Basic Terms

Back Gusset: this is an additional piece that is sewn into the back seam of the tights to allow more comfort.

Back Seam or Seamed:  Hosiery manufactured in the old full-fashioned manner with a seam running up the back of the leg. In the past, these garments were manufactured by cutting fabric and sewing it together. Today these products are generally made on a full circular knitted two bases and a fake seam is added up the back for a particular fashion look.

Denier: Denier is the weight-per-unit-length of the yarn. (It is numerically equal to the weight, in grams, of 9,000 meters of yarn.)  The lower the denier, the lighter and finer the yarn, and the sheerer the garment. Hosiery knit of higher denier yarns tends to be more durable.
Nude toe: This means that the toe does not contain heavier yarn than is in the leg, so can easily be worn with sandals (if the toe seam shows just position so it sits under your toes and therefore becomes invisible).
Opaques: Stockings or pantyhose made of yarn which give them heavier appearance, usually 40 denier or greater in weight.  Slimming effect when worn in dark colours.
Pyramid/French Heel: also referred to as a Marlene Dietrich heel, a dark triangular heel at the rear of seamed stockings/pantyhose.

Sheer-To-Waist: Pantyhose without visible panty line or reinforcement in the panty portion. It is an all-sheer garment from waist to toe. 

Sheers: Dress sheers are hosiery fashioned generally of 15 or 20 denier yarn - can be worn for daytime glamour, giving the appearance of smooth tanned legs. Evening sheers are hosiery fashioned of super sheer 10, 12, or 15 denier yarn.

Stay-Ups (also known as Hold-Ups): These maintain the sexiness of stockings without the inconvenience of having to wear a suspender belt. Cooler in summer, they have a silicone band at the top of the leg which holds them in place against the skin. Beauty products, talc and body lotions should be avoided in the area where silicone bands will sit, as these lessen the grip between the silicone and the skin, which is key to keeping the product secure and in place. They are available in 15 - 70 denier and also some fashion styles.   Some people can get minor skin irritation from the silicone but this doesn’t mean you can’t wear them – just limit the length of time they are worn and don’t wear them for days in a row.  (If you usually need a larger size in hosiery because of your curves as opposed to your height you can afford to get a smaller size in stay-ups as they do not need to cover your bottom and tummy – it is better for them to sit a bit low rather than right up under your buttocks). 
Stockings: The most traditional form of hosiery, with two separate legs worn with a suspender belt to keep the item in place.

Suspender Belt: a lingerie item consisting of a fabric band that goes around waist that has usually 4 elastic straps with clasps at the end to hold stockings up.  NB if you have problems clipping the stockings in it is easier to fasten the stockings into the clasps before you put the suspender and stockings on. 

Tights/Pantyhose: A garment that combines both panty and stockings into a one piece waist-high garment that extends above the crotch, but not above the waist, to the toes. 

Building your Hosiery Wardrobe

If you are unsure about any terms refer to the last section of this article which lists some basic hosiery terminology.

1. Lingerie laundry bag, unless you are dedicated to hand-washing each pair.  You will still need to set your washing machine to the delicate cycle.  If you do not use a laundry bag or you do not hand-wash you will be wasting your money.
2. Sheer pantyhose (between 9-20 denier): 1 pair in Black (or nearly black as this can be more flattering to very pale skinned amongst us); 1 pair in a warm skin colour (not yellow-toned, more pink-toned). If you get ones with a nude toe then you can also wear them with open-toed shoes.
3. Opaque pantyhose:  black is easy, but sometimes it can look heavy, so you can also invest in another colour e.g. soft grey (will go with black, especially good with purples, pinks, browns) or chocolate brown (will go with navy, greys, soft greens, reds,).
4. Knee-highs: always good with trousers, best to keep them hidden as they are quite unflattering (do not, repeat, do not wear with a skirt that could potentially ride up to show that you are wearing knee-highs!).  Wear them with knee-high boots if not wearing other hosiery that day.
5. Toesocks/footies: these can be used on their own as a light alternative to socks, or when you are wearing ballet flats and other low-cut flats, but most importantly you can wear them underneath/over your hosiery to prevent toenails rubbing against shoes, which tends to put holes in the feet of your hosiery.

Eventually you can start building from this point to include something high-fashion, something sexy, something festive, something elegant, and something pretty.

