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Pantyhose (also called tights) are sheer, close fitting coverings of the body
from the waist to the feet, most frequently worn by women. Like stockings they
are usually made of nylon. The one-piece pantyhose garment appeared in the 1960s
and provided a convenient alternative to stockings (nylons).
The term 'pantyhose' originated in the United States, referring to the
combination of 'panties' (an American term for women's underpants) with sheer
nylon hosiery, meaning they are usually worn without other undergarments. In the
United Kingdom, they are called tights, a term that refers to all such garments
regardless of whether they are sheer lingerie or sturdy outerwear. In the U.S.,
the term tights is used for non-sheer garments typically made of a stretchy
material like spandex, and worn during exercise or athletic activity, or as
utility clothing.
History
In the 1920s the fashionable hemline for women's skirts and dresses began to
rise enough to show a woman's legs and sheer hosiery that covered the legs was
only available as stockings. They were typically made of silk or artificial silk
(now known as rayon), and after 1939 with nylon.
In 1959, Allen Gant Sr. of introduced pantyhose. Stocking manufacturers began
using circular knitting machines to reduce manual labor and create seam-free
stockings. In 1965, Glen Raven Mills introduced a seam-free version of
pantyhose, which coincided with the introduction of the miniskirt. The miniskirt
made it unfashionable to show the tops of a woman's stockings, and by the end of
the decade pantyhose had replaced stockings almost entirely. This also
contributed to a marked shift in foundation undergarment sales: younger women
stopped buying girdles around this time. In the same period hosiery started
adding spandex or elastane to give it stretch superior to crimping nylon. Glen
Raven Mills still operates in North Carolina, U.S. as Glen Raven Inc.
Starting sometime in the 90s, pantyhose went almost completely out of fashion.
Until recently, women, in general no longer wore pantyhose unless it was
mandated by dress code, typically found at corporate companies and executive
level. An exception to this was the wearing of special pantyhose such as fishnet
or various pattern types, but this was a rather rare occurrence.
However, in the mid 00s of this century pantyhose have been appearing once again
in fashion and public, indicating the reoccurring cycle of couture once again is
bringing the leg covering back into vogue. With the return to Paris runways and
Haute Couture it should only be a matter of time before pantyhose makes a
mainstream resurgence.
Pantyhose styles
Pantyhose are available in a wide range of popular styles. The sheerness of the
garment, expressed as a numerical 'denier'/'dtex', ranges from 3 (extremely
rare, very thin, barely visible) to 15 (standard sheer) up to 30 (semi opaque)
until 70 (opaque).
For people who want a slimmer form, they may opt to get "Control Top", which has
a reinforced panty. The downside to Control Top Pantyhose are the panty lines
that may appear when wearing high cut skirts or shorts. Sheer to Waist are just
that - sheer from the toe to the waist. The "panty" portion is same thickness
and color as the leg portion. Often, but not always, sheer to waist pantyhose
will be reinforced along and on either side of the seam in the middle of the
panty. Perfect for high slit gowns, mini-skirts and when wearing with lingerie.
Pantyhose occupy very little space when not worn.
Also for the person who wants a bit more support on the top half, there are
pantyhose that have panel gussets incorporated into them. These are either
single or double types. In the single type, there are two seams instead of the
usual one, with a single one on the opposite side; with double panel gussets,
there are two seams on either side. The single type can be worn either way. They
both help to expand the top panty area. There are also types of pantyhose which
have a lacy panty area which is normally floral in design. (citation needed)
Many pantyhose brands now produce pantyhose that do away with seams completely,
so that the outline is smooth from top to bottom.
The composition of pantyhose
Most pantyhose are composed of nylon and a mixture of spandex, which provides
the elasticity and form fitting that is characteristic of modern pantyhose.
Unfortunately, the nylon fabric is somewhat prone to tearing and it is common
for very sheer hose to 'run' soon after snagging on something rough or sharp.
Pantyhose worn for fashion have a standard construction. The top of the waist is
a strong elastic. The part covering the hips (panty area) is composed of a
thicker material than the legs. The gusset or crotch is also a stronger
material, sometimes made of cotton. The legs of the pantyhose are made of the
thinnest material which has a consistent construction down to the toes, which
may be reinforced to guard against wear.
Advantages of pantyhose
On mildly or moderately cold days, pantyhose help keep the legs warm for those
wearing skirts or dresses. Above all pantyhose hides blemishes or scars on the
legs, leg hair stubble, and varicose veins. On cold dry days, pantyhose can help
prevent the legs from becoming too dry. Some companies regard wearing skirts or
shorts without pantyhose as unprofessional and thus require people who wear
skirts or shorts to work to also wear pantyhose or sheer tights.
Dark pantyhose, and black pantyhose in particular, can create the illusion of
slimmer legs. Another flip side depends on the wearer's skin tone - dark hose
shows runs when worn over light skin, whilst lighter hose show water spots
flipped up from the heel after walking in the rain. Whilst, as detailed below,
the material is not absorbent, it is quick drying (for example after walking in
the rain/being splashed by traffic).
Support hosiery can be worn to support the leg. Regulating blood circulation in
the legs, it helps those who work on their feet with preventing/helping varicose
veins and resolving pain in the back and legs.
Enlarge picture
A lengthy run (ladder) in a pair of pantyhose
Disadvantages of pantyhose
The nylon fabric of pantyhose is extremely prone to runs (called laddering in
the United Kingdom). A woman can even cause a run in the hose by catching the
toenail of her big toe in the fabric when she puts the hose on, catching it on a
desk, car, and numerous other 'risks'. Some women use clear nail polish to
prevent runs from growing.
Unlike cotton, nylon is not an absorbent material. As a result, perspiration
from the wearer's feet is more likely to remain in contact with the feet, which
may feel unpleasant to the wearer. If one wears high heels with pantyhose, the
increased moisture can cause the feet to slip forward in the shoe, causing the
toes to be scrunched together. The increased moisture also causes the foot to
move around inside the shoe. This, combined with the fact that pantyhose are
thinner than cotton socks and thus do not provide as much skin protection, can
lead to blisters on the foot, heel, and ankle.
Men and pantyhose
Pantyhose for men
While traditionally considered a women's garment, pantyhose are occasionally
worn by men for thermal protection and therapeutic relief. In the late 1990s
several small manufacturers introduced pantyhose styles designed for men to
cater to this niche market | |
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