Women’s fashion has gone through many changes throughout history, and the wardrobe of the modern woman has only been expanding ever since. Perhaps among the most timeless of these is the pantyhose, invented over half a century ago. What once began as an idea to combine underwear and stockings has grown into the industry of hosiery as we know it today.
Nowadays, innovations in clothing fabrics have allowed the industry to develop undergarments that serve both the functional and stylistic needs of women. There hasn’t been a better time to shop hosiery for all kinds of outfits and combinations, but it might be difficult to understand which tights or hosiery go best with your next ensemble.
To help you decide what to match with your next dress, it’s good to first learn what hosiery and tights are, as well as their different variants.
Hosiery or Tights?
To begin with, these garments may appear so similar that it might be easy to mistake them for the same thing. Both are long, elastic pieces that typically start at the waist and cover the length of the legs, and they can help create the illusion of a smoother silhouette. However, there are functional and stylistic differences between the two.
First, hosiery or pantyhose are primarily made of nylon and are generally much thinner, allowing the fabric to look almost transparent. On the other hand, tights are thicker and usually opaquer, but their opacity can vary. The thickness of tights also helps to keep the legs warm, which is why they tend to be a good option during colder seasons.
While tights were once considered the next step in the evolution of pantyhose, today’s clothing trends have built upon both hosiery and tights to match a greater variety of styles.
Different Types of Hosiery and Tights
Modern fashion has allowed brands to develop a wide range of hosiery and tights to serve varying functions and looks, but all these options can appear overwhelming and confusing. With this, it would be helpful to understand some of the most common types and how they work best with an outfit.
Opaque
Opaque hosiery and tights are by far the most common because they can suit most outfits. These are the default when thinking about the right pair to match with most skirts and dresses, and they’re a safe choice for any occasion that isn’t formal. It’s recommended to wear black boots with these, but any dark, closed-toe shoes such as heels would work as well.
Sheer Hose
Sheer hosiery and tights are much less opaque. They’re available in both light and dark hues which can help to match different skin tones. Aside from the usual matte texture, they also come in a glossy finish that can provide a subtle glow to the legs. Because they’re more translucent, this type of hosiery or tights tends to be more versatile when matched with a variety of outfits.
While these can work well for a conservative look, they can also be used for a more risqué style when worn under skirts with higher hems. In the latter case, sheer black options may result in a more mature appearance.
Nude
A variant of sheer tights or hosiery, nude options maintain the transparency along with both glossy and matte options. What differs is that they come in hues that mimic skin tones to create the appearance of bare legs. However, choosing nude pairs with a slightly darker tone can help give the impression of a tan, especially for outfits that don’t go well with black tights or hosiery.
The problem is that current fashion trends strongly advise against wearing nude hosiery or tights unless there is a functional reason to do so, like keeping the legs warm in cold weather. Otherwise, it usually makes more sense to go with bare legs.
Textured or Patterned
As the name suggests, this type of hosiery or tights is designed to be visually ostentatious, along with a rougher surface to the touch. Because of their appearance, wearing a patterned or textured pair calls a lot more attention to the legs, no matter the fashion ensemble.
Hosiery or tights that come with patterns or textures due give off an air of playfulness, youth, and expressive individuality. As such, it’s ideal to match these with a more classic or plain clothing combination. For example, they work well when paired with a silk top, pencil skirt, and closed-toe heels.
When to Wear Tights
Just Going Out
Tights are a no-brainer if you’re not heading out for anything special. Perhaps you have errands or you want to stay at a café to relax, study, or work. So long as you’re not wearing pants, tights can go with most dresses and shorts. These are great for cold weather, but there are tights made to be more breathable for tropical climates, too. Since you may find yourself walking around a lot, it’s best to match these with black boots to help your legs look longer, especially from afar.
Going to School
If you’re lucky, maybe you go to a school with a relatively lax dress code, if any at all. If so, take advantage of it by sporting even a little bit of style. You can enhance your outfit without looking out of place with a pair of tights. Even if you’re dressing casually in a tee, shorts, and sneakers, your tights can be just the right piece to add more comfort and a little pizazz to your ensemble.
Hanging Out with Friends
If you’re going out with people who’ve seen you thousands of times, you probably don’t feel like trying too hard with your outfit, especially if you’re just having lunch or going out shopping. At times like these, you can put on your favorite tights and match them with a sweater and skirt. You can also pair your tights with a shirt and skirt for a more breathable get-up. For shoes, you’ll want to wear dark platforms, boots, or flats to match your tights without being too difficult to walk in.
When to Wear Hosiery
Dressing for Work
Dark hosiery is perfect for the monochromatic style of most corporate offices, especially those with conservative dress codes. Indeed, dark hosiery goes well with the usual dark blazer and plain white button-down, though you can try dress shirts that come in bright, pale colors. They’re also good for power dressing if you need a sophisticated look that commands respect in the workplace.
Formal Events
Sheer hosiery can give you an air of sophistication when worn under a conservative outfit, which is why they’re perfect for formal events and gatherings. These could range from fancy dinners to weddings and other gatherings that require you to really dress up. With that in mind, sheer hose goes with cocktail dresses because they’re visually less noticeable. Ideally, you’ll want to pick hosiery that matches your skin tone. For footwear, you’ll want to wear your favorite heels.
Parties and Nights Out
If you’re going out to have fun at a bar, club, or house party, you want to be expressive with a look that owns the room. These are the perfect occasions to wear textured hose to let everyone know that you’re fun and full of personality. This kind of hosiery puts most of the attention on your legs, so it’s best to balance a pair of these with a plain colored shirt and a pencil skirt. You can opt to wear platform shoes to keep your feet comfortable for a long night of socialization.
Going on a First Date
These are the nights when you want to dress to impress. For maximum appeal, you’ll want to put on a dark pair of sheer pantyhose. These kinds of hosiery show you mean business, so you should balance it out with an equally classy outfit like a dark turtleneck, a plaid skirt, and either high heels or ankle boots. You can also go with a black dress and boots for a little more simplicity without compromising on sophistication.
No matter what the occasion, it’s always a good idea to have a wider selection of tights and hosiery to give you more freedom of choice with your wardrobe. With these in your closet, you can easily adjust your style for any event, ranging from more sophisticated outfits to carefree ensembles. As long as you know when it’s appropriate to put on your tights or hosiery, you shouldn’t have a problem coming up with the perfect clothing combinations for your needs.