Love or Loathe: Pantyhose

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Kate Middleton has been sporting panty-hose frequently as part of her royally-required conservative attire. As a result, the pantyhose makers of the world have been sending me frenzied emails that their product is back at the height of fashion, but I'm not so sure.

Growing up in a private school with a terribly strict dress code, panty hose were a requirement for my from ages 12 to 18. They did not go with the cargo skirts and Doc Marten's popular at the time. I hate hate hated them. They were so thin they were practically a single-use product since I tore them every day. Plus, the cheap pantyhose just roll down to create a weird tube effect around your hips if you don't have a skirt or slip waistband holding them in place.

After a few years of private school wardrobe rebellion I resumed wearing dresses and fell in love with tights. I've learned that high-quailty legwear can be both stylish and beneficial. Control top tights can sub for Spanx. They smooth legs, hide flaws and pull a look together. Not to mention the benefits of warmth in the winter.

Pantyhose, however, still feel old and outdated to me. I like the retro kind with a line up the back or a patterned or colored pair, but nude or flesh-tone hose still don't seem like the height of fashion. Do you love or loathe this barely-there legwear?

Comments

Kasmira said…
Loathe! Although two bloggers I read (one in England and one in Australia) love them. Maybe it's a UK thing?
August 9, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Alison said…
Loathe! I've always hated them. I don't care how pale or if I have bruises, I'm not wearing them!
August 9, 2011 at 10:56 AM
♥Whiskey-Rose said…
I don't see the point in Kate wearing them with her slim and toned legs and long dresses! x
August 9, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Jael Paris said…
A few years ago, I bought a pair of black silk hose. They're a dream. However, I couldn't imagine wearing them everyday either as they must be hand-washed and if I would tear them, they're expensive to replace.
August 9, 2011 at 3:36 PM
Vicki said…
I hate them - they've never been comfortable. I will never wear them again no matter what!!
August 9, 2011 at 5:40 PM
Sarah O. said…
I loathe them, but I still pull them out on special dressy occasions, however I absolutely hate the suntan ones! They give me oompa-loompa legs!
August 9, 2011 at 8:48 PM
Fanya said…
As a "white" Asian with super black hair and being slightly hairy, my legs don't really get an even complexion when I shave, so I wear pantyhose sometimes.

That being said, I much prefer dark colored tights cuz they are more durable and flesh color never match exactly and looks tacky. If I have to do flesh, I like going cheeky, like the tatoo hose you posted about ages ago
August 9, 2011 at 9:41 PM
Jennifer Wells said…
Loathe!

I decided that I hated them when I was in high school in the mid-90s.

People would make fun of me for not wearing them, but I have very Snow-White coloring and orange legs simply do not fit the equation.

I guess some of the colored hose look okay. But I don't think I'd wear them in the summertime.
August 10, 2011 at 3:17 PM
Anonymous said…
Someone has to stand up for panty-hose. They give that extra hint of warmth when I don't want the look of tights.
They make me feel very put together and classy. I can't imagine wearing them daily though.
August 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM
Jael Paris said…
It always make me happy when someone goes against the crowd on these. :-)
August 10, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Jennifer Wells said…
Jael, where did you purchase your silk hose?

The only ones I've been able to find are from Agent Provocateur, but $80 is simply not in my budget.
August 11, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Jael Paris said…
I bought them at my dearly departed Marshall Field's when it was closing, but Macy's has them too. In fact, I could do some searching and find you some. I'd like a couple more pairs.
August 11, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Jennifer Wells said…
Oh thank you, how kind. My birthday is next month, maybe I'll treat myself to a pair, depending on the price.
August 11, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Elizabeth said…
I have never had to wear them regularly so maybe that's why I don't mind, but sometimes they're nice. Being in Wisconsin, they're great for Spring or Fall weddings, where you can still wear a shorter dress and not freeze completely. I'll also wear them in the winter when it gets super cold and even jeans aren't enough. For me, they aren't a fashion statement, they're a necessity for keeping warm! :)
August 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Ms. Jane said…
I'm more a pattern tights kinda gal and I wear a lot of skirts. I grew up in the caveman days when Leggs eggs were all the rage. Would wear pantyhose, good quality with a seam but not everyday. My 14 daughter calls pantyhose flesh tights and actually thinks they are kinda cool. Wow!
August 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM
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