Adding to your Basic Hosiery Collection

1. Fancy Sheers: add a sheer floral or lightly patterned sheer – these patterned sheers work best with a plain skirt, which can be teamed with a more decorative blouse or top.
2. Fashion Opaques: add a patterned opaque or ribbed tight; these can be worn with most clothing choices.  Add a fashion colour each season.
3. Fishnets: a small gauge fishnet can be worn with everything.  Choose a good quality fishnet as the cheaper brands can become painful on the balls of your feet, especially if you are standing for long periods. NB fine fishnet is very flattering and can be worn in basic black, cocoa or nude (nude fishnet looks fashionable and is great for disguising imperfections in summer without adding unnecessary warmth).  A larger sized net should be worn with care – mini-skirts and fishnet stockings can look cheap, but a fashionable and chic option is to wear them with an elegant pencil skirt.
4. Lace: fancy lace tights look great in summer, especially for eveningwear.
5. Something Fun: sparkling Lurex tights are fun for parties and nightclubs; strongly patterned tights are striking with plain tops and skirts/dresses.
6. Footless Tights: mid-calf or just above ankle; a quick way to update an outfit; try them with a mid-length full ballerina-type skirts and ballet flats.
7. Stay-ups: these are great if you don’t like wearing nylon close to your crotch – they don’t need to be saved for a special occasion, just team them with a longer skirt and boots in winter.

Which Tights with Which Shoes?
- Elongate your legs by pairing tights and heels in a matching colour. 

- If you want to wear opaques, wool or ribbed tights these look best when balanced with a heavier shoe, chunky heeled shoes and boots.

- Sheer tights look great with delicate shoes and sandals.

- Lurex tights should be paired with shoes of the same colour, preferably in a matt finish, or simply play it safe with black.

- Patterned or brightly coloured tights work best with boots, platforms and ballet flats.

Wear prints and patterns      

Don’t be scared of wearing patterned tights – if you choose something that suits your general fashion style you can’t go too wrong.  Delicate designs such as small print flowers look great for the day, especially when teamed with an outfit of the same hue that’s featured in the design.                                                      

Tone down bold and bright patterned tights with a simple black or charcoal dress and shoes. 
Here are some ideas: eye-catching stripes, slimming and fashionable, zig-zag fun.

Dress for an Occasion
Some examples of exciting hosiery to wear to your next special occasion: sparkly glitter tights , romantic floral, sexy stay-ups.                                        

Elongate your legs

The best way to give the impression of longer, leaner looking legs is to wear hosiery with vertical stripes or patterns. The vertical pattern lengthens legs and, especially when paired with matching coloured heels, they will appear inches longer. 

See these fabulous tights from Cette

Make your Legs look More Shapely
Bold colours, large patterns and prints including horizontal stripes are great for making legs appear more curvaceous.

Have a look at this style

Create Slimmer Looking Legs

Black opaques are great for slimming. The thicker opaques counteract any lumps and bumps which mean your legs look irresistibly slim and smooth - perfect for pairing with a mini skirt.  These satin finish opaques are perfect.

The Right Way to Put on Hosiery

There is a right way to put on hosiery. If you follow these instructions your tights will last a lot longer.

Take a few minutes to put them on properly, and follow these simple directions:

· Remove all jewellery, and check fingernails and toenails for rough edges;

· I usually put a hand or body moisturiser on my hands and feet, especially heels,  to eliminate any rough patches;

· Roll each leg of the pantyhose down and place the toe of the garment over the foot. Gently smooth one leg all the way up, then repeat on the other leg;

·  Pull the rest of the pantyhose up carefully to the waist using your flat fingers, rather than fingertips. Smooth fabrics while checking for twists and sags.

Remember to take off your hosiery as carefully as you put them on.

Which Size
Selecting hosiery that fits properly is one of the best ways to ensure maximum wear life. If your hosiery is too tight, it is more susceptible to wear and tear, plus it minimizes your comfort levels.
·  Most pantyhose have a chart on the back of the package that gives height and weight ranges for each size.   Always use the particular style’s size table; many brands use different yarns from different sources with different characteristics, and also may use different machinery and knit fabric constructions so your size in one brand will not necessarily be the same size in another brand.
·  Be honest with yourself about your weight when buying pantyhose in order to ensure the proper fit.

If you are at the upper end of a size range, it's better to go for the next size for maximum fit and comfort. Larger or full-figured women should look for larger-sized products often called Queen or Plus size, which are designed for them.  Look for tights with an extra back gusset.

How to Stop an Snag or Run in your Hosiery
To stop a snag or run from getting any bigger use a clear nail polish on and around the area.
·  If you are out (and you don’t have clear nail polish – who does?!) you can try to pinch a yarn just below or above the snag with your fingertips, pulling it away from your leg to cause a fine horizontal “pull” – if done correctly this “pull” will stop the ladder from travelling upwards or downwards.  Don’t be too vigorous as this can make a big hole if done to roughly, just start gently until you get the knack.
· Don't throw out those snagged pantyhose - wearing hosiery under trousers is a tried and true form of visible pantyline prevention.