Hosiery is legwear that covers the body from the hemline of the dress to shoes. Some common types of legwear are tights, pantyhose, stockings, and leggings. All of these are innerwear and can be worn under skirts, dresses, or shorts to define the legs. These garments are an aesthetic option to conceal any bruises or marks on the legs and to get warmth during winters. Typically, people consider tights, leggings, stockings, and pantyhose to be the same thing while actually they are different from each other. We have done some research to differentiate all these four bottom garments. Read the complete article to so you can distinghuish between them.
Stockings
Stockings are ladies’ garments that fit closely over the foot, normally formed of translucent silk or nylon, and come in various styles and designs. However, the term “stockings” can also refer to garments that stretch only to the upper thigh instead of the waistline and are then held up with suspenders and a garter belt. Stockings like compression stockings are used for medical applications as tight bandages or coverings in some treatments.
Often, the term ‘stockings’ is used when talking about tights and pantyhose that’s because these kinds of attire are basically shorter versions of one another. The main difference between stockings and other legwear is coverage area; stockings only come as high as a women’s thighs, whereas other garments go all the way up to the waistline.
Stockings are easily the most famous out of all the garments mentioned here. They can be worn on special occasions or for everyday wear. In fact, some women only wear these garments to get someone else’s attention. While others, however, may wear them to keep their legs warm in the cold weather or because they are more comfortable. Many women in TV shows and movies are often seen wearing stockings whenever they are trying to use their set appeal.
Pantyhose
Pantyhose are tight-fitting legwear that covers the wearer’s body from waist to feet. They are the type of hosiery that is the thinnest of the bunch. They are sheer, almost see-through, and generally made of nylon, with a denier of 8 to 30. However, the upper part of the pantyhose or panty is made with cotton or other porous material. Pantyhose are footed so that they can comfortably fit over the user’s feet and stretch up to their waistline.
Compared to leggings, pantyhose does not have much stretch and flexibility, but they offer a tighter fit. Black and nude are the most popular colors for pantyhose. However, nude is usually a tricky one to purchase because it must match your skin tone; otherwise, you risk your legs looking like a hue that’s far removed from the rest of your skin. Pantyhose are considered as an undergarment or underwear because they cannot be worn on their own instead, they serve as supplementary garments.
Tights
Tights are the type of legwear clothing that covers the body from the waist down. They are usually heavier and thicker in the material than the other leg hoseries. Unlike pantyhose, tights have uniform consistency of the material. Tights have the same coverage area as pantyhose but are normally thicker than pantyhose. They can either near-see-through or come in different opacities. Unlike pantyhose, tights are available in a wide range of fabrics, designs, and styles. Tights are usually footed and can be worn under skirts or dress-type clothing.
The term “Tights” is also used for the stretchy leg-wear worn by acrobats, and dancers, sported under a leotard or tutu or any other type of costume. Tights are made of elasticized material, mainly cotton or polyester blends. Washing of tights should be done with great care, just like washing nylons, preferably in mesh bags. They are designed to fit tight on the body, like a second skin. With modern innovations, tights are made to provide moisturization to the skin and even aid in lessening cellulite.
Leggings
Lastly, leggings, the one item of clothing on this list opaque enough to be worn freely in place of actual pants. Leggings are not footed; instead, they stretch from the ankle or lower calf to the waist. It offers a more comfortable fit than other bottom wears. Moreover, it is made up of thick, elasticized cotton, polyesters, and spandex. It is present in a variety of fabrics, colors, textures, and styles. Wear it for athletic use or, put it casually, the days you don’t feel like wearing pants.
Originally leggings were designed for layering purposes, to be worn under the pants to counter the cold. But today, they are worn under long shirts or lounging around the house. Unlike yoga pants, leggings are moderately fit garments, making them more wonderful and comfortable. As compared to tights, the washing of leggings is easy, and there are no special precautions.
