Pantyhose (also called tights) are sheer, close fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet. Traditionally considered a woman's garment, pantyhose appeared in the 1960s and provided a convenient alternative to stockings. Like stockings, pantyhose are usually made of nylon. Pantyhose are designed to:
- Be fashionable
- Ease chafing between the foot and footwear
- Keep the legs and feet warm
- Hide physical imperfections such as blemishes, bruises, scars, hair, or varicose veins
Besides being worn as fashion, in Western society pantyhose is sometimes worn by women when formal dress is required. For example, the dress code of some companies and schools require pantyhose or fashion tights to be worn when skirts or shorts are worn or as part of a uniform.
Composition of Pantyhose
Pantyhose generally has a standard construction:
- The top of the waist is a strong elastic
- The part covering the hips (panty area) is composed of a thicker material than the legs
- The gusset or crotch is also a stronger material, sometimes made of cotton
while the legs of the pantyhose are made of the thinnest material which has a consistent construction down to the toes, which may be reinforced to guard against wear.
Most pantyhose are composed of nylon and a mixture of spandex, which provides the elasticity and form fitting that is characteristic of modern pantyhose. The nylon fabric is somewhat prone to tearing and it is common for very sheer hose to 'run' soon after snagging on something rough or sharp.Variations in pantyhose construction exist, such as with fishnet pantyhose. They may also be composed of other materials such as cotton or wool.