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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

So many choices ... which pair to buy?

So ... you decided you want to buy some hosiery. How difficult could that be? Just pop by any store that sells hosiery and find your color, your size and presto you're done. Right? Not anymore. With the many options on the market today, what used to be a simple task can now be a bit confusing. It seems as though that hosiery manufacturers are determined to woo the female population back to the pantyhose era, an some may even start a men's version.

There are simply too many choices like Ultra Sheer, Day Sheer/Business Sheer, Spandex Sheer, Circulation Enhancing, Shimmer/Glimmer and Opaques/Tights, just to name a few, in a myriad of brands and colors.

With so much choices, how do you choose hosiery that flatter your body? The following are key points to consider when doing so:

1) SIZING:

a) Sizing is not standardized among hosiery manufacturers. This means that an "A" is not always an "A" or a "B" a "B" and so forth. Be sure to read hosiery packaging carefully. Match your height first then your weight according to the size chart on the hosiery's packaging. Height first so that the length of the pantyhose/tights is long enough. Weight is next, so that the fit is snug. If you are between sizes, then either go 1 size up or down depending on how tight a fit you prefer.

2) CLASSIFICATION:

a) Ultra sheer: For those of you who dare to be almost bare. These are particularly sheer, and allow your skin tone to show through. These should be handled carefully due to the low denier rating which makes the hose extremely delicate.

b) Day Sheer/Business Sheer: A bit less sheer than Ultra sheer, but are durable enough to be worn daily.

c) Spandex Sheer: For the less daring, this mix of nylon and spandex still offers a silky, smooth feel. They are a bit more durable and also an option for daily wear.

d) Circulation Enhancing: (aka support hose) A nylon and yarn combination that's slightly heavier. It supports and lessens leg fatigue with a tender application of force to important parts on the leg. This pressure has a massaging effect that increases leg circulation. These are great for people (women and men) who stand or sit for long hours during the day. Really helps.

e) Shimmer/Glimmer: These shimmer when hit by the light. They are perfect for showing up the shape of the legs. Recommended but not restricted to evening wear. You will be amazed how nice your legs will look and feel.

f) Opaques/Tights: For the less daring or those seeking warmth. These offer complete coverage, additional warmth and in darker colors present a leaner look for the leg. These also provide coverage to hide scars on legs.

g) Control Top Pantyhose: To shape and lift the buttocks and flatten the stomach. Quick way to cut inches off.


Friday, January 1, 2010

Can you tell the difference?

Tights and leggings. Can you tell the difference? These 2 words seem to be used interchangeably nowadays, but there are some differences between them. The only thing similar about the two is that both are leg-wear.

1. Material - Tights (UK) or pantyhose (US) are made usually from a mixture of nylon, spandex and lycra. Leggings are generally made from a mixture of cotton, lycra. Tights/pantyhose are thinner than leggings. Leggings tend to be less stretchable compared to tights/pantyhose.

2. Durability - Leggings tend to be more durable due to its thickness and material used. Sheer tights are the lest durable, while opaque tights offer better durability to sheer tights.

3. Sheerness - Leggings are more opaque and hence people tend to wear them as pants, though leggings are not pants.

Oh, leggings are usually footless while tights/pantyhose are footed leg-wear.

Which one to wear? That will depend on the outfit you are wearing. With a long T-shirt or tunic, leggings are fine. With a dress, skirt, shorts .. tights (sheer or opaque) are better.