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Pantyhose
Pantyhose (also called tights) are sheer, close fitting coverings of the
body from the waist to the feet, most frequently worn by women. Like
stockings they are usually made of nylon. The one-piece pantyhose garment
appeared in the 1960s and provided a convenient alternative to stockings
(nylons).
The term 'pantyhose' originated in the United States, referring to the
combination of 'panties' (an American term for women's underpants) with
sheer nylon hosiery, meaning they are usually worn without other
undergarments. In the United Kingdom, they are called tights, a term that
refers to all such garments regardless of whether they are sheer lingerie or
sturdy outerwear. In the U.S., the term tights is used for non-sheer
garments typically made of a stretchy material like spandex, and worn during
exercise or athletic activity, or as utility clothing.
History
In the 1920s the fashionable hemline for women's skirts and dresses began to
rise enough to show a woman's legs and sheer hosiery that covered the legs
was only available as stockings. They were typically made of silk or
artificial silk (now known as rayon), and after 1939 with nylon.
In 1959, Allen Gant Sr. of Glen Raven Mills introduced pantyhose. Stocking
manufacturers began using circular knitting machines to reduce manual labor
and create seam-free stockings. In 1965, Glen Raven Mills introduced a
seam-free version of pantyhose, which coincided with the introduction of the
miniskirt. The miniskirt made it unfashionable to show the tops of a woman's
stockings, and by the end of the decade pantyhose had replaced stockings
almost entirely. This also contributed to a marked shift in foundation
undergarment sales: younger women stopped buying girdles around this time.
In the same period hosiery started adding spandex or elastane to give it
stretch superior to crimping nylon. Glen Raven Mills still operates in North
Carolina, U.S. as Glen Raven Inc. Starting sometime the 90s, pantyhose went
allmost completely out of fashion. Since then, women, in general no longer
wear pantyhose unless it is mandated by dress code, typically found at
corporate companies and executive level. An exception to this is the wearing
of special pantyhose such as fishnet or various pattern types, but this is a
rather rare occurance.
Pantyhose styles
Pantyhose are available in a wide range of popular styles. The sheerness of
the garment, expressed as a numerical 'denier'/'dtex', ranges from 3
(extremely rare, very thin, barely visible) to 15 (standard sheer) up to 30
(semi opaque) until 70 (opaque).
For people who want a slimmer form, they may opt to get "Control Top", which
has a reinforced panty. The downside to Control Top Pantyhose are the panty
lines that may appear when wearing high cut skirts or shorts. Sheer to Waist
is just that - sheer from the toe to the waist - no panty lines. Perfect for
high slit gowns, mini-skirts and when wearing with lingerie.
Also for the person who wants a bit more support on the top half, there are
pantyhose that have panel gussets incorporated into them. These are either
single or double types. In the single type, there are two seams instead of
the usual one, with a single one on the opposite side; with double panel
gussets, there are two seams on either side. The single type can be worn
either way. They both help to expand the top panty area. There are also
types of pantyhose which have a lacy panty area which is normally floral in
design. (citation needed) Many pantyhose brands now produce pantyhose that
do away with seams completely, so that the outline is smooth from top to
bottom.
The composition of pantyhose
Most pantyhose are composed of nylon and a mixture of spandex, which
provides the elasticity and form fitting that is characteristic of modern
pantyhose. Unfortunately, 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.
Pantyhose worn for fashion have 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. 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.
Advantages of pantyhose
On mildly or moderately cold days, pantyhose help keep the legs warm for
those wearing skirts or dresses. Above all pantyhose hides blemishes or
scars on the legs, leg hair stubble, and varicose veins. On cold dry days,
pantyhose can help prevent the legs from becoming too dry. Some companies
regard wearing skirts or shorts without pantyhose as unprofessional and thus
require people who wear skirts or shorts to work to also wear pantyhose or
sheer tights.
Dark pantyhose, and black pantyhose in particular, can create the illusion
of slimmer legs. Another flip side depends on the wearer's skin tone - dark
hose shows runs when worn over light skin, whilst lighter hose show water
spots flipped up from the heel after walking in the rain. Whilst, as
detailed below, the material is not absorbent, it is quick drying (for
example after walking in the rain/being splashed by traffic).
Support hosiery can be worn to support the leg. Regulating blood circulation
in the legs, it helps those who work on their feet with preventing/helping
varicose veins and resolving pain in the back and legs.
Disadvantages of pantyhose
The nylon fabric of pantyhose is extremely prone to runs (called laddering
in the United Kingdom). A woman can even cause a run in the hose by catching
the toenail of her big toe in the fabric when she puts the hose on, catching
it on a desk, car, and numerous other 'risks'. Some women use clear nail
polish to prevent runs from growing.
Unlike cotton, nylon is not an absorbent material. As a result, perspiration
from the wearer's feet is more likely to remain in contact with the feet,
which may feel unpleasant to the wearer. If one wears high heels with
pantyhose, the increased moisture can cause the feet to slip forward in the
shoe, causing the toes to be scrunched together. The increased moisture also
causes the foot to move around inside the shoe. This, combined with the fact
that pantyhose are thinner than cotton socks and thus do not provide as much
skin protection, can lead to blisters on the foot, heel, and ankle.
Another consequence of the increased moisture is more foot odor. Because the
odor is generally considered unpleasant, women who are experiencing pain
from blisters and scruched toes are often reluctant to remove their shoes
around others, even though doing so might lessen the pain.
For some people with sensitive skin, the nylon material causes the skin to
become itchy and red.
Men and pantyhose
While traditionally considered a women's garment, pantyhose are occasionally
worn by men for thermal protection and therapeutic relief. In the late 1990s
several small manufacturers introduced pantyhose styles designed for men to
cater to this niche market.[1]
Violent crime applications
Pantyhose are an occasional choice for criminals (such as bank robbers) who
wish to hide their identity. When worn over the head, pantyhose make the
face difficult to identify but still allow the wearer to see fairly clearly.
A satirical experiment about pantyhose masks as a fashion statement in
public was performed by The Chaser's War on Everything.[2]
References
1. ^ The Wall Street Journal: "Kingsize, Not Queen: Some Men Have Taken To
Wearing Pantyhose --- Mainstay for Cross-Dressers Is Boon to Athletes and
Guys On Their Feet All Day Long"
2. ^ [1] The Chaser's War on Everything, Pantyhose As A Fashion Statement
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