# Ladies: Pantyhose or Stockings? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 2, 2009, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056 "2009-08-02T14:02:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/1 "2009-08-02T14:02:47Z")
And why one over the other? If stockings do you prefer thigh highs or garters? Colors, patterns or fishnets? Shiny or dull? Ever wear seamed? These are questions more about regular wearing, not so much the bedroom. ---
**Author:** ![Mom-of-Andrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8c91f0/32.png) [@Mom-of-Andrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mom-of-Andrew)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/2 "2009-08-02T14:14:33Z")
I’ll jump in. Everyday situations, such as the office, a family social function, etc, definitely call for plain 'ol pantyhose. It’s just more practical. No worries about garter belts showing through, things getting twisted around and looking funny, or elastic on thigh highs rolling on you so you’re trying to discreetly pull everything up where it belongs. Going out on the town, when I want to _feel_ sexy, I tend to dress in things hubby finds sexy. The details (fishnet, colored, seamed, etc) will depend on the overall effect of the outfit (and the outside temp LOL No fishnet at 40 degrees, but I might go with a nice pair of black rose pattern stockings…) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/3 "2009-08-02T14:14:55Z")
If I never have to ever wear either again I will be quite happy. The only reason I’ve ever worn them on a regular basis is that I was _paid_ to wear them as part of “corporate attire” and office dress code. So in my case the answer is “neither”. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/4 "2009-08-02T14:36:28Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > If I never have to ever wear either again I will be quite happy. The only reason I’ve ever worn them on a regular basis is that I was _paid_ to wear them as part of “corporate attire” and office dress code. So in my case the answer is “neither”. This, though I prefer garter hose or good stay-up stockings (Jockey used to make a great pair) when I do have to go to hose. Wearing hose is somewhat out of fashion these days, though (at least still in Chicago and probably elsewhere, last I looked into it). I’m just glad fashion finally intersected with my preferences, at least for now. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/5 "2009-08-02T14:37:46Z")
> [@Cubsfan](#): > > And why one over the other? Neither, if I can help it. Pantyhose suck, I can’t imagine wearing them anywhere other than the office, and only if it’s really cold, in which case I’d much prefer tights. I prefer nothing to stockings as well, but they’re better than pantyhose. That said, I’d never wear them to the office, too much chance of wardrobe malfunction. > [@Cubsfan](#): > > If stockings do you prefer thigh highs or garters? I prefer garters. More secure, and though there may be women in the world who can wrap an elastic around their thigh with absolutely no bulging, I’m not one of them. > [@Cubsfan](#): > > Colors, patterns or fishnets? For fun, sure, but use sparingly at work. As a rule, if your dress code requires hose, fishnets are NOT what they have in mind. > [@Cubsfan](#): > > Shiny or dull? What is this, the Ice Capades? > [@Cubsfan](#): > > Ever wear seamed? Only when I’m hanging out with Dita Von Teese. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/6 "2009-08-02T18:46:55Z")
Most of the time–neither. Houston women have gladly followed the fashion set up North and abandoned pantyhose, with exceptions for the most old-fashioned of corporate settings & formal events. I’ve confirmed these observations in the tunnel system that links most buildings Downtown–where employees in the more conservative firms walk to lunch, avoiding our famous heat; pantyhose are rare. Of course, slacks are also acceptable in most offices. When cool weather comes, as it eventually does, we mostly wear tights, which are more comfortable & sturdy than panty hose. Black is the classic color–even with light-colored shoes, according to _Vogue_! But I’ll sometimes indulge my taste for odd colors & patterns. I remember the end of the panty-girdle & stocking era. So, no stockings for me! Unless I’m playing dress-up… ---
**Author:** ![Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleeps_With_Butterflies)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/7 "2009-08-02T19:01:02Z")
Unless it’s cold or a formal occasion, bare legs. For me, never ever ever pantyhose. No way, no how. Stockings for sure. I’ll do garters, but prefer the thigh highs that stay up on their own. Colors, patterns, seam… whatever. Tights I will do, but not pantyhose. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/8 "2009-08-02T19:03:44Z")
This thread reminds me of something… (rrrrriiiiiing) Hello? _(silence)_ Hello?!? _(heavy breathing)_ Who is this??!!?? _mmmmmm… Hi there._ WHO IS THIS??? _…What color panties are you wearing?_ CLICK!!! ---
**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/9 "2009-08-02T19:37:52Z")
With a dress, panty hose, definitely. I’ve tried knee highs, but I need something to keep my thighs from rubbing together. (Working on that problem, but it will be a while.) Without anything I don’t feel quite dressed. It might be different if I still wore them all the time, but I haven’t for several years now. Stockings and garters and all that strike me the same way the old fashioned “monthly” belt apparatus did. A reasonable solution at the time, but way outdated and unnecessary now. ---
**Author:** ![apollonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2bfe46/32.png) [@apollonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/apollonia)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2009, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/10 "2009-08-02T21:44:10Z")
Hose sucks. If it’s cold enough to need my legs covered, I’ll go with tights, which I have in all kinds of colours and patterns. There is no reason for shiny tights. Just no. And while I do own a pair of seamed fishnet hose, the seams are a beast to keep straight and I’m only wearing them with a darn good reason. ---
