Hosiery Materials Guide
The materials in your hosiery determine how they look, feel, last, and care for your legs. Understanding fibers helps you make better choices.
Nylon (Polyamide)
The Standard
Nylon revolutionized hosiery when DuPont introduced it in 1939, replacing expensive silk.
- Properties: Strong, lightweight, elastic
- Feel: Smooth and silky
- Sheerness: Can be made very sheer
- Cost: Affordable
Types of Nylon
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Nylon 6 | Standard, good elasticity |
| Nylon 66 | Stronger, more durable |
| Micro nylon | Ultra-fine, softer feel |
Pros and Cons
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ Durable
- ✓ Dries quickly
- ✓ Holds shape well
- ✗ Less breathable than natural fibers
- ✗ Can feel synthetic to some
Spandex (Elastane/Lycra)
The Stretch Factor
Spandex is rarely used alone—it's blended with nylon to add stretch and recovery.
- Properties: Extremely stretchy (up to 600%)
- Purpose: Provides fit and support
- Percentage: Usually 5-20% of blend
Benefits in Hosiery
- Stays in place without sagging
- Recovers shape after stretching
- Enables control top shaping
- Improves comfort and fit
Lycra vs. Spandex
Lycra is DuPont's brand name for spandex. They're the same fiber. Other brand names include Creora and INVISTA.
Microfiber
Ultra-Fine Fibers
Microfiber is nylon or polyester made with extremely fine threads.
- Thread diameter: Less than 1 denier per filament
- Feel: Exceptionally soft, almost velvety
- Appearance: Smooth, matte finish
Benefits
- Softer than regular nylon
- More comfortable against skin
- Breathes better
- Often used in opaque styles
Silk
The Luxury Choice
Before nylon, silk stockings were the height of luxury.
- Properties: Natural protein fiber
- Feel: Incomparably smooth and cool
- Appearance: Subtle natural sheen
Today's Silk Hosiery
- Still available from specialty makers
- Very expensive
- Delicate—requires careful handling
- Often silk-nylon blends for durability
Pros and Cons
- ✓ Most luxurious feel
- ✓ Temperature regulating
- ✓ Hypoallergenic
- ✗ Very expensive
- ✗ Delicate
- ✗ Hard to find
Cotton
Natural Comfort
Cotton is used in tights and socks, rarely in sheer hosiery.
- Properties: Natural, breathable
- Feel: Soft, comfortable
- Use: Tights, socks, gusset panels
Cotton Gussets
Even nylon pantyhose often have cotton gussets for:
- Breathability in intimate area
- Moisture absorption
- Comfort
Wool
Winter Warmth
- Use: Heavy tights for cold weather
- Properties: Warm, insulating
- Blends: Often mixed with nylon/spandex
- Care: Requires gentle washing
Common Blends
Typical Compositions
| Product Type | Typical Blend |
|---|---|
| Sheer pantyhose | 80-90% nylon, 10-20% spandex |
| Opaque tights | 80% nylon, 15% spandex, 5% cotton |
| Control top | 70% nylon, 30% spandex |
| Support hose | 75% nylon, 25% spandex |
| Winter tights | 60% cotton, 30% nylon, 10% spandex |
What Percentages Mean
- More spandex (15-30%): More stretch and support
- Less spandex (5-10%): Softer, more natural drape
- High nylon (90%+): Sheerest appearance
Specialty Materials
Bamboo
- Eco-friendly option
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Soft and breathable
- Used in eco-conscious tights
Modal
- Made from beech tree pulp
- Extremely soft
- Good moisture absorption
- Often in luxury brands
Compression-Grade
- Special elastic yarns
- Medical-grade spandex
- Precise pressure delivery
Material Care
| Material | Wash | Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon/Spandex | Cool water, gentle | Air dry |
| Silk | Hand wash only | Air dry flat |
| Cotton blend | Machine gentle | Low heat or air |
| Wool blend | Hand or wool cycle | Air dry flat |
Check the Label
Always check the material composition on the packaging. Higher-quality hosiery usually has better yarn and construction, not just better materials.
Choosing by Material
For Everyday
- Standard nylon/spandex blend
- Good durability and value
For Comfort
- Microfiber construction
- Cotton gusset
For Luxury
- Silk or silk blend
- High-quality Italian yarns
For Support
- Higher spandex content
- Compression-grade materials