Many have argued the need in wearing pantyhose. It seems inconvenient to try to cover up the legs with this piece of hosiery. If one wants cover, why not just wear pants? Is wearing the pantyhose just the dictates of a male-centric society that puts more value on smooth attractive legs than a woman’s brain? But whoa – in modern times like ours, pantyhose issues need not get political. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to this maligned piece of hosiery.

The foremost advantage, of course, is that pantyhose can make legs stand out and look great. They mask bruises, blemishes, and scars; and can tame down hair stubbles and varicose veins. This gives the user the freedom in the outfits she can wear. Regardless of the state of her legs, she can opt to wear leg-baring skirts and look great in it. In the same way, the color tone of pantyhose can create illusions or highlight the positives in one’s legs. Dark toned hosiery can make legs look slimmer and sleek.

Another advantage with pantyhose is their insulating effect. This piece of hosiery can be a fashion dream come true on cool days. Some women may feel discouraged from wearing skirt outfits during chilly days because of the cold. Thick pantyhose offer an alternative that allows them to mix in their favorite skirts in their daily dress ensemble. The quick drying variety is practical for cool and wet locales.

A health plus with pantyhose is the support it offers the legs. This helps in blood circulation, and is particularly beneficial to those who work standing up. This can keep them from having varicose veins, and leg and back pains. Support pantyhose would usually contain about 30% Lycra. This elastic material hugs the body, and tightens the core and the butt. Tightening prevents the sagging of rounded body parts, which is also a good way to keep off cellulite. A variety of pantyhose claims some massaging effect. These pantyhose are made of special netting that stimulate blood circulation, and reduces puffiness and fatigue. These types would say “Massage” in the package.

A disadvantage of pantyhose has something to do with its delicate nature. Pantyhose somehow limit the movements of women and require them to move about carefully. They cannot just go about bumping into rough edged things like desks, cars, and grocery items. However, pantyhose continue to serve as important items in a woman’s wardrobe.

Toeless pantyhose are extremely popular during hot summer days, when a lot of women prefer
to go around in open toe sandals. Toeless pantyhose give them the freedom to wear their
favorite leg-baring outfits, with open toe sandals, and great legs highlighted by sheer
toeless hosiery.

There are many well-known brands that sell toeless pantyhose in different colors, sizes, styles, and designs. Because of such various options, it can sometimes get confusing when choosing the right type of pantyhose for a specific outfit or look. Here are some features to be considereds when looking for the perfect toeless pantyhose:

Color

It’s best to get toeless pantyhose in different shades. Toeless pantyhose are available in various shades such as black, nude, gray, etc. Having several pairs of toeless pantyhose in different shades can mean that there’s a perfect pair for a short skirt, an office attire, and a summer dress.

Material Blend

Because the material blend can sometimes dictate the durability of toeless pantyhose, stick to those made of lycra or other durable materials. Make sure that the material blends are indicated on the packaging of the pantyhose. When shopping online, look for sites that offer products with well-labeled descriptions.

Features

Some toeless pantyhose and open-toe stockings have a thong strap to keep them in place. For pantyhose that have a tighter grip, those with a thong strap can offer more security. And because these thong straps are quite thin, they won’t be visible even when wearing open-toed sandals or any type of open-toed shoes.

Several specialty stores and department stores sell toeless pantyhose and sheer leggings. One can just drop by these outlets to pick up a pair or two. Likewise, the online stocking market is booming with stores offering these products. For both purchase venues, buyers need to make sure of their sizes first. A user’s size is computed by her height and weight. A chart is often located at the back of the packaging. Buyers need to factor in the uniqueness of their built, regardless of what the charts say. Some women of a certain height or weight may have skinnier or bigger legs than others of the same height and weight. Women in between sizes should get toeless pantyhose that are a size bigger. Online shoppers need to be extra aware of where they make a purchase also. They should stick to reputable sellers, with secure shopping cart systems and delivery assurance. Online sellers would usually have buyer security seals from online credit card processors.

