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 LOVE to wear Pantyhose. But Full Fashions Stockings are a pure joy….
Barbara
just love spandex hose and with weather permitting I prefer tights and high heels shoes for walking the mall
I half to disagree with some of this. You say to observe women where you live. Well where I live woman wear a lot of suntan hose because were in the northern climate and nudes are to bland with many out fits they also wear hose with open toe shoes and straps just about every kind of shoe. They also wear tans and beige with a lot of dark colors for a more casual look. The quality of hose you wear makes a big difference. I actually have had people say they didn’t realize I even had hose on. I will were suntan with certain black skirts and dresses be cause I’m out for the day not clubbing and want a more casual look of tan legs with the skirt that’s when I wear very shear tan. It almost looks like I’m wearing no hose. Nude would make my legs look white. When my legs get a tan than I switch to nude.
Lucille ,
Your pantyhose rules are very sound and I agree. As a elegant mature “dresser”, my motto for many years has been “pass with class” don’t go over the top with your look. But I must admit, to feel like a real lady full-fashion sheer stockings are a joy.
Barbara
Silkies! Introduced to them many years ago, & still my favourites today.
I love thigh highs, I get mine from One Hanes Place and I usually buy Little color, Navy blue and Jet black (my favorite). I always wear stockings with my heels.
I.love pantyhose that have lycra in them and a shine i have long legs and enjoy slipping on hosiery after shaving my legs
i love to wear panty hose, women tell me all the time i have nice legs must be my vegan diet, i also love high heels that show my painted toes very sexy!