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Flashback Fashion: Should Women Wear Pantyhose?

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Back in the early-2000s, old and young generations were clashing on the topic of pantyhose of the sheer nylon variety. Traditionalists argued for the light leg covering, while the up-and-coming fashion divas gasped in horror at the thought.

Budget Fashionista on Pantyhose in 2006

Our response to the debate in 20016 was this: Apply the common-sense rule. If it’s 100 degrees outside, it’s pretty stupid to wear pantyhose; however, if it’s 10 degrees outside, it’s stupid not to wear pantyhose or some sort of covering over your legs. Use common sense and make the decision for yourself.

Our 2017 Take on Pantyhose

I stand by our 2006 advice: like anything else, to wear or not wear pantyhose is a personal decision. Whatever your choice, follow through with it confidently and just disregard what other people say.

Having said that, you might still want some guidance to help you decide. Here are a few considerations:

Pantyhose for formal occasions

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Nowadays, bare legs are A-OK at even the most formal occasions. Think about awards shows in the entertainment industry; how often do celebrities have pantyhose on underneath their gowns? You’re better off investing in a good fake tanning lotion. Your legs will glow and they won’t be in danger of catching and tearing when you walk by someone else’s sequined dress.

Remember that tights are an option also. A pair of tights is a stylish choice for ultra-conservative occasions, like funerals.

Pantyhose for job interviews

A job interview is the only situation I can think of where your choice of wearing or not wearing pantyhose is really important. Wear pantyhose under your power suit if you are interviewing for a non-creative role with a very conservative company (a credit analyst with a bank, for example). It helps if you know that the hiring manager is a status quo type, versus the rogue leader who wants fresh blood to shake things up.

Do not wear pantyhose if you are interviewing with a startup or any type of organization that values creativity and thinking outside the box. If it’s cold outside, wear tights instead. If it’s hot, make sure your legs are tidy and go bare.

I realize this all sounds sort of ridiculous — like wearing pantyhose or not determines whether you’re reliable and steadfast or a creative, go-getter. But consider this part of the general bucket of advice about how to dress for the job you want. The pantyhose are one component of your outfit, and your entire outfit makes an immediate impression about who you are.

Pantyhose and choice of shoe

Never wear pantyhose with open-toed shoes. This is one of those fashion rules you probably shouldn’t break. If you must wear pantyhose, reach for the closed-toe pumps.

I will say that, personally, I never wear nude pantyhose. I just don’t like the way they look. I have gone to job interviews, weddings, cocktail parties, work events, you name it, with bare legs. I have gotten offers from those bare-legged interviews, too. Plus, no one has ever commented, positive or negative, on my lack of hose.

Choosing pantyhose

If you are going to slip on sheer hose, find a pair that matches your skin tone. They should be almost undetectable when you’re wearing them.

What the Chatter Says

Lots of people have weighed in on the pantyhose topic over the years. Here is a sampling of what they’re saying online:

  • To What Events Should Women Wear Pantyhose? Leaf.tv says women should wear pantyhose to job interviews, church and formal ceremonies.
  • The Pantyhose Debate Continues… The Well Dressed Life says no to drugstore pantyhose brands because they look cheap. Invest in a good pair instead or use a self-tanner.
  • Pantyhose Coming Back in Style? Kate Middleton, Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus have been spotted wearing nude pantyhose, which may signal a comeback for the flesh-toned leg wear.

Weigh in in the comments! Are you wearing pantyhose and, if so, where?

You may also like these:

Sandra

Monday 16th of March 2015

Tights or pantyhose are great I love wearing them they feel lovely and worn with a panty girdle over the top to keep them up and give your outfit a nice finish can also pull you in so you look like you have a flat tummy whilst wearing a skirt

deeken

Saturday 20th of April 2013

I don't think they should wear them anymore because they've been complaining about them for years now. The few who do wear them are becoming a minority. It's getting to the point where it's odd to see a women in pantyhose. They either go bare legged or prefer pants, even in the business world. Companies are reporting more pantyhose sales to men, these days. Many men buy them online. So I guess men want to wear them under their pants or in other ways. Ladies have had their run in pantyhose [pun intended]. Turn them into a male garment. Give the ladies what they want. They want to be pantyhose free. Let guys worry about shaving their legs and runs in their pantyhose. Ladies have had to do it long enough. It's the guy's turn now.

Gina

Sunday 25th of April 2010

Bare Legs= SEX APPEAL= VERY RARELY!!!! Most women's looks benefit A LOT from wearing pantyhose.

I see a lot of women complain that they arent comfy or durable and get runs: SHAVE YOUR LEGS, CUT YOUR NAILS AND STOP BUYING DOLLAR STORE CRAP!!! With pantyhose just like anything else , you get roughly what you pay for , its not the pantyhose that is not comfortable its the crappy ones, and Stop wearing always the same old cheap colors like somewhat navy blue and almost black or off white , if its off then its not it!, Best brand I know of: WOLFORD the fatal model should work wonders on most men, the sheen and colors rock.And they feel VERY sexy.

matt

Friday 19th of March 2010

I love pantyhose/tights on women or men. They make legs barable to look at, naked is yucky! I wear them, on matter what the weather, just not all the time, but it is just being to lazy or rushed to do so. The person just needs to get the right size (weight has nothing to do with the correct size) and not cheap ones. And stop using hot weather as an excuse, that is all in your head. Tight body hugging material keeps the body cooler by increasing the heat transfer from the body to the material and the air, it is a fact. You will dehydrate faster naked then by wearing clothes in warm/hot weather.

Christopher James

Thursday 11th of February 2010

I'm a guy who wears pantyhose, tights, or which ever you prefer calling them... to me there all the same, I just call it wearing leg gear! Check out my site to see what I mean. I wear them all the time as a part of my everyday wear.

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