A surprising piece of pantyhose trivia is how this sheer piece of clothing was actually introduced commercially by a man, an Allen Gant Sr. of Glen Raven Mills. Not intended to question anyone’s (any man or woman’s) ability to innovate and create, but it is odd that someone of the male species could come up with a piece of clothing that is generally for women only. Pantyhose are the sheer hosiery meant to cover the legs and give them a smoother appearance.

Pantyhose history actually started in the 1920s, when hemlines of skirts and dresses began to rise. The need to cover the legs, albeit only subtly, arose. Stockings were the only garments available for use at that time. These stockings were made of either silk, rayon, or, since 1939, nylon.

In the 1940s, Ann Miller, an actress-dancer continually bothered by stockings that get torn easily during dance numbers and filming, devised a makeshift pantyhose – the prototype of modern day’s pantyhose. Miller would have her briefs sewn with a pair of hosiery. This way, the hosiery was held up securely, and didn’t snag easily despite her moving around so much. Later on, stocking with crotches and waistbands were manufactured solely for her.

When pantyhose was introduced in 1959 by Gant Sr., this was actually in the form of seam-free stockings. It was in 1965 when seam-free pantyhose (the way we know it now) was introduced. This promptly happened in the time when miniskirts were gaining immense popularity. It was not possible to wear stockings with miniskirts since their tops showed. Hence, pantyhose was the undergarment of choice for many women. It was also during this period when spandex or elastane was introduced as a material blend for pantyhose.

However, as in all fashion accessories, the use and popularity of pantyhose declined in the 90s. By this time, they were only worn in formal or corporate occasions, as was required by existing dress etiquette. This decade was marked by a trend towards comfort and “naturalness.” Pantyhose, as it were, seemed like inconvenient and delicate accessories.

But then again, as the fashion cycle went, there was a recent resurgence of pantyhose popularity. This piece of hosiery first regained ground in runways. Thicker, dark colored varieties made the fashion pages and put pantyhose back in the vocabularies of fashion stylists and, of course, shoppers. One has to admit, pantyhose are very appealing pieces of hosiery – it’s attractive and can highlight a woman’s great legs.

The ease that the Internet offers shoppers seems endless. It even extends to delicate clothing items like pantyhose. Just how should one go about buying hosiery online? It is hard enough to try to buy them in an actual store. It is not as if they can be tried on to ensure the right fit and feel. What more when buying online? Here are a few tips that may help:

Find a dedicated site: It is pretty much like choosing to go to a specialty shop, instead of a department store that sells everything, including the kitchen sink. Specialty shops (online and offline) can offer better variety and unequaled support services. Specialization allows for a focused knowledge on the item, say open toe stockings or fishnet stockings, which can be a plus to shoppers. Likewise, with specialty sites, one can be sure that stocks are kept up-to-date with the latest styles and releases.

Choose a site with product, size, and style variety: Although the range of choices may seem daunting to the uninitiated online shopper, a wide selection variety is always a good thing. Pantyhose come in many brands and styles. Women’s legs likewise are varied in size and shape. A site with a good range of selections will ensure that shoppers find exactly what suits their tastes and needs, as well as budget.

A good hosiery site will have descriptions: Having the package photo or the product photo in the purchase profile is not enough. A good online shop will make sure that its shoppers make informed decisions. There should always be descriptions of the product on their pages. The description should list the details, down to material blend, and sizes available. Besides, it is frustrating for buyers to have to check on other websites just to get information on what they are about to buy.

If possible, select online sites that offer user ratings: A purchase will always seem like a better buy if there are other customers who attest to the quality and worth of that product. It makes shoppers feel more assured about their purchase decisions. Likewise, user ratings and comments can be considered a valid product information resource.

Select a site with price ranges: Variety not only pertains to style and brands. Because not all can afford the high-end brands, there should be affordable but good quality options. Unless the site wants to come off as catering to the richer set, it is best to include practical choices in their merchandise.

