"Fashion Advice on How to Buy & Wear Womens Hosiery"
Whether it's your party, office or everyday outfit, fashion hosiery will definitely take your outfit up a notch or two!
I just love how it adds a fun and trendy look to any outfit. Select among a vast and exciting array of womens hosiery - from fashion stockings to leggings, pantyhose and tights, and in various prints, textures, fabrics and colors.
If you want to keep yourself covered all-year-around and get the most out of your money, I recommend that you first secure hosiery in simple, versatile styles and colors to cover all occasions as well as major daily activities.
Examples are: Sheer pantyhose and stockings without any fancy or complicated details. The color should be neutral such as black and nude! In this way, you'll be able to wear them with the rest of your wardrobe without worrying about if they match, as well as you'll always have something versatile to cover up your legs with for every occasion.
- Sheer pantyhose (and stockings if you prefer their practicality) in black and skin color
- Black tights for your Fall outfits. Add wool tights if needed
- Black leggings for your long tunic tops and slightly too-short dresses
- Socks in black and skin color (for your dress pants outfits)
Stretch Your Style Envelope
After securing the hosiery basics, it's time to build on them based on your major daily activities (work, casual evenings, traveling, parties, etc.) and personal style.
For example if you've secured basic sheer pantyhose in black and nude, you can stretch your comfort zone with a pair of lace tights or sheer tights with black polkadots and/or vertical stripes. Try fashion leggings in various textures and finishes such as faux leather and lace.
Select the Right Fashion Hosiery Fabric
To help you select the right style, let's take a look at some of the basic terminology on hosiery fabric:
Nylon
Nylon is man-made with a durable material thread, known for its resistance, dimensional stability, elasticity and easy washing characteristics.
Silk
And then there's silk which is the most elastic thread and also boasts of smoothness, strength, and luster. It's a natural fiber which lets the skin breathe and is ideal for warmer weathers.
Lycra
I recommend that you take note of the percentage of Lycra or Elastan(e) when shopping for hosiery. They're both high-quality fibers that are woven into tights to give a better fit and finish to the garment. And not least, they're comfier!
The amount of Elastane of Lycra used in hosiery vary between manufacturer. Generally cheaper hosiery will contain less Elastane or Lycra ( 2% to 5%) than more expensive brands commonly containing 10% to 30%.
FALKE
Understand How "Denier" Works
Ultra Sheer: less than 10 denier
It gives the appearance of bare legs. Perfect for summertime without making your legs and butt sweat in the hot weather. Ultra sheer hosiery is subtle and very elegant.
Sheer: 10 - 20 denier
It is stronger than ultra sheer with a similar look and must be the reason why it's the most popular denier range. Sheer evens out the appearance of your legs. Practical for everyday wear and looks elegant for evening.
Semi-opaque: 25- 35 denier
It's stronger and longer lasting than sheer. Still elegant for dressy occasions (you can still see your legs through the weave). Warmer than sheer, but not yet opaque.
Opaque: 40 denier ++
Very durable and long lasting, practical for everyday wear. Very warm, ideal when you want to wear a skirt in cold weather. It completely covers the leg, so you cannot see your skin through the weave.
It gives the appearance of bare legs. Perfect for summertime without making your legs and butt sweat in the hot weather. Ultra sheer hosiery is subtle and very elegant.
Sheer: 10 - 20 denier
It is stronger than ultra sheer with a similar look and must be the reason why it's the most popular denier range. Sheer evens out the appearance of your legs. Practical for everyday wear and looks elegant for evening.
Semi-opaque: 25- 35 denier
It's stronger and longer lasting than sheer. Still elegant for dressy occasions (you can still see your legs through the weave). Warmer than sheer, but not yet opaque.
Opaque: 40 denier ++
Very durable and long lasting, practical for everyday wear. Very warm, ideal when you want to wear a skirt in cold weather. It completely covers the leg, so you cannot see your skin through the weave.
ELSA
Ultra sheer 15 denier microfibre pantyhose with a raised pattern that's just "crazy" with style. Pattern to waist, sheer toes, fully boarded, flat seams, cotton gusset. Made in Spain.
How to Wear Fashion Hosiery
There are several ways to wear hosiery - from creating a fashion statement, looking trendy or for that alluring feel and vibe that attracts the opposite sex.
If you don't want to draw too much attention (like for special occasions and office work wear), you can never go wrong with basic sheer hosiery in black or nude. They're simple but styled right, you'll immediately boost your sex appeal.
However if you want to have fun with fashion and create a statement, experiment with splashy colors, prints and textures.
Look Classy-Chic
For a classy but casual-chic ensemble, pair your denim pencil skirt with black sheer pantyhose, a pretty dressy blouse and a pair of ankle booties. Top it off with a tailored blazer for an ultra-polished but fun & flirty look.
Kunert tights
Trendy & Money-Saving
Flow easily from Summer to Fall by wearing your shorts and skirts with semi-opaque tights or thigh high socks.
Thicker hosiery is great for dresses too. Make your outfit more Winter-like by adding knits (knit sweater, knit scarf, etc.). You'll get the most out of your leg-baring clothes and at the same time achieve a trendy, layered look!
Create a Fashion Statement
Want to show off your fearless and in-the-minute sense of style? Try a pair of print or textured tights with a sweater!
I'm not a fan of loud and trendy leggings, so I stick to the chic and alluring but on-the-edge fashion hosiery such as faux leather leggings or lace tights.
More Tips on Buying Fashion Hosiery
- In the summer, consider investing in footless tights or knee high stockings.
- When buying thigh-high stockings, include a pair of garter belts. You'll feel extra sexy!
- If you'll be working in hosiery all day choose ones with reinforced toes for exatra comfort and durability.
Solidea hosiery
Emilio Cavalini
How to wear tights
Vintage
