Which Stockings are Right for You?

Written by Charlotte Wood (last updated March 25, 2020)

Like toothpaste, feminine products, and deodorant, pantyhose come in an overwhelming amount of sizes, colors, fits, opacities, and brands. The presence of so many options makes it almost impossible to choose. Besides all the options on the packaging manufacturers use different materials and techniques to make them. How do you decide?! It's really not as scary as you think.

Stockings don't need to be as uncomfortable as you thought when you were eight. If you buy the correct size you need not worry about them being too short (the low riding crotch nylons are the most uncomfortable) or the bags of fabric at your ankles (a clear result of too big nylons). Be sure to check the sizing charts are each set you buy. The sizing doesn't remain the same throughout all brands and few things are so frustrating as when you're running late and your nylons are too small or too baggy. They determine size by your height and weight and each matrix could be a bit different.

The biggest pain in stockings buying is figuring out what means what and what gives what effect. Ultra sheer hose are for you women who want bare legs but not. They look like you're not wearing any nylons at all but still give your legs a smooth and polished look. On the other end of the opacity spectrum, opaque nylons or tights come in different colors and give a completely new look to your leg. These also provide greater warmth and often add to a more casual-dress look. Hose with a day sheer or spandex sheer don't give the bare legged look ultra sheer does, but it does give your legs a more polished look and they're good for toeing the line between too sheer and thicker, opaque hose. For the sometimes unavoidable paunch in your stomach, control top hose work well. These kind of nylons keep the tummy in without risk of it coming out more than you would like.

Color also more to do with picking the right kind of stockings than you may think. Darker colors and more opaque stocking contribute to a leaner look while sheer hose accentuate the shape of the leg. The world of pantyhose is a bit overwhelming and definitely one that needs to be further explored, but here are some do's and don'ts for your nylon wearing perusal.

Dos:

  • Match your hose with your outfit (black with a chocolate dress=no go)
  • Keep extras on hand in case of hosiery emergency—torn hose or nylons with a run are never fun!
  • Wear sandal hose with open toed shoes

Don'ts:

  • Have bags at your ankles
  • Wear nylons with an obvious run
  • Wear too tight of nylons
  • Have panty lines
  • Have hairy legs so hairy that you can notice through the hose

I wish you the best of luck on your stockings quest!

Author Bio

Charlotte Wood

MORE FROM CHARLOTTE

Permanent Hair Removal

Some people, in an effort to rid themselves of all unfortunate hair try so-called permanent solutions. The problem is, ...

Discover More

US Savings Bonds Series

US savings bonds can be found everywhere and are actually a great way to invest your money without having to risk much. ...

Discover More

Using an Eyelash Curler

Ever wonder how to curl your eyelashes? The eyelash curler itself is a little funny looking, and you may not know how to ...

Discover More
More Beauty Tips

Classic Fashions You Need

It's always good to have the clothing staples always ready at hand for whatever situation arises. You need clothes for ...

Discover More

Looking Beautiful On Your Date

Dating is fun and the best memories come from the person you're with and what you did. For such fun and important ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Panty Lines

Panty lines have the capability to ruin an outfit, so how do you insure that does not happen? The solution lies in ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 0 + 4?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)