What could be more feminine than a pair of silky smooth pantyhose?
While many women opt for the bare-legged look these days, pantyhose (and tights) give a much more polished appearance.
The secret is to choose hosiery that makes you look sexy and stylish – not like you stepped out of a time warp from the 80s.
Follow these 5 transgender / crossdresser / femboy pantyhose style rules and I guarantee you can’t go wrong!
A Quick Note About Pantyhose vs. Tights vs. Stockings
Before we jump into the rules, let’s quickly discuss terms:
- Pantyhose – This is a term used in the U.S. to describe sheer hosiery with a denier (a measure of thickness in tights) of 8 to 30.
- Tights – Tights are thicker than pantyhose, with a denier of 40 to 100. (That said, most other English-speaking countries use the term “tights” for all hosiery, from sheer to thick.)
- Stockings – Stockings differ from tights in that they only extend to the upper thighs. They stay up with elastic or are secured with a garter belt.
Rule #1: Only Wear Nude Or Black Pantyhose
For the most sophisticated look, I recommend sticking to the basics and only wearing nude or black pantyhose. (Colored tights are a different story. See Rule #5.)
If you wear black hose, make sure that they’re jet black – not gray-black or brown-black.
Rule #2: Go For Sheer Nude Hose That Matches Your Skin Tone
The #1 rule for nude hose is to match your skin tone as closely as possible.
High-end hose brands (like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein) offer lots of nude shades to choose from, so you should be able to find a perfect match.
The #2 rule for nude hose is to buy the sheerest hosiery you can find. Nude pantyhose should be like the foundation you wear on your face: invisible, but enhancing.
Rule #3: Buy The Best Quality Pantyhose You Can Afford
Most trans women, crossdressers, and femboys have great legs, so it pays to show them off with nice pantyhose. There’s a big difference between drug store brands and department store brands.
My favorite high quality hosiery brands include:
- Wolford
- Spanx
- Donna Karan
- Calvin Klein
- Nordstrom
Rule #4: Coordinate Your Pantyhose With Your Shoes
If you wear black pantyhose, wear black shoes for the most streamlined look.
Nude hose gives you the most options: You can pair them with any color of shoes. For the most leg-lengthening look, try wearing nude hose with nude shoes.
Just remember: NO pantyhose with sandals or open toed shoes! (A small peep toe is fine.)
Rule #5: Try Tights
Semi-sheer and opaque tights are a great alternative to transgender / crossdresser pantyhose – especially when it’s cold out.
Tights are less formal, but they tend to look more modern and youthful than pantyhose.
The pantyhose rules DON’T apply to tights, so experiment with different colors, styles, and textures. Funky tights can totally make an outfit!
Let’s continue the conversation…
Do you love to wear pantyhose, tights, and/or stockings? If so, what are your favorite styles and brands?
Please share your comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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Call me old fashioned but I prefer tights/pantyhose. I like the nude with a touch of tan in my tights.
I love wearing pantyhose and stockings, and yes, Leggs brand suntan is pretty damn close to my summer skin tone. However, I realize that hose are not what women wear anymore. (I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s) I feel more exposed not wearing hose or stockings. I am learning. I keep my legs shaved and well moisturized and I tan, naturally as much as I can.
My moms pantyhose r so amazing..she dresses me even today with her lingerie pantyhose bra slips girdles.im 50 and she has been dressing me for 42 years.when i go to her house she said do u want to dress together honey.i always says yes and she has me put on her panties pantyhose bras girdles dresses skirts heels daily. I love wearing my moms clothes everyday so so much. Im her secret sexy daughter..she has the sexiest lingerie pantyhose girdle panties anywhere..i cant stop dressing in her sexy silky lingerie pantyhose bras panties girdles dresses skirts nightgown everyday so so sexy silky..love it so much..im a sexy sissy lady because of my mom.and love it.
“That should read “Lucky”. “Paula”
“gerrianne”…YOU ARE SO LUCY…I LOVE TO DRESS AS A WOMAN WITH MY SISTER-IN-LAW !!! “Paula”
I wear tights in the cold weather–various colours to augment what I’m wearing–brown, maroon, black, grey, navy blue, and some of the more vibrant funky colours.
In the warm weather I’m always bear legged, unless it’s a dressy occasion, usually a special dinner or dance in the evening. Stockings or pantyhose in the warm or hot weather just makes me too warm. I like the feel of air, especially the blowing wind, around my legs and even under my skirt; I also like to feel my skirt or dress caressing my legs, which is only really possible with bare legs. Barelegs give a nice cooling feel. Pantyhose can make a person sweat and feel constricted.
Caroline
I’ve worn stockings and mostly pantyhose my whole life. I rarely go bare legged. My favorite shades are, nude, beige and tan depending on the brand. Colors I rarely wear but I will wear black occasionally.
I dislike panty hose intensely, because the waist never stops trying to scrunch me top death. I wear thigh-highs (“holdups in UK) or regular hose with a suspender belt. When it is really cold out (like below about 28 F or below 40 F and very windy), I will break down and put on my cashmere blend tights.
I can’t say enough good things about the sales people at MyTights.com. They carry all kinds of leg wear, including the new-ish “manty hose”. If you are unsure about sizing (some brands run smaller than others), call them; they are used to dealing with customers who seem to be the “wrong gender” for hose, and will treat you like the lady you’d like to be.
hehe thanks xoxo
Fran, you are sooo cute!
I love pantyhose except when I get runs in them!! I NEED to find and buy the no run kind.I have nude and jet black pantyhose and since I’m a coffee drinker I had to get some Legg’s Coffee pantyhose recently.You’re right,not a lot of women wear pantyhose these days 🙁
“Darren”…Runs Are No Fun…When I get a run in my Nylons, I wear them under my Nightgown. “Paula”
I’m very definitely a stockings girl! I absolutely do not go out bare legged, and my favourites for regular wear are Berkshire SexyHose. Reasonably priced and available in larger sizes!
I go to lady grace and get Berkshires pantyhose.they r amazing. It is a lingerie store in boston.i love the dressing room with the woman..we wear pantyhose bras girdles bathing suit.together