Hosiery Overview
Hosiery are the intimate apparel, or undergarments, worn directly on the legs or feet. Most hosiery are constructed by knitting methods using a variety of materials based on the requirements of the particular style of hosiery.
Types of Hosiery
Some of the more common types of hosiery include: stockings, pantyhose, control pantyhose, sheer pantyhose, ultra sheer pantyhose, shimmer pantyhose, tights, socks, ankle socks, athletic socks, footies and knee socks.
Sheer hosiery is soft, silky hosiery with a smooth, comfortably fitting leg. It is made of a combination of nylon and Lycra that creates a silky feel. The silky characteristics of this hosiery allows them to be slipped on easily.
Support hosiery is knitted from a combination of nylon and spandex yarns that are slightly heavier than those used in normal hosiery. This heavier yarn makes support hosiery among the most durable and longest-wearing sheer hosiery The support features of this hosiery actually reduces leg fatigue.
Ultra sheer hosiery is knitted from very fine nylon, which requires extra care and handling. Ultrasheer hosiery are the best choice for allowing your natural skin tones to show through giving the appearance of having bare legs.
Opaques and tights are similar in construction and function. The main difference between opaques and tights is the garment weight. Tights are typically constructed of heavier materials, which makes them less sheer than opaques. Tights are usually knitted from a combination of cotton, wool, or nylon/Lycra. Opaques are typically knitted from heavy weight nylon/Lycra or microfibers.
Shimmer pantyhose refers to pantyhose products that reflect and appear to sparkle in the light. They are constructed of nylon/Lycra materials that have a sheen to them which produces the shimmer effect.
Socks come in a variety of knitted materials and are typically classified by their physical form factor. Footies cover the feet and stop just below the ankle. Ankle socks are similar to footies, but they end just above the ankle. Athletic socks or calf height socks continue coverage up the leg to around mid-calf. Finally, knee high socks cover the leg from the toes to the knees.
by The Hosiery Lady
Author Information
The Hosiery Lady provides a comprehensive view of hosiery covering everything from fashion to function. You can find hosiery information at her website http://www.theofficialwebsiteforhosiery.com. She also authors the Hosiery Bargain Newsletter.
