The wide variety of pantyhose and stockings available these days is
delightful. No matter what the fashion, from career wear to formals,
your options are numerous.

This guide is intended to help you make the most of the wonderful
selection of hosiery available in stores and on the internet. Start by
deciding which style of leg would look best with your outfit and then 
choose between different types of pantyhose or stockings. You will
also find tips on choosing the right shade of hose for whatever
fashions you might be wearing.

To help you make the most of your hosiery wardrobe, this guide
also has suggestons on the proper care of your nylons and on
selecting the proper size of hose to insure a perfect fit.

Today there is a greater variety of styles of legware than ever. Use the chart below
to find the leg style to fit your fashion need for any occasion.
FEATURES
Soft, silky hosiery with a smooth, comfortably fitting leg. A combination of nylon and Lycra creates the silky feel, allowing these hose to glide on and move easily with your body.
FASHION ADVICE
The silky look gives your legs a more formal and feminine appearance. Dress up an old suit with silky sheer pantyhose and you'll be surprised by the difference.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Silk Reflectionsicon

Leggs Sheer Eleganceicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Silky Sheericon

Hanes Silk Reflectionsicon

FEATURES
Knitted from a combination of slightly heavier nylon and spandex yarns. Actually reduces leg fatigue. Among the most durable and longest-wearing sheer hosiery. 

Just slightly heavier than silken sheers, today's sheer support pantyhose is also fashionable and available in an array of hues.
FASHION ADVICE
Wear them at the office, for a day out on the town, or even a
cocktail party. Slight "springy" compression keeps legs feeling fresh.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Aliveicon

Leggs Sheer Energyicon

Leggs Active Supporticon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Fitting Pretty Supporticon

Just My Size Light Supporticon

FEATURES
Made of fine nylon, ultrasheer pantyhose require extra careful handling. Ultrasheer pantyhose and nylons are the best choice for allowing your natural skin tones to shine through.

Sheer and virtually invisible, the latest products in bare hosiery give legs a natural, flawless finish, blending the looks of luxury and simplicity harmoniously.
FASHION ADVICE
For daytime or night, to give your legs a sexy, natural look. Worn with neutral or dark suits and slingback pumps, they lend a sophisticated edge to your look.		 REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Leggs Incredibly Ultra Sheericon

Hanes Absolutely Ultra Sheericon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Naturally Bareicon

Hanes Silk Reflections Beyond Bareicon

FEATURES
Made from stretchy nylon that clings gently to legs. Less sheer, more durable than ultrasheers. Perfect for everyday wear
FASHION ADVICE
Daysheers are the perfect 9-to-5 legwear. Black or nude with a dress or suit makes a polished office look.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Regular Leggs Day Sheericon

Hanes Too Regularicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Regularicon

Hanes Too Regular Plusicon

FEATURES
The main difference between opaques and tights is the garment weight. Tights are typically heavier, less sheer than opaques. Tights are usually made of cotton, wool, or nylon/Lycra. Opaques are usually nylon/Lycra or microfibers.
FASHION ADVICE
Both offer complete color coverage. Works for dress or casual. Opaques come in matte, shiny, and silky textures.

For great fashion options, and a longer, slimmer look, try opaque pantyhose or tights that match your skirt or shoe color. Heavier textures and opaque hosiery look best with lower heels.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Silk Reflections Opaque Tightsicon

DKNY Opaque Control Top Tightsicon

Winter Leggs Opaque Tightsicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Silky Tightsicon

Just My Style Nylon Tightsicon

FEATURES
"Shimmer," "glimmer," and
similar descriptions refer to pantyhose products that reflect and appear to sparkle in the light, showing off leg shapes and curves.

Just one of many options to choose from when looking for a fresh new leg look.
FASHION ADVICE
Perfect for evening or dressing up your outfits for special occasions.

Adds interest and a touch of style to your everyday wardrobe.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Absolutely Ultra Sheer Celebrate Glimmericon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Shimmericon

FEATURES
Sometimes referred to as no-run pantyhose, features a heavier stitch configuration to reduce the chance of runs. Will develop holes if snagged, and may even develop runs with wear.
FASHION ADVICE
A good choice for particularly active days, when you don't mind trading the sheerer look of standard hosiery extra durability.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Leggs Relianceicon

Hanes Resilience Strong & Sheericon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Lasting Sheericon


 

Not only is there an amazing range of leg styles now available, but today's
pantyhose come in your choices of many panty styles.
FEATURES
Made of nylon and available in various style options, including the regular brief panty, and the sexy French-cut or tanga top.

Regular panties provide soft, natural, non-compressed comfort around the tummy and hips.
FASHION ADVICE
Regular panty vs. control panty is a personal choice, and for some a more comfortable option under pants and skirts..
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Leggs Silken Mist Regular Pantyicon

Philippe Matignon Retina Fishnet Pantyhoseicon

Hanes Silk Reflections Regular Pantyicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Silk Reflections Regular Pantyicon

Just My Size Naturally Bare Regular Pantyicon

FEATURES
Made with spandex, the control top panty adds compression which provides you with tummy and hip control. Several levels of control top choices are available including light control, control, and girdle tops.
FASHION ADVICE
Control Top pantyhose let you create a smoother silhouette under fitted clothing. Firms and smooths your shape and helps you to look your best!

Body-hugging dresses, slim-fitting cigarette pants with a short jacket and fitted suits are all outfits you should consider wearing with control top hosiery to help add a slender overall look.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Silk Reflections Control Topicon

Leggs Sheer Elegance Control Topicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Silk Reflections Control Topicon

Just My Size Control Topicon

FEATURES
Made with spandex, bodyshaper pantyhose offer a longer line control top which covers thighs in addition to tummy and hips.  Like control tops, bodyshapers are available in varying levels of control.