Modern day pantyhose are often made with Lycra. Lycra is a trademark product of Invista, which used to be known as DuPont. Spandex is actually the generic name of Lycra. Spandex is also known as elastane, which is an elastic synthetic fiber. This material is said to be strong and more long lasting than rubber.

Lycra or spandex in pantyhose has led to many misconceptions about its effects on the hosiery and the user. Here are some myths, with the truth explained.

Lycra makes pantyhose or open toe hosiery too tight and restricts a woman’s movements.

Truth: Pantyhose from reputable manufacturers incorporate Lycra in their material blend in the correct manner. If done right, Lycra will even make pantyhose fit better. It enables the hosiery to take the form of the legs. One minor issue here is that the user should buy pantyhose that fit. If the pantyhose are too small, then for sure, the user will feel constricted.

Lycra pantyhose are too hot to wear during summer.

Truth: The insulation provided by pantyhose depends on the whole material blend and the thickness of the hosiery. Lycra alone is not the culprit. Warm pantyhose would most likely be made of wool or cotton and a little bit of Lycra. Sheer ones can also be made of Lycra but along with thinner fabric.

Lycra makes pantyhose shiny and shimmery.

Truth: The shimmer in pantyhose is because of the nylon fibers used, not the Lycra. Pantyhose can come in various ranges of shimmer, or it can have a matte look.

Lycra is stretchable material so smaller sized pantyhose should be purchased.

Truth: Lycra always shrinks back to its original size. The stretchability it provides to the hosiery is for the hose to adjust to the form of the legs. Lycra also enables the pantyhose to adjust to the legs every movement without causing discomfort or needing readjustment. Besides, if smaller sized pantyhose are abused and stretched beyond the allowable limits, their durability is compromised. It is also uncomfortable for the user to wear an overstretched pair of hosiery.

Lycra makes pantyhose expensive.

Truth: The overall make of the pantyhose determines their cost. This includes the different fibers used in the material blend, the trimmings on the pantyhose, the manufacturing costs, and the packaging. Advertising also adds to the cost of the product.

Lycra is just spandex with a nicer name.

Truth: Spandex is the generic name of Lycra. However, not all spandex are created equally. The plus side of the Lycra brand of spandex is the quality control put in the product. Manufacturers of garments using Lycra are required to follow guidelines set by Invista, Lycra’s manufacturer.

This piece of hosiery has remained curiosity items for a lot of people – mainly for their delicateness and amazing ability to change the look of one’s legs, from drab and blemished to awesome! To those new to the world of pantyhose, here are some interesting tips and tidbits:

One can tell the sheerness of the garment from its packaging. The pack would often say the denier or dtex range of the pantyhose it contains. Denier starts at three for the very thin and barely visible types, thirty for the semi-opaque pantyhose and seventy for the opaque kind. Deciding on the denier depends on what the user intends for the hosiery and the dress ensemble it’ll go with.

The Control Top feature of some pantyhose brands is made for people who want their hosiery and a slimmer figure at the same time. The panties of these pantyhose are reinforced so as to tighten its hug around the waist. The disadvantage of the Control Top is that it may make the user look like she is wearing shorts underneath her outfit.

The Sheer to Waist feature of some pantyhose brands means that the hosiery is thin around the waist so that no visible panty lines appear. This is a great feature for those intending to wear their pantyhose underneath a sheer high-slit gown and miniskirts.

Women who want more support on the top half of the hosiery can have single or double panel gussets included. The single type has two seams on one side, and one seam on the other. The double type has two seams on both sides. These features expands the panty area of the hosiery.

Surprisingly, even pantyhose get faked, especially the popular advertised brands. To keep away from the fake ones, purchase hosiery from specialty or reputable outlets only. Legitimate pantyhose are scented by their manufacturers so buyers can just open the packaging to check. If anything smells fishy, it might be fake pantyhose.

Good quality pantyhose have waistband that are between one and two inches thick. These also have packed bottoms at the toes to prevent holes after a few uses.

Pantyhose have a place in a busy businesswoman’s life. These women can turn to this hosiery to complete their corporate look. In choosing pantyhose color, they should get neutral colors that match the color of their skirts. During summer, thin and textured pantyhose work best. For winter, darker and thicker ones are more fitting.

