Hosiery by Color
Color choice dramatically affects the look and appropriateness of hosiery. From invisible nudes to bold fashion statements, here's your complete color guide.
Nude & Skin Tones
The goal: hosiery that looks like bare legs but better. Finding the right nude is essential.
Finding Your Nude
- Fair/Light: Porcelain, ivory, light nude
- Light-Medium: Natural, nude, honey
- Medium: Sun tan, caramel, cafe au lait
- Medium-Dark: Bronze, cocoa, coffee
- Dark: Espresso, chocolate, black coffee
Tip: Match to your inner wrist, not your legs. Hosiery on legs appears darker than on the card.
Complete Color Matching Guide →
Brand Nude Names
Every brand uses different names for similar shades:
- "Barely There" = very light nude
- "Natural" = light-medium
- "Suntan" = medium with yellow undertone
- "French Coffee" = dark nude
When to Wear Nude
- Professional settings
- Formal occasions
- When you want legs to look bare but polished
- Summer events
Black
The most versatile hosiery color after nude.
Black by Denier
- Sheer black (10-20 denier): Evening elegance, vintage style
- Semi-sheer (30-40 denier): Versatile, office appropriate
- Opaque black (50+ denier): Bold, modern, casual
When to Wear Black
- Evening events
- Winter months
- With dark outfits
- Funerals
- When you want legs to visually slim
Black Variations
- Jet black: True, deep black
- Nearly black: Softer, less stark
- Off black: Very dark gray
- Black with shimmer: Evening glamour
Fashion Colors
Navy Blue
- Professional alternative to black
- Softer look
- Pairs with blue, gray, burgundy outfits
Gray
- Modern, sophisticated
- Charcoal for drama
- Light gray for subtle interest
- Great with black and white outfits
Burgundy / Wine
- Rich, luxurious
- Perfect for fall
- Vintage appeal
Brown / Chocolate
- Warm alternative to black
- Pairs with earth tones
- Autumn favorite
Red
- Bold statement
- Holiday appropriate
- Best in opaque
- Burlesque style staple
White / Ivory
- Bridal tradition
- Summer with white dress
- Shows everything—needs smooth legs
- Wedding guide
Bright & Bold
- Purple: Creative, fun
- Green: Holiday, costume
- Orange: Halloween, bold fashion
- Pink: Fun, youthful
- Yellow: Very bold, editorial
Color Matching Rules
Classic Rules
- Match hosiery to shoes (elongates legs)
- Or match to hem/skirt (cohesive look)
- Nude with everything works
- Black with black or dark colors
Modern Approach
- Contrast can be intentional
- Colored tights as statement piece
- Match to accent color in outfit
- Break rules for creative looks
Color by Occasion
| Occasion | Safe Choice | Fashion Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Nude, black, navy | Gray, burgundy |
| Evening | Black, nude | Shimmer, wine |
| Wedding Guest | Nude | Match dress |
| Bride | Ivory, white | Champagne |
| Casual | Any opaque | Bold colors |
Seasonal Colors
- Spring: Nudes, pastels, light gray
- Summer: Nude, white, very sheer
- Fall: Burgundy, brown, forest green, rust
- Winter: Black, navy, deep jewel tones