Hosiery comes in all shapes and forms, and here I will try to explain the main differences. Hosiery basically encompasses everything that we wear on our legs, socks, etc. We have many different words for these items, i.e. pantyhose etc. We will go into this in more detail below.



Ankle socks

Ankle socks are small socks of ankle height that is commonly worn with shoes; they can come in plain or coloured. Some can come in lace trim or frilly lace trim.

Knee High Socks

Knee high socks are plain or coloured and they rise to a height of the knee, unlike ankle socks they tend to be plain socks without and lace trim. However they can come in many different patterns depending on the mood of the wearer.

Above the knee socks

In recent years a new fashion trend has been seen in fashion hosiery these are what is commonly referred to as above the knee socks. These can be plain or again with many different patterns depending on the mood of the wearer, and can be viewed as sexy or quite slutty by some.

Thigh High Socks

Thigh High socks are socks that are a little longer than most socks and are a fashion statement in themselves, as they are similar to stockings but are in effect socks.

Footies

Footies are like slippers made of nylon that slips over they feet, to allow the wear to wear shoes without the need to wear heavy socks or tights.

Knee highs

Knee high nylons are worn to wear under long skirts or under jeans to give the illusion that the wearer is wearing pantyhose.

Thigh highs

Thigh High nylons are another name for stockings and they can come in patterned, stay up, or plain. They can be held up with suspenders, but increasingly the demand is for stay up. Many hosiery manufacturers now make them in a variety of patterns that depends on the wearer.

Stockings

Stockings nylons are another name for thigh highs and they can come in patterned, stay up, or plain. They can be held up with suspenders, but increasingly the demand is for stay up. Many hosiery manufacturers now make them in a variety of patterns that depends on the wearer.

Tights/Pantyhose

Tights are a full length nylon that goes to the height of the waist. They are more comfortable to wear, and come in a variety of patterns and thickness. They also come in sheer, satin, matt, wool, ribbed, shiny, etc.

Toeless Pantyhose

Toeless pantyhose are normal pantyhose that are bereft of reinforced toe or any toe at all. Normally these are worn with open toed shoes.

Footless Pantyhose

A recent addition to hosiery, these are a recent fashion statement and can be worn underneath skirts etcs. Can be seen in many retail fashion shops at the moment.

Crotch less Pantyhose

Crotch less pantyhose are tights that are specially made to be worn for a more erotic nature. These are not really practicably to wear everyday, and therefore are mainly worn for sexy nights in.

Opaque Tights

Opaque tights are tights that tend to be thick, and doesn't allow others to see the skin of the wearer. They come nowadays in many different colours. Also they come in many different patterns. They are usually 40 denier, and 70 denier thickness, but they can come in 100 denier and 90 denier.

This is not a comprensive guide to pantyhose, as there is continuing developments in pantyhose and fashion. What may be used today may be totally different tomorrow. But we do hope that this guide helps you to choose from the variety of hosiery on the market today. Enjoy!