Hosiery can do magic to one’s legs. It literally has the power to either destroy the most beautiful pair of legs there are or transform not-so-perfect ones to something super attractive. And although hosiery doesn’t hold an important position in a woman’s wardrobe as it used to in the past, we still use it from time to time. This is why I thought of sharing with you this hosiery guide so you are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge whenever you decide to acquire a pair of tights.

Density & Colour

Hosiery, are usually made of nylon and spandex. However, they can be made from cotton, cashmere and silk. The density of stockings is measured in deniers or den. The higher the number, the more opaque the tights would be. If you are looking for soft and smooth effect on your legs, then something between 5 and 10 den would be ideal. Obviously, this type of density is ultra sheer and is extremely delicate. You have to be very careful when putting them on and when wearing them. The nude colour is perfect for a natural effect. While the black one gives a pretty smoky effect to your legs. In addition, they are very useful for ladies you have dress codes at work and can’t have “naked” legs at the office. Make sure they are of a matt or semi-matt finish, however.

Anything between 10 and 25 den will be sheer. Yet the problem you might face is choosing the right shade specially the nudes. The best option would be to choose it from stores that offer samples of each colour so you can check how it will look on your skin. With blacks and other colours it is easier since it will depend on your preference of the level of transparency.

Density can go up to 200. Somewhere around 50 or 60 den, the hosiery will be opaque enough for you not to see your skin through them. The 200 den is the thickest and the most opaque of them all.

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Hosiery size guide

In general, the size might differ slightly from a brand to another. However, there is usually a guide at the back of the packing which is pretty accurate. You should also pay attention for the hosiery to have Lycra in it. It makes the tights fit you better and look like your skin rather than forming weird wrinkles around the knee and ankle.

Trends and styling guide

You have probably already owned a polka dot or a fishnet hosiery at some point. They are the most common tights after the regular sheers ones. How strongly in style might change from season to season but they will never go out of style. Let’s check some of the new ways to use fishnets and polka dots and the other trends as well:

1. Fishnets and polka dots

If you don’t want polka dot hosiery to be associated with vintage, you can pair them with something masculine like the thick platform boots trendy this season. I find it very beautiful when fishnets are worn with transparent shoes! How about trying them in a colour other than the traditional black? Or maybe a different size range?

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2. Colourful tights

You can go as opaque or as sheer as you want. Creativity has no limits too. In case you needed some inspiration to get you started, I’m more than happy to share some tips.

Match the colour of the tights to the colour of your outfit. In other words, create a monotone look.

Do you want longer legs? Wear your shoes and tights in the same colour!

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I think Blaire Eadie from Atlantic Pacific is a master of wearing colourful hosiery. She also includes printed pantyhose in her outfits. She has a very big amount of pictures with tights. I only choose two her but in case you want to see more, you can check her out here.

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Also, dark coloured hosiery such as navy, burgundy, grey or brown is a very good substitute for black tights. You have some colour and at the same time they are easy to wear and match with other colours. They can be as sheer or as opaque as you want.

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3. Printed hosiery

This can range from animal prints to flowers and from geometrical shapes to lace. One thing you should keep in mind with this type is how is this print going to act when it’s is on your legs. For example, a striped pantyhose might make look your legs crooked if the lines aren’t straight. Or your legs might visually look bigger if the print is big. If you already have a pair that does weird things to your legs, try to use it under your ripped jeans for example. This way, you only show a small part of your tights and save your legs the crooked look.

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4. Logomania

The most common tights with logo would probably be Gucci and Prada. They have been seen on every street styler and blogger. Other brands have them too. Maybe with a monogram on one side or on the ankle however. The writing might be on one side or covering the tights completely. In the later, make sure it doesn’t make your legs look weird or crooked. They might be the toughest to wear and you have to be super stylish or so bold to wear them.

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5. Others

Glittery tights exit too and there are many ways to wear them. Try them with sandals for a night out. Or maybe mix them with something masculine like a pair of oxfords. You can try them with a transparent dress or a skirt so that the glitter show behind the transparent fabric. Or maybe you can mix your ordinary tights with glittery socks. Experiment. There is no right or wrong in fashion.

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Where to buy hosiery

The most important thing to consider in this hosiery guide that I have shared with you today is quality. If you buy a pair of tights from a drug store, expect to be disappointed. Specially, the nude colour, anything under 25 den and fishnets. Choose stores that specialize in hosiery. They know what they are doing and it is worth the price. If however, you are buying thick ones or you just want something for fun, a lot of brands offer good quality hosiery. Here are some places to buy hosiery:

Specialty store:

Wolford, Gerbe, Calzedonia, Falke, Golden Lady

Non-speciality stores:

Zara, Asos, Uniqlo, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Nordstrom

Extra tip

If your hosiery has a ladder, dab some clear nail polish on the hole while wearing the tights. It will stop the run from going bigger.