**Author:** ![Serenata67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/serenata67/32/10646_2.png) [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/11 "2009-08-03T01:21:38Z")
nylons (pantyhose)… garters are just too much of a hassle for day to day. I like stockings and garters for sexy nights… but those don’t always happen… ---
**Author:** ![Cyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e4f/32.png) [@Cyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyn)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/12 "2009-08-03T04:15:30Z")
I much prefer stockings over pantyhose \*\* If stockings do you prefer thigh highs or garters?\*\* Garter belt **Colors, patterns or fishnets?** I usually wear sheer, nude hose but with a short black skirt and flats, I’ll wear patterns. Colors, not so much—gray, navy but not anything realy colorful; no reds, greens, nothing like that. Fishnets are a great pattern. My favorites are tan or soft black. **Shiny or dull?** Depends. Matte for everyday, shinier for evening **Ever wear seamed?** Never. Keeping them straight seems like a lot of trouble for not a lot of return. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/13 "2009-08-03T09:43:13Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > If I never have to ever wear either again I will be quite happy. The only reason I’ve ever worn them on a regular basis is that I was _paid_ to wear them as part of “corporate attire” and office dress code. So in my case the answer is “neither”. This. If I get a job that requires wearing hose, I’d better be VERY well paid for it. When I wore the damn things, I kept an emergency pair at work, because I was always snagging them. I MIGHT wear garters and hose, if I have something special planned, but I wouldn’t be leaving the house wearing them…unless it was to go to a special dinner or something, with the best part later. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/14 "2009-08-03T13:18:05Z")
I will also never wear pantyhose. I am hoping eventually the stuff will just disappear. I’ll wear stockings, or tights, very rarely. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/15 "2009-08-03T16:04:18Z")
Do women have any idea how bad you look bare-legged? OK, maybe if you’re well tanned and under 25 you might look decent without hose. But for goodness sake, look in a full length mirror before going out. Or put one leg in hose and another out and compare the two. Or look at your feet- if your 10 toes are facing 16 different directions, it’s not a good idea to let them do so. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/16 "2009-08-03T16:12:44Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Do women have any idea how bad you look bare-legged? OK, maybe if you’re well tanned and under 25 you might look decent without hose. But for goodness sake, look in a full length mirror before going out. Or put one leg in hose and another out and compare the two. Or look at your feet- if your 10 toes are facing 16 different directions, it’s not a good idea to let them do so. That’s fine, I don’t dress for you. 🙂 You’ll be relieved to hear I can’t even recall the last time I wore a skirt, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/17 "2009-08-03T16:28:52Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Do women have any idea how bad you look bare-legged? OK, maybe if you’re well tanned and under 25 you might look decent without hose. But for goodness sake, look in a full length mirror before going out. Or put one leg in hose and another out and compare the two. Or look at your feet- if your 10 toes are facing 16 different directions, it’s not a good idea to let them do so. Wow, Bob. You’re … not what my guy friends call “a leg man” I suppose. Or else you hang with some real uggos. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7993a0/32.png) [@Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamaika_a_jamaikaiake)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/18 "2009-08-03T16:30:38Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Do women have any idea how bad you look bare-legged? OK, maybe if you’re well tanned and under 25 you might look decent without hose. But for goodness sake, look in a full length mirror before going out. Or put one leg in hose and another out and compare the two. Or look at your feet- if your 10 toes are facing 16 different directions, it’s not a good idea to let them do so. Look, your opinion is **your** opinion. Some of us men can’t stand pantyhose/stockings. Also, as **Ferret Herder** said, they aren’t dressing _for_ us, so this comment should be just as irrelevant as yours. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/19 "2009-08-03T16:38:56Z")
During my thinner days and in the summer it would’ve been stockings (gartered or otherwise) hands down. Even those used to come off the second I sat in my car. Nowadays, if I had to wear either for work or for any length of time, it’d be pantyhose. The only reason I’d wear stockings now is if I didn’t expect to be wearing the skirt long. Whatever I was wearing, it would be sheer. Fortunately, I wear pants all the time now. They’re much, much more comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![liberty3701](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3d9bf3/32.png) [@liberty3701](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liberty3701)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056/20 "2009-08-03T16:39:37Z")
I wear knee-length skirts almost everyday, and I don’t wear pantyhose or stockings, and _I don’t shave my legs_! Shock! Horror! Or, in other words, I wear what I want and what I think is comfortable; I’m not dressing for other people. Nor am I forcing them to look at my legs. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-pantyhose-or-stockings/505056.md?page=2)