People have strong opinions about pantyhose. Some see them as outdated and a symbol of female oppression. But others — including many of my styling clients —love the way a good pair of pantyhose can make them feel more polished and confident, as opposed to going out bare-legged. So what’s a woman to do? Once the weather warms up and we break out our skirts and dresses, you may be asking if it’s still ok to still wear stockings?
Why Did Pantyhose Go Out Of Style?
But first, what’s the deal with the controversy that surrounds this accessory?
In the 70s and 80s, pantyhose were an essential item for any professional outfit. No woman would be caught dead going to work with out them as she’d be considered unprofessional. But times have changed, and workplaces have become more casual, with fewer strict dress codes to follow. As a result, women started ditching their pantyhose in favor of tights or bare legs. And now, pantyhose are seen as a symbol of the past, when women were expected to cover up in the workplace.
But what if you actually like wearing pantyhose? Or you don’t like how your legs look and feel self conscious without coverage? Are you considered old fashioned for wanting to wear hose?
I get that noone wants to be seen in an outdated relic from the past. That’s why, I advise my clients who desire the flawless finish of pantyhose to choose sheer tights instead. They are more durable, comfortable, and can provide a natural look, especially if you opt for dernier 8 or lower. My favorite brands are Wolfords, Sheertex, and Falke.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind playing around with makeup — try Airbrush Legs.
Are Pantyhose Right For You?
Deciding what to wear is always a personal decision and you should never feel embarrassed by your choices. (I know many women who feel ashamed that they wear pantyhose!) After having a new dress shortened to a mini length, I opted to wear sheer tights because it felt more comfortable.
Remember — this is not an all-or-nothing decision. Some occasions and outfits may be more suited for pantyhose or sheer tights while others may be better bare legged. My advice: follow your gut for fashion advice. If it feels good, wear it. If it feels tight or restrictive don’t.
What’s your take on pantyhose? Tell me below!
By the way: Colorful tights are currently a major trend! Check out this article on InStyle where I shared my insights on how to wear them.
I don’t like the look of a professional, polished looking suit with bare legs, so I wear panyhose….but open to other options!
I LOVE pantyhose! Sheer or off black … but only in the winter when bare legs are too cold
Great article Elysha, very helpful! I love the polished look of pantyhose, but the durability of sheer tights sounds like the better choice. Thank you for listing your favorite brands. Will check them out!
I absolutely love women who wear pantyhose/tights/stockings. It probably has a lot to due with growing up in the 80s, but they just make a woman so much more feminine, and they make thier legs look amazing! They have come a long way in pantyhose, and if women would only try some of the better quality pantyhose ( Wolford, Cecilia de Rafael and many other brands) they would find that they are not thier grandmother’s pantyhose lol
I wear them almost all the time, particularly when dressed up. I think most women, especially after age 40 or so, benefit from covering the flaws of aging legs. I feel it just looks more polished as well. Oh and FYI- I still wear slips, as well (full and half), because they make me feel more comfortable and put-together.
I often wear skirts and dresses to work and I always wear pantyhose once the weather drops down below 60 (I live in the Chicago burbs). I’m pretty pale in the winter I usually go for something just a tad darker than my skin tone. I usually buy Hanes Silk Reflections color “barely there” and I buy in bulk because sadly yes they do run!
Aren’t pantyhose and sheer tights really the same thing? I know in Europe they have always referred to what we call pantyhose as “tights” I consider tights to be opaque in nature or like dance tights. I feel like sheer tights are just a rebrand of the term pantyhose to make them more acceptable…which I am fine with because I do wear them but really can’t see what is the difference?
Like most woman I’ve had a love/hate relationship with pantyhose through out my life. i went to catholic school in the late 90s and while pantyhose weren’t required per say I had a job as a bank teller after school where they were required as part of the dress code. So on days I worked I just wore hose to school. Needless to say I had spare pairs in my backpack, purse, and center console of my car. I can remember my mom having to go and buy me a new pairs and bring them to work because the run would be so bad. When the bare leg trend was in vogue initially I was thrilled. However I found I don’t really like wearing any shoes (outside of sandals) without some kind of hosiery. I’m now in sales in my early 40s and I wear dresses and pant suits with heels several times a week.so I’m back to wearing hose and yes I have a spare pair in my purse!
Leuk om te lezen dat er vrouwen zijn die nog steeds graag panty’s dragen. Ik ben opgegroeid in de jaren 70 en 80. Mijn moeder droeg vaak rokken en panty’s en ik vond haar benen altijd mooi in panty’s. Ik wilde ze zelf ook dragen, maar dat mocht in de begintijd niet van mijn moeder. Toen ik zelf de keuze mocht maken koos ik snel voor rokjes en panty’s. Ik vind panty’s fijn dragen en mijn benen vind ik er veel mooier uitzien. Als ik een rokje of jurkje draag, draag ik altijd een panty. Zo draag ik ze de meeste dagen in de week en ben niet van plan daar mee te stoppen. Ik weet dat veel mannen het stiekem heel mooi vinden incl. mijn eigen man. Dat is mooi meegenomen. Maar ik maak zelf de keuze :-). Ik vind het jammer dat er nog zo weinig vrouwen panty’s dragen.
I live in the Midwest and attended a fall wedding a few weeks ago and was torn on the hose vs no hose debate. I’m in my 30s and pantyhose have never really been a thing for me but with temps starting to dip and sheers all the rage on instagram I decided what the hell! I wore a simple above the knee black dress and black heels , I was this close to just going with black stockings but decided it just was too much black for a wedding. I went with nude and I can honestly say I really liked the way they made my legs looked with my outfit. My boyfriend commented at least a half dozen times how nice I looked!