Preventing Runs and Snags

Nothing ruins a good outfit faster than a run in your stockings or pantyhose. While no hosiery lasts forever, these strategies can dramatically extend the life of your legwear.

Understanding Runs

A run (called a "ladder" in the UK) is a vertical line of broken stitches:

• Cause: One stitch breaks and unravels others
• Progression: Runs always travel up or down
• Starting points: Usually toes, heels, or snag points
• Prevention: Better than trying to repair

Before You Put Them On

Hand Preparation

Your hands are the biggest threat:

• Remove rings: All of them, including engagement rings
• File nails: Smooth any rough edges or chips
• Use lotion: Rough hands snag fabric
• Check cuticles: Ragged cuticles catch threads

Foot Preparation

• Trim toenails: Short and smooth
• File rough spots: Heels and calluses
• Moisturize: Dry feet catch fabric
• Dry thoroughly: Damp feet stretch fabric

Freeze Your Hosiery

The freezer trick actually works:

1. Wet new hosiery under tap
2. Wring gently (don't twist)
3. Place in plastic bag
4. Freeze overnight
5. Thaw completely before wearing

Freezing strengthens fibers. Do this once with new hosiery.

Putting Them On Safely

Proper technique prevents most damage:

1. Gather fabric: Scrunch entire leg into your hands
2. Insert foot: Point toes and slide in gently
3. Unroll slowly: Never pull or yank
4. Adjust carefully: Smooth with palms, not fingers
5. Avoid fingernails: Use the pads of your fingers only

See our complete putting on stockings guide.

While Wearing

Sitting

• Smooth chair surfaces: Check for rough edges
• Avoid wicker/rattan: Major snag hazard
• Be careful with wooden seats: Splinters happen
• Watch desk undersides: Often rough with screws

Walking

• Watch jewelry: Bracelets snag thigh-highs easily
• Avoid pet claws: Cats especially love to snag
• Be careful with bags: Bag straps and zippers catch
• Mind your nails: Manicure snags happen

In the Bathroom

• Pull down carefully: Don't yank
• Mind the toilet: Rough plastic edges snag
• Watch rings: Most snags happen here

Shoe Considerations

Shoes cause many runs:

• Check interiors: Rough spots, loose linings, exposed nails
• Avoid straps: Buckles and straps catch hosiery
• Use shoe liners: Prevents heel friction
• Break in shoes first: New shoes are harder on hosiery

Choosing Run-Resistant Hosiery

Some hosiery is more durable:

• Higher denier: Thicker = stronger
• Reinforced toe: Protects common damage point
• Run-resistant construction: Special knitting patterns
• Quality brands: Better yarn and construction
• Microfiber: Often more durable than standard nylon

Emergency Fixes

Stop a Run in Progress

• Clear nail polish: Apply at top and bottom of run
• Hairspray: Can temporarily freeze a run
• Soap: Wet bar soap at run edges
• Glue: Fabric glue for emergency repair

These are temporary fixes—the run will eventually continue.

Hide a Run

• Rotate to back: If run is on front, rotate to back of leg
• Long skirt: Change to longer hemline if possible
• Pants: Switch outfit if available
• Tights over: In cold weather, tights can cover

Storage Tips

Proper storage prevents damage between wears:

• Fold carefully: Don't ball up
• Separate compartment: Away from rough fabrics
• Lingerie bag: Protects from other items
• Avoid crowding: Snagging against other garments
• Keep away from: Velcro, zippers, hooks

Washing for Longevity

Proper washing extends life dramatically:

• Hand wash: Always the gentlest option
• Mesh bag: Essential for machine washing
• Cold water: Hot water weakens fibers
• Gentle detergent: No bleach, no fabric softener
• Air dry: Never machine dry

See our complete washing guide.

When to Accept the Loss

Sometimes hosiery just fails:

• Manufacturing defects: Some pairs are just bad
• Extreme conditions: Some environments are too harsh
• Wear and tear: All hosiery has a lifespan
• Cost/benefit: Budget hosiery may not be worth babying

Keep backup pairs for emergencies.