Sandal socks and pantyhose are dress essentials found in the wardrobe of a lot of women (and some men). Taking care of them is important, especially with their delicateness. A wrong move can start a run and ruin the hosiery.

Check out these ways to make your pantyhose last longer

Use cotton gloves. You don’t have to wear these as part of your dress ensemble. Just use them when you put on your pantyhose. Gloves prevent fingernails from snagging onto the pantyhose and causing runs.

Have clear nail polish readily available for hosiery emergencies. Clear nail polish can prevent a small tear in your pantyhose from becoming a full blown run.

To increase the lifespan of pantyhose, from out of their package, wet them and gently squeeze the water out. Put these in a freezer bag and then allow to freeze for at least a day. Thaw, wash, and hang dry before using.

Always wash hosiery before using them for the first time. One can use the washing machine but keep the hosiery in a lingerie bag to protect them. Stick to mild detergents and fabric softeners. Fabric softeners can help maintain the shape of the pantyhose.

The dryer is a no-no. Always hang the hosiery to dry them. Don’t squeeze dry.

Get the right-size pantyhose. The correct size prevents any unnecessary tugging, which can lead to runs. Also, if one falls between sizes, get the bigger size. It’s the safer choice if one wants long lasting hosiery.

Toenails can cause snags and runs on your pantyhose. Keep them hygienic, trimmed, and filed.

When wearing your pantyhose, try the roll up and slide technique. Simply put, roll up your pantyhose and slide these over your legs.

Try the crotch-less variety. These require less handling and can be more comfortable.

Remember to take off bracelets, rings, and other jewelry when putting on hosiery,

Pantyhose with reinforced toes and reinforced crotches last longer than the flimsy ones. Likewise, they don’t look any different when worn. They may be a little more expensive but can be worth it.

Store the pantyhose away from bra hooks and clothing with lace edges. If possible, keep them protected in zip-lock bags.

Pantyhose are expensive accessories given their cost and typical life span. Always try to be meticulous about how you care for them. Remember that hosiery is made of sheer materials and a few mishandlings can mean a ruined pair.

A woman’s legs are amazing things. These get her to places, kick some butt, and engage in major flirting, according to her whim and will. It is just right to clothe these in the finest open toe hosiery.

Toeless pantyhose offer a comfortable pantyhose alternative for women who want to look good and feel comfortable as well. There are several toeless pantyhose in the market, and you can even order them online. While buying them off the rack is tricky enough as it is (it’s not like you can try them on), online shopping for these pantyhose may pose more problems.

Here’s a rundown of what you should look for in buying toeless pantyhose:

Size: In determining the hosiery size, it’s important to need to measure one’s height, weight, and how one’s thighs compare, given the height and weight. Pantyhose packaging comes with a size chart that can help determine if the size needed is small, medium, large or extra large. Select the height in the vertical column and then the weight in the horizontal column. The intersection is supposed to be the hosiery size but consider how the thighs really are based on the height and weight. If you think your legs are too skinny or are bigger than those of others in your size, then get a size smaller or larger.

Likewise, stay away from one-size-fits-all pantyhose. It’s impossible to fit everyone right, regardless of what they claim.

Material Blend: When buying toeless pantyhose, it’s essential to consider the materials used in making them. Cotton and wool pantyhose have long passed their time – but a few remain in the racks. They’re not really so bad but they are known to wear out fast.

These days, hosiery is made out of lycra or spandex. The more lycra is in the pantyhose, the more expensive it is. Lycra is a great material to have around the legs. They hug right (and can even have a massaging effect) and are comfortably soft and flexible. They also don’t wrinkle easily.

Note the percentage of lycra in the pantyhose. If the packaging says that it has somewhere between three to five percent lycra, it means that the material is only present in the waistband. Sheer pantyhose should have ten percent lycra. You might want to try those made out of the new lycra 3D, which makes even the sheer pantyhose highly elastic.