Sheer Facts

THE SHEER FACTS ABOUT HOSIERY
Here's everything you need to know about hosiery including information about hosiery styles, selecting the right size, caring for your hose and some tips on how to use hosiery to accent your own personal style.

SHEER PANTYHOSE    
All in one garment that ranges from bare 8 denier appearance to heavier 30 denier coverage. Variety of briefs from sheer to waist to a more firmer control for added smoothness. Sheers that match the skin color of the legs can enhance the appearance, making them look smoother.  

SHAPING/SLIMMING   
Designed to smooth, shape and slenderize tummy, hip and thigh area. Provides a slimmer silhouette appearance.

SUPPORT   
Gentle, graduated compression to provide a massage-like fit that can reduce fatigue in the legs. Aids in circulating blood through the legs for a feeling of comfort throughout the day.

STAY UPS/STOCKINGS   
Stay ups are individual stockings with an elasticised top that has a special lining to grip and stay up.  Stockings are separate also but lack the grip of stay-ups, require that you wear a garter belt or corset that has stocking clips.

FULLER FIGURE/PLUS   
Specialised range that provides exceptional fit and comfort for the fuller figured woman.  

BELOW THE KNEE   
Sheer or opaque hosiery that reaches just below the knee. Available in wide band and narrow band depending on your individual taste.  Includes footcovers, anklets and trouser socks.

OPAQUES   
Heavier denier than sheers, more durable and are great for a slim appearance.  Offers full coverage of the legs. Available in full length and below the knee length.

FASHION   
Patterned hosiery available in full length tights and below the knee lengths.

LEGGINGS   
Tight, form-fitting trousers that extend from the waist to the ankles; they are sometimes referred to as footless tights. Available in plain opaque and fashion styles.

The Right Way to Put on Hosiery

Remove all jewellery, and check fingernails and toenails for rough edges. (This greatly reduces those maddening "they ran as soon as I put them on" mornings.)
Roll each leg of the pantyhose down and place the toe of the garment over the foot. Gently smooth one leg all the way up, then repeat on the other leg.
Pull the rest of the pantyhose up to the waist but don't pull too tight! Smooth fabrics while checking for twists and sags.
Last, take off your hosiery just as carefully as you put them on.

How to choose the right size

Selecting hosiery that fits properly is one of the best ways to ensure maximum wear life. If your hosiery is too tight, it is more susceptible to wear and tear, and it minimizes your flexibility.
Most pantyhose have a chart on the back of the package that gives height and weight ranges for each size. Size A in one brand of pantyhose is not necessarily the same as a size A in another brand. That's because many brands use different yarns from different sources with different characteristics, and also may use different machinery and knit fabric constructions.

Washing and Care

If you take good care of your hosiery, they'll last longer.
Wash pantyhose gently by hand, using a mild detergent that doesn't contain chlorine bleach, which will remove colours and damage fibers. If you prefer the washing machine, place them in a hosiery bag or pillowcase and wash on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
To dry, place one or two pairs of pantyhose on a towel, roll up and squeeze towel gently. This eliminates stretching when hanging hosiery to dry. Never attempt to dry pantyhose in the dryer.