How to Keep Stockings From Snagging

Taking preventative measures before and after you put your stockings on will keep them snag-free.

It's happened to every woman at some point in her life. She's at a formal function, has a nice set of tights on, and then out of nowhere, the tights snag and she has to contend with an unsightly run, or worse, a hole. However, this situation doesn't have to happen to you. By taking some common-sense preventative measures, you can stop snagged stockings dead in their tracks.

Things You'll Need

• Nail file
• Hair spray
• Clear-coat nail polish

Instructions

1. Jagged or roughly-cut toenails can lead to serious runs and snags. Simply filing your toenails down to a reasonable length and buffing out any jagged edges will ensure you don't get any snags while you are putting on your stockings.

2. Spray the stockings with hairspray. The hair spray will strengthen the fibers in your stockings and will make them more resistant to snags for several hours. Just make sure not to spray too much so your legs don't get sticky, or your stockings become discolored.

3. Be careful where you sit. If you sit on concrete or another hard surface, tiny snags can appear on your stockings, which will eventually manifest as holes. You might not notice them at first, but in as little as 20 minutes, these little snags can develop into big holes.

4. Hand wash your stockings. Once you are done wearing your stockings, take them off gently and hand wash them to prevent them from getting snagged in the washing machine. Not only can the machine itself cause damage, but other clothes in the washing machine, especially ones with buttons and zippers, can shred your stockings.

Tips & Warnings

• If a snag does occur and you can't change your stockings, apply a small amount of clear-coat nail polish to prevent it from spreading.

References

• The Gloss: 3 Tips to Prevent Your Pantyhose from Running
• Yahoo! Shine: Essential Tips for Preserving Pantyhose