Pantyhose (also known as tights [Brit. ) 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. In the United Kingdom, they are called tights, a term that refers to all such garments regardless of denier. In the U.S., the term tights is used for non-sheer garments similar to pantyhose, such as those worn by girls, dancers and athletes.

Benefits of wearing pantyhose

Pantyhose are worn for a number of reasons. Sheer pantyhose that match the skin color of the legs can enhance the appearance of legs, making them look smoother. Darker pantyhose can enhance the legs by outlining the shape and by making the legs seem slimmer. Brown colored pantyhose give the illusion of tanned legs; an 'instant tan'. Pantyhose also has a practical use, as it can provide warmth in colder weather and let one appear "bare-legged" even in the winter. Pantyhose that are knitted with lycra enhance blood circulation by applying even pressure on the legs throughout the day.

Pantyhose are currently a standard sight in offices worldwide, where they have been accepted as part of a professional dress code for women. Though a barelegged trend is now popular amongst younger women, hosiery is still common in offices and places where formal dress is required. Schools with uniforms often require some sort of hosiery as a part of the uniform (usually pantyhose or tights).

Pantyhose styles

Pantyhose are available in a wide range of styles. The sheerness of the garment, expressed as a numerical 'denier'/'dtex', ranges from 3 (extremely rare, very thin, barely visible) to 20 (standard sheer) up to 30 (semi opaque).

Pantyhose are sold in a variety of colors and textures (patterns). In business wear, the texture is usually neutral and the most common shades are beige, gray, white, and blacks, while fashion styles popular among younger women include a wide range of colors and textures.

Pantyhose are considered a part of the lingerie wardrobe, and thus a turn-on for many men when they see them on the wearer. Styles which are shiny, silky, and sheer-to-waist are attractive to many men their alluring qualities even triggering psudo-transvestic feelings about this most feminine item of womens clothing.

The composition of pantyhose

Most pantyhose are composed of nylon and a small amount 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. However, a constant complaint of pantyhose is that they "run" or tear frequently, which ensures that wearers must constantly purchase new pairs.

Pantyhose and men

Hose for the legs were part of European male fashion from the time men's tunics began to be worn shorter in the 14th century until hose were replaced by stockings in the 17th century; meanwhile women hid their legs from public view. This trend reversed, however, with men wearing trousers and women exposing their legs. In the 20th century, pantyhose have been mass-marketed to women exclusively. However, in recent years some versions for men 1 have appeared in the marketplace, touted for warmth as well as for appearance, improved blood circulation, and comfort. It has been suggested that these male versions, which may or may not incorporate a fly, be referred to as "boxerhose", since men do not wear panties and the term sounds less feminine. Although the garment bears little resemblance to boxers, they supposedly resemble boxer briefs with hosiery added. Currently, no manufacturer uses the term.

Pantyhose for male horseback riders are recommended by such riders as William Shatner for protection against blisters and abrasions on the man's thighs and buttocks. Surprisingly enough, pantyhose for men have been part of the War in Iraq. "One item U.S. military personnel in Iraq are asking for is pantyhose. Dating back to his days as a professional football player, Bart Starr said he wore pantyhose for warmth during games. Now, that might give some people pause, but pantyhose are one way that military personnel can protect themselves from pesky sand fleas". 2. Article from Entrepreneur Magazine Sometimes men wear the pantyhose for concealment of the face when committing criminal acts.

Men also wear pantyhose for pleasure as an aspect of pantyhose fetishism.

Famous pantyhose wearers

• Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet Wood on '70s television show Three's Company, famously declared that she would not work barelegged on the show. Therefore, on all of her Three's Company episodes, she wore pantyhose or tights. It is unknown whether or not DeWitt wore pantyhose or tights under pants or floor-length dresses. DeWitt also endorsed a line of L'Eggs pantyhose at one point.

• Mary Hart, hostess of news program Entertainment Tonight, is renowned over the entertainment industry for her legs. In her twenty-plus years of hosting Entertainment Tonight, she always wears either tights or pantyhose. As such an enthusiast, Hanes chose her to endorse its brand of pantyhose.

• Tina Turner, singer of such hits as "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Proud Mary", frequently wins polls regarding celebrity legs in such magazines as Vanity Fair. Turner often wears pantyhose to enhance her look.

• Fran Drescher is an American actress most famous for her role as Fran Fine on the hit TV show The Nanny, where she was usually seen wearing miniskirts and hosiery. She also endorsed Hanes pantyhose in the mid-1990s.

• Joe Namath is the most infamous pantyhose wearer of all time. He did a commercial for Hanes Beautymist pantyhose, which featured the line, "Now I may not wear pantyhose. But if Beautymist can make my legs look this good, imagine what they can do for yours!"

• Bettie Page, 1950s bondage and clothing fetish model. Featured on the cover of The House Of Whacks, by Matthew Branton, souftbound, 1999, wearing fishnet pantyhose, and in Leg Show magazine (August 1993) in sheer black pantyhose.

• Jennifer Aniston is quite frequently found in pantyhose in the popular '90's show Friends, as well as throughout the entire movie Derailed. The movie puts particular emphasis on her leg

• Jessica Alba is frequently seen wearing pantyhose during red carpet events, such as the MTV Movie Awards 2006.

• Hooters girls of Hooters restaurants wear them as part of the uniform

Famous fictional pantyhose wearers

• Chun-Li from the Street Fighter games wears sheer brown pantyhose with her blue qipao and white boots.
• Naru Narusegawa from the Love Hina manga and anime, often wears dark pantyhose.
• Cassandra Alexandra from the Soul Calibur games wears brown pantyhose with her short blue-and-white costume.
• Kyoko Minazuki from the Rival Schools games wears brown pantyhose with her white coat, red sweater and black skirt.

External links

• How pantyhose are manufactured

UnderwearSexual fetishism

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