Shiny Pantyhose

However, if you've always wondered how the cocktail waitresses at your favorite sports bar keep their legs looking so sexy, you've stumbled upon their secret. You'll also find out where to buy a pair.

The Purpose of Shiny Pantyhose

This type of pantyhose is used in theater more often than perhaps any other kind. Whether you're dancing, singing, or just acting in a short skirt, these can keep your legs from looking washed out or discolored. There's enough shine there to keep your legs looking supple—not flat and matte.

While they're not best for daytime wear, shiny hose can keep your legs looking blemish-free, even if they are slightly sheer. The shine deflects light and, much as light-diffusing makeup can make your face look flawless, makes your legs look picture-perfect. Keep these in your drawer until you're going to be in a low-light area, though. If the light is too bright, they'll just look silly.

Some shiny tights double as support hose that will help improve your circulation. They tend to be thicker than barely-there tights, so they have the option of helping increase blood flow. Other styles do not. This is another reason—aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits—that they're popular among those who are on their feet a lot.

You may also want to wear shiny hose if you are:

• A cheerleader
• A waitress at a sports bar or somewhere else you're required to wear a skirt or short shorts
• Into aerobics classes
• Wearing a sexy, skin-baring Halloween costume

Filter Through the 'Net; Find Some

As mentioned above, you'll have to be very careful when browsing online for some pantyhose that pack a shiny punch. In fact, you may want to limit your search to behind the closed doors of your home if you're setting out on your own. Keep the shopping for these away from the office and public places that offer WiFi for the least embarrassing results. Or you could just follow our lead…

• Dancewear Solutions is a safe bet for finding shiny tights. Their Adult Seamless Tight boasts exceptional shimmer.
• Hot Legs is another site that offers glossy pantyhose. The Peavey brand has an especially nice selection of low and high gloss tights. You can even get a footless version if you like the look but hate the confined feeling your feet get from pantyhose. Don’t overlook the Tamara line; there are a few types of glossy pantyhose there.

That Retro Feeling

Not all retro pantyhose are shiny, but you will spot quite a few that are! Check out Stocking Showcase for shiny pantyhose like:

• Peavey Glossy Tights: These fit heights from 5'0" to over 6', and weights up to 200 lbs, so there's a pair out there for almost anyone. They offer medium support and great coverage for hiding varicose veins and more. These are designed for the ultimate pantyhose durability.

• Seamless Pantyhose (Glossy Appearance): These fit heights from 5'0" to 6', and weights up to 225. These are sheer to the waist and seamless, so it's as close to wearing nothing at all on your lower half as pantyhose can be. These will make your legs look smooth.

• Leo's Shiny Pantyhose: These are high, high gloss! They're available to fit heights 5'0" and up, and you can get them in Black, Theatrical Pink, Light Toast, White, and Suntan. Sadly, they're not available in Queen sizes. They're Nylon/Lycra blends meant for support and blemish camouflaging.

They Aren't Just for Dancers

You'll have an easy time finding shiny pantyhose if you shop online at sites that offer dance attire. While performers do love their glossy hose, there's no reason you can't enjoy the same leg-enhancing benefits they do.

Remember to take the lighting into account when you're looking for your pantyhose. The shinier the pantyhose, the lower the light should be.