Office Hosiery Style

Professional hosiery strikes a balance between polished appearance and practical comfort. Whether your workplace requires formal attire or allows business casual, the right hosiery completes your professional look without drawing inappropriate attention.

When Is Hosiery Required?

Workplace hosiery norms vary:

• Conservative fields: Law, finance, government often expect hosiery
• Client-facing roles: More formal expectations
• Creative industries: Usually more relaxed
• Regional differences: Varies by country and climate
• Company culture: Follow what others wear

When in doubt, hosiery is rarely wrong for professional settings.

The Office-Appropriate Spectrum

Always Appropriate

• Sheer nude pantyhose
• Sheer black pantyhose
• Natural-looking 15-20 denier
• Matte or satin finish (not high shine)

Usually Fine

• Navy, grey, or taupe pantyhose
• Control top styles
• Subtle opaque tights in winter
• Plain knee-highs under pants

Depends on Workplace

• Seamed stockings—vintage offices only
• Patterned tights—creative fields
• Bold colors—depends on industry
• Fishnets—rarely appropriate

Generally Not Office-Appropriate

• Visible garter belts or stocking tops
• Large-hole fishnets
• Novelty patterns
• Extremely sheer (under 10 denier)
• Obviously lingerie-styled hosiery

Choosing the Right Shade

Nude Shades

Most versatile for office:

• Match your skin: Creates natural appearance
• Slightly darker: Adds subtle warmth
• Works with: Any outfit color
• Best for: Conservative environments

Black

• Classic professional: Always appropriate
• Works with: Dark suits, skirts
• Avoid with: Nude shoes, very light outfits
• Best denier: 15-20 sheer or 40-60 opaque

Navy and Grey

• Professional alternatives: Softer than black
• Match your suit: Coordinate with wardrobe
• Sophisticated: Unexpected but appropriate

Optimal Denier for Work

15-20 denier is the professional sweet spot.

Pantyhose vs. Stockings at Work

Pantyhose Advantages

• No visible tops: Safe for any hemline
• Control top available: Smoothing benefit
• No slipping: Stays in place
• More conservative: Traditional choice

Hold-Up Stockings at Work

• Cooler: No panty section
• Bathroom convenience: Easier practicality
• Risk: Can slip or show tops
• Best with: Longer skirts/dresses

If wearing stockings to work, ensure tops won't show when sitting.

Practical Considerations

Durability Matters

• Higher denier: More durable for active days
• Reinforced toe: Lasts longer in heels
• Quality brands: Better investment for work
• Keep spares: Backup pair at desk

Comfort for Long Days

• Proper fit: Wrong size is uncomfortable
• Breathable: Cotton gusset helps
• Support options: Compression for standing jobs

Under Pants

When wearing pants, consider:

• Knee-highs: No one sees, still polished
• Trouser socks: Slightly thicker knee-highs
• Full pantyhose: If pants are thin/light colored

Common Office Mistakes

• Visible runs: Check before meetings
• Wrong shade: Too dark or light for skin
• Showing tops: Stocking tops visible when seated
• Too shiny: High-gloss looks unprofessional
• Patterns: When dress code is conservative
• No backup: Emergencies happen

Building Your Work Hosiery Wardrobe

Essentials

• 3-5 pairs nude pantyhose in your size
• 2-3 pairs black pantyhose
• 1-2 pairs opaque tights (winter)
• Knee-highs for pants days
• One emergency pair at desk

Budget Approach

• Everyday: Mid-range brands
• Important meetings: Premium quality
• Backup pairs: Budget brand is fine