How to Choose Stockings
The world is full of hose, not all of them a girl's best friend. A few key strategies can take the fear and mystery out of adorning your legs.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Consider color. (See "How to Choose Stocking Color.") When in doubt, go with nude or black.
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2
Consider texture and opacity.
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3
Consider whether you want pantyhose or stockings. Wear pantyhose with short dresses and skirts, and with anything clingy. Stockings, especially the kind that stay up on their own, can be fun, sexy and more comfortable than pantyhose.
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4
Consider price vs. durability. Good hose can be very expensive, but sometimes are worth it.
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Consider flair vs. subtlety. Usually the right choice in stockings means no one will notice them. Occasionally, stockings can make a dramatic statement - a pattern or a seam up the back, for example. Use these judiciously as they can easily overwhelm an outfit.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Hand wash all hose or put them in a lingerie bag so they have a fighting chance.
Put lotion on your hands before you reach for the hose to avoid snags.
If you are wearing support hose, make sure the darker part of the hose doesn't show, even when you sit down.
If you are wearing sandals, make sure your hose have a sandal toe. Sandals are even better without hose, if the weather allows.
Sheer hose are generally considered sexier and more elegant. They're best for evening, higher heals, and summer outfits, and have the added benefit of slimming the leg. Opaque hose are heavier and warmer, so they're good for winter. They're also more durable.
Wolford is famous for unusual patterns and construction, silky weaves and durability. A pair of their heavier stockings can last for years and is worth the investment. All sheer hose, however, will snag, run and stretch out with wear. When it comes to sheer hose, you are paying for a very delicate weave and smooth texture, not necessarily strength.
Boots usually rub snags and marks into the shins of even top-quality hose. Avoid wearing your best new stockings with boots.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
There is a new type of pantyhose for sandals that are not toe-less, they are like mittens for the feet. The nylons are called Tohos. -
Nov 22, 2005
They make a hose for sandals now with a split toe for thong type sandals. I think it is Hanes but I'm not sure.
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Nov 22, 2005
Fishnets are the perfect hosiery for someone who wants a versatile look. They can be found in different net widths (like fencenets, which are much thicker and spaced further apart), they are comfortable in all seasons, and are available in all colors and stocking styles, even ones with glitter material woven into them. They pick less easy than regular stockings and can look as wild or as tame as you want depending upon your outfit, and would be considered appropriate officewear paired with a nice, tailored suit. Choosing a pair of good fishnets is pretty easy, as due to the design they are very sturdy. Make sure they feel soft and cloth-like rather than stiff. As they come relatively cheap, I'd recommend buying several different colors. Fishnets usually go all the way to the top rather than having a control built-in, so you can wear full length ones with a short skirt. Be sure that if you want thigh highs or knee highs that they have elastic around the band or else you'll have to wear a garter belt. Full-lengths also feel nice under pants worn as socks since they allow air to go through unlike regular stockings which can make you hot. They also make your pants slide on easier and help to push down pantylines to a degree, although not so much as regular stockings.
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Nov 22, 2005
They make a hose for sandals now with a split toe for thong type sandals. I think it is Hanes but I'm not sure.
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Nov 22, 2005
There is a new type of pantyhose for sandals that are not toe-less, they are like mittens for the feet. The nylons are called Tohos.
