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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I much prefer pantyhose to thigh highs. For some reason I just feel more sexy in them. As for color, I wear nude sometimes, but almost always wear black. All if us gurls always want to look our best and if we feel sexy we will look sexy. As a bonus, I seem to attract the eye of more cute guys when I’m wearing black pantyhose, and that even makes me feel more sexy. With pantyhose I can show as much leg as I want without showing too much of anything else. While thigh highs are sexy too, I often flash a guy accidentally and get too much attention. Pantyhose allow me to feel free and just be me.
Nude or Beige
I much prefer a nice lace top holdup stocking than tights (UK).
Hi Joanne,
I too reside in the UK, I have just recently bought lace hold-ups and think they are just sexy. Tights can be very inconvenient at times especially if visiting the ladies room.
Love Heather X
Tights are ok with mini skirts. With knee length skirts or dresses, hold ups or sexy stockings work better.
I love the thigh highs they give you much more freedom. My favorite colors are black and tan. I guess I’m dating my self. Thanks for the advice as always. Brenda
I am a male but like to wear female cloths and live like female
You most certainly can
I love tights and pantyhose. There have been GGs that have been envious of my long slender legs. I’m one of girls that can wear suntan. It matches my skin tone perfectly.
I love wearing pantyhose, they conseal the little imperfections I have and also feel fantastic. I prefer top end like Calvin Klien or legs ect.. Tights are comfortable also I like wrearing a mini 1 piece with them when I go out. hey deffinetly add a sheer sexy look to my skirts.. Thanks for ALL you do Lucille you bring light to many important topics,,Keep up the good work you are much needed.. Love Brooke.. <3
Hi, Lucille! <3
I'm glad it's Spring, and I can now retire my Tights – At least until next Fall and the cooler, wetter/foggier weather Returns. (After all, it's the San Francisco Bay Area, so the temperatures can be so variable.)
So, now that it's warmer, I found your Blog a very helpful reminder of wearing tips and advice on that important transition back to Pantyhose.
I always try to look my very best, and wearing Tights and Pantyhose has always been a part of my working girl life. Simply put: They have always helped shape my legs and I love wearing them. There are perhaps a few weeks At the end of August through September that are truly Hot, and only then do I go Bare-Legged with my Sandals. Weekends are optional with casual Flats and skinny jeans, so that doesn't count, right?
So, I love wearing My Tights and Pantyhose, and I Don't feel quite dressed and feminine without them.
For dressy occasions, I typically wear Stockings from Calvin Klein, and for every day work at the office, I Wear Hanes Silver Reflections
Thanks for all that you do, Lucille. I'd be lost without you advice!
<3 Love,
Jennifer
Just darling Jennifer!
I have been using pantyhose for more than 20 years, even when I am dresed with boy clothes. I always tried to wear my skin tone.