Representing about one-third of our total body weight, our lower limbs are very important to our bodies. What we choose to wear on them is also a very important, and often, difficult decision.Hosiery can be a variety of things. It can be bold and bright, eclectic, demure, elegant - or simply warm. What's more, it's one of the easiest and least expensive ways to liven up a tired wardrobe. Here is some helpful information about hosiery styles, sizing and care tips that will help you make the most of every choice and accent your own personal style. Types of Hosiery
| | | Hosiery is made in a wide variety of fabric weights, knits and colors. Generally speaking, heavier weight fabrics are stronger and more durable, but are thicker and show less of your natural skin tone. Lighter and more sheer styles look and feel more luxurious but are not as strong. Reinforced heels and toes will add to the life of your hosiery, but the ultimate fact that remains is that the lighter and more sheer the materials are, the more delicate it is and the more care it requires. Here are the basics: | | | | Sheer
| Sheer hosiery is made with a lightweight fabric that is composed with very fine yarns, typically nylon. This style is very flattering to the leg, but much more delicate that hosiery made with heavier materials. Ultra sheers are the most fragile and allow the most natural skin tones to show through. They also require the most care ... and careful handling.
| | | | Support
| Support hosiery comes in a range of fabrics that are generally a combination of nylon and spandex. They have a gentle and graduated compression to provide a massage-like fit that can help reduce fatigue in the legs. | | | | Control Tops
| Control top hosiery go a step above support hose and provide a slimmer silhouette because of added strength to the high-stress areas of the garment. | | | | Opaques
| These are heavier than sheers, but lighter than tights. They are more durable and are a wonderful fashion accessory.
| | | | Tights
| Tights are even heavier than opaques. They are more durable and are worn for dance, exercise, dramatic accessory or even to provide added warmth during cold winter months.
| | | | Maternity | Maternity pantyhose really kind of speak for themselves. They are specially designed to provide extra room and comfort in the top as well as extra support to help maintain good blood circulation in the more easily tire legs of mothers-to-be. | | | | Run-Resistant | These garments are generally made of thicker yarns and sturdier knits than the standard sheer pantyhose. It's important to note that, just because they are run-resistant, they are not run-proof. These hose will also develop holes with wear and improper care & handling.
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Pantyhose Do's and Don'ts
| | | Do
| Wear dark, solid colors and ribbed textures with dark clothes to elongate your figure for a more slender look.
| | | Do
| Match your hosiery and skirt colors to elongate your silhouette.
| | | Do
| Wear sheer hosiery for a touch of elegance and sophistication.
| | | Do
| Try new things! Be creative. Use boots or oxfords with tights to create a fashion statement.
| | | Do
| Mix it up a bit. Sheers don't have to be the standard for the work day. Even the most conservative offices are filled with women who wear opaques, tights and other more durable hosiery.
| | | Do
| Check out the samples. Most hosiery counters offer samples/swatches of the different textures and colors. Finding the right stockings is a bit like finding the right lip color. You have to try a few to find the right one.
| | | Don't
| Wear pastels or other light colored hose with a dark skirt unless you want to shorten your appearance.
| | | Don't | Be afraid to go bold. Patterns, crochet and lace pantyhose can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your wardrobe.
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| Tips for Putting On Hosiery | | | Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way to put on hosiery. Taking the time to do it right will save you both time and money! | | | | 1.
| Remove all jewelry and check toes & fingernails for rough edges. It may sound like overkill, but it will greatly reduce those 'they ran as soon as I put them on' times.
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| Roll each leg of the pantyhose or stockings down and place the toe of the hose over the foot. Gently smooth them all the way up the leg, one at a time.
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| Carefully pull the rest of the pantyhose up to the waist. Smooth the fabrics while checking for twists and sags.
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| Finally, at the end of the day, take them off as carefully as you put them on. | | | | | | | Caring for your Hosiery | | | Proper care of your hosiery is a no-brainer. The better you treat them, the better they will treat you ... and the longer they will last! | | | | 1.
| Always wash your pantyhose by hand using a mild detergent that doesn't contain chlorine bleach. Beach will remove colors and ultimately damage the fibers. If you must use a washing machine, place the hosiery in a pillowcase or hosiery bag and wash them in the gentle cycle ... again using a mild detergent. | | | | 2.
| Never attempt to dry hosiery in the dryer. Instead, place one or two pairs on a towel and roll it up while gently squeezing the towel. This will remove the moisture and allow the hosiery to dry naturally. It will also eliminate the stretching that will occur if you hang it to air dry.
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