Bodyshapers push you up and hold you in where you want it, and help give you the curves you never thought you could have! They also provide a smooth, slim line under body-hugging garments.
FASHION ADVICE
If you've been dying to buy that really little black dress, but were afraid you wouldn't fill it out quite right...try it on with a bodyshaper.

The longer line control will help you achieve a sleek silhouette, and make sure you're "tucked-in" in all the right places!
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Smooth Illusions Girdle Panty Lycra Sheersicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Berkshire In Control Sheer Lycra Bodyshapers

FEATURES
Knitted from the same fibers as the pantyhose legs, and in the same hosiery shade...the invisible "no-panty" pantyhose.

"Sheer-to-Waist" pantyhose gives you natural, non-compressed comfort in a smooth, continuous tone from toe to tummy.
FASHION ADVICE
When you want absolutely no panty line or shading, as under light colored clothing or short skirts, Sheer to waist pantyhose may be the right choice for you.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Resilence Sheer to Waisticon

Leggs Sheer Energy All Sheericon

Philippe Matignon Ideal No Waistband Pantyhoseicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

 

 

Sometimes, pantyhose just won't do.  Thankfully, there is also a wide array of styles
of stockings available today.
FEATURES
From the original, coveted silk stockings to today's stockings made with a wide variety of materials including nylon, lycra, and microfibers, these are a great alternative to pantyhose.
FASHION ADVICE
Worn with a girdle or a garter belt, stockings are great for warm summer days or for evenings when you are feeling just a bit naughty.

Try full fashioned, seemed stockings with a business suit for a retro look that is definately sexy.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Lace Trim Stockingsicon

Hanes Silk Reflections Stockingsicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Henry and June Lace Top Stockings with Back Seams

FEATURES
Usually made of nylon or nylon/spandex, thigh highs have evolved into a comfortable, feminine option for every day.

With no panty, thigh highs often feature elastic lace tops for support. A sexy option in legwear.
FASHION ADVICE
Your little secret under a silky skirt..
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Philippe Matignon Dentelle Lace Top Thigh Highicon

Hanes Too Thigh Highsicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Berkshire Lace Top Thigh High

FEATURES
Knit from many different materials. Available in a variety of weights, colors, textures, and patterns.

Versatile. Fashionable. A perfect way to "dress the ankle" without full leg coverage.
FASHION ADVICE
A key coordinating element with slacks and pant suits. Try whimsical patterns under tapered cigarette pants.
REGULAR SIZE BRANDS

Hanes Silk Reflections Knee Highsicon

Leggs Knee Highsicon

PLUS SIZE BRANDS

Just My Size Knee Highsicon

Just My Style Support Trouser Sockicon


 

Pantyhose and stockings make fashion sense. The kickiest, least costly way to
update your wardrobe is with a new pair of pantyhose or stockings: the key is
versatility and style. Here are some ideas on how to choose the right shade and texture.
Darker colors will minimize and make your legs appear slimmer.
Create a monochromatic look - the same color from head to toe - for a slimmer and taller silhouette.
Your shade of your pantyhose or nylons should be lighter, never darker, than your high heels.
Lighter shades of pantyhose or nylons, when matched to the color of your high heels, will make your legs look longer.
When wearing sandals or open-toe heels, choose nylons and pantyhose with an all sheer-toe. Reinforced toe hose, which give extra strength and provide for protection from runs, should only be worn with closed-toe high heels.

 

Women's hosiery is like fine lingerie and should be treated as such. Following
are some suggestions to help make hosiery last:
Hosiery today is better than ever… stronger, more sheer and comfortable than before. Remember: the more sheer a product, the more fragile it is.
Take your time when putting on your hosiery! Pantyhose, especially sheers, are delicate items and need to be treated with care.
Before taking your hose out of the package, check for fingernails or jewelry that may cause snags.  Use of thin cotton gloves especially designed for putting on hosiery or applying a bit of lotion to your hands will also help you keep from snagging your pantyhose or nylons.
While sitting, gather your pantyhose down to the toes,
Then slip your feet into your pantyhose one at a time,
Carefully stretch the length of the pantyhose with both hands over your knees, one leg at a time,
Stand up and roll the pantyhose with both hands over the thighs and hips, keep stretching the pantyhose until the waistband is in place.

Nylon, lycra, and silk hosiery should be hand washed in lukewarm water with a mild detergent.  Do not bleach hosiery.
Rinse your hosiery well in cool water and hang to drip dry or place between two towels to dry flat.
Avoid drying your nylons and pantyhose in direct sunlight or direct heat sources.
To make your hosiery last, treat it as you would a fine silk scarf.

 

Selecting hosiery that fits properly is one of the best ways to ensure maximum wear life.
If your hosiery is too tight, it is more susceptible to wear and tear, and it minimizes your flexibility.
Choosing the correct size is the most important step in making your hosiery last, so always check the size grid on the back of the package. It benefits you twice … not only will the hosiery be more comfortable, they will also last longer since there will be less stress on the garment.
It's all right to stretch the truth about your weight when talking to a friend, but you have to be honest with yourself when buying pantyhose in order to ensure the proper fit. 
Sizing differs from brand to brand, so you should always check the size grid or chart on the package.
Most pantyhose have a chart on the back of the package that gives height and weight ranges for each size. You may have already discovered that a size A in one brand of pantyhose is not necessarily the same as a size A in another brand. That's because many brands use different yarns from different sources with different characteristics, and also may use different machinery and knit fabric constructions.
If you are at the upper end of a size range, it's often wise to get the next size for maximum fit and comfort.
Full-figured women should look for larger-sized products often called queen size, which are designed for them.
Return to Shopping for Nylons, Pantyhose, and Stockings

Return to Shopping with Kathryn