types of Pantyhose
The most basic hose is made of nylon. This is the most inexpensive and cheapest of materials since it tends to tear, or “run” causing unsightly rips. Nylon is also the thinnest material, which may be more appropriate for the warmer months, or for more casual wear.
Higher quality hose is made with a combination of nylon with spandex (or its other trademark name- Lycra). Spandex is a more durable material that is less likely to rip easily. It is also beneficial in the “panty” portion of the hose, since it can help serve as a girdle to help tuck in your tummy and hips.
Pantyhose is available in different colors, patterns and thickness. Darker shades give an illusion of thinner, shapelier looking legs. Lighter colors like beiges, grays, whites and off-black colors are more appropriate for a business environment. Patterned or textured hose are for a more fun and playful look.
A new “toe-less” hose has recently been designed for wear with sandals. The toes are uncovered, while the rest of the foot and legs are covered. Since open toed sandals don’t always look that great with regular pantyhose, this is a nice alternative.
How do you wear it?
Putting them on is easiest when sitting down. To make sure they don’t tear, make sure your nails or cuticles are smooth, or you risk ruining them before you even get to wear it! Starting one leg at a time, beginning with the foot of the stocking, and slowly pull them up until you reach the upper thigh. Then take the second leg of the stocking, and do the same. Next, stand up and pull up the panty portion of the hose carefully over your hips.
Where do you buy it?
Available at department stores, drugstores and online, it is easy to find a pair of pantyhose. Stores like Target, Walmart and JC Penney offer good prices with many of the popular brands.
A good tip: Before buying, look at the back of the pantyhose packaging to make sure you get the right size. Brands vary with their sizing; the most common is by letters A-C, and plus or queen sizes. Sizing is usually determined by height and weight. If you find that you are on the borderline of the size grid, the larger size is a better choice. When pantyhose is too small, it will tend to roll down your hips at the most inappropriate time, or may rip by just trying to put them on.
Some recommended brands are:
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