Pantyhose

Pantyhose (called "tights" in British English) are a one-piece garment combining panties and stockings into a single hosiery item. Introduced in 1959, pantyhose revolutionized women's fashion by providing convenient, all-in-one leg coverage without the need for garter belts.

History of Pantyhose

Allen Gant Sr. of Glen Raven Mills invented pantyhose in 1959, reportedly after his pregnant wife complained about the discomfort of stockings and garter belts. The timing was perfect—the miniskirt craze of the 1960s made pantyhose essential, as traditional stockings would show beneath short hemlines.

By the 1970s, pantyhose had largely replaced stockings for everyday wear. Sales peaked in the 1990s before declining with the "bare leg" trend of the 2000s.

Pantyhose Construction

Key Components

• Waistband: Elastic band that holds pantyhose at the waist
• Panty portion: Upper section covering hips and buttocks
• Gusset: Diamond-shaped cotton panel for hygiene
• Leg portion: Extends from panty to toe
• Toe: Can be reinforced, sandal, or open

Types of Pantyhose

By Opacity

• Sheer: 10-20 denier, nearly transparent
• Semi-sheer: 20-40 denier, light coverage
• Opaque: 40-70 denier, solid coverage
• Super opaque: 70+ denier, maximum coverage

By Feature

• Control Top: Firming panel for tummy smoothing
• Support: Graduated compression for leg health
• Maternity: Expandable panel for pregnancy
• Run-resistant: Special knit to prevent laddering
• Seamless: No visible seams for smooth look

Pantyhose Sizing

Most pantyhose use a combination of height and weight for sizing. Common size ranges:

Always check the size chart on packaging, as sizing varies by brand.

Care Instructions

• Hand wash in cool water with mild soap
• Machine wash on delicate in a lingerie bag
• Never use bleach or fabric softener
• Air dry—never use a dryer
• Remove rings and jewelry before putting on