Fashion Tips for choosing pantyhose that flatter the body.

Fashion Tips for choosing pantyhose that flatter the body. This includes sizing, classifications, color choices and proper care of hosiery.

At first glance, it would seem that choosing pantyhose and nylons that flatter your body would be a slam-dunk. You go to the store, find your color, your size and presto you're done. Right? Not anymore. With the many options on the market today, what used to be a simple task can now be a bit confusing. It seems as though the hosiery manufacturers are determined to woo the female population back to the pantyhose era.

To aid that movement they offer choices like Ultra Sheer, Day Sheer/Business Sheer, Spandex Sheer, Circulation Enhancing, Shimmer/Glimmer and Opaques/Tights, to name a few, in a myriad of brands and colors.If that's not enough, manufacturers have the ability to choose what type of yarns, machines or knit constructions, which make the resulting products vary in sizing from manufacturer to manufacturer.

That being said, how do you choose pantyhose and nylons that flatter your body? I'm so glad you asked.The following are four (4) key points to consider when doing so:

1) SIZING:
a) As mentioned above, sizing is not standardized among hosiery manufacturers.This means that an "A" is not always an "A" or a "B" a "B" and so forth. Be sure to read hosiery packaging carefully.

b) If purchasing at a Department Store, it is usually safe to purchase your size (by consulting the weight and height and in some instances, waist and hip sizes as listed on the packaging).Be aware that you get exactly what you pay for. Most bargain hose are "slightly irregular" and not prone to proper fit. There is, however, a way to get around disappointing bargain purchases. Go up a size or choose tall (if available).

2) CLASSIFICATION:
a) Ultra sheer: For those of you who dare to be almost bare.These are particularly sheer, and allow your skin tone to show through.These should be handled carefully.

b) Day Sheer/Business Sheer: A bit less sheer for those of you straddling the fence between bare it sheer and modest sheer.These should also be handled carefully, but are durable enough to be worn daily.

c) Spandex Sheer: For the less daring, this mix of nylon and spandex still offers a silky, smooth feel.They are a bit more durable and also an option for daily wear.

d) Circulation Enhancing: (aka support hose) A nylon and yarn combination that's slightly heavier. It supports and lessens leg fatigue with a tender application of force to important parts on the leg.This pressure has a massaging effect that increases leg circulation.

e) Shimmer/Glimmer: These shimmer when hit by the light.They are perfect for showing up the shape of the legs.Recommended but not restricted to evening wear.

f) Opaques Tights: For the less daring or those seeking warmth.These offer complete coverage, additional warmth and in darker colors present a leaner look for the leg.

g) Cellulite Control Hose: These contain micro beads used in the creams on the market, used for treatment of cellulite.The beads have a life of up to six (6) washings.

h) Control Top Pantyhose: These contain extra spandex and lycra that shape and lift the buttocks and flatten the stomach.

i) Body Stockings: For that lean bodyline. These are full body stockings, similar to those worn by dancers, but made of lightweight material.

3) COLOR:
a) Rule of thumb is darker and opaque lends a leaner look
b) Sheerer lighter colors show up the shape of the legs

4) CARE:
a) Choosing the correct size determines the life term of your hose.
b) Take off jewelry when about to handle hose
c) Spot check hands, nails, and toenails for roughness before handling hose
d) Handle gently and avoid excessive stretching
e) Read manufacturers guidelines before washing

Call me negative, but I had a hard time listing hosiery do's and no trouble at all with hosiery don'ts. Here they are in alphabetical order:

WHAT'S FLATTERING:
a) Hosiery that matches outfit
b) Pantyhose or thongs for close fitting clothing
c) That extra hose kept in a work drawer to avoid run emergencies

WHAT'S NOT FLATTERING:
a) Hairy legs visible through hose
b) Mismatched nude shades
c) Open toe shoes and pantyhose (now a shoe with just the big toe peeking out will just make the cut, but three toes and up, leave off the hose)
d) Panty lines
e) Runs with nail polish to stop them
f) Short skirt with pantyhose that aren't sheer to the waist
g) Thigh highs that are doubling as a tourniquet
h) Too loose hose that sags around the knees and/or ankles
i) Too tight hose that creates visible separations under clothing
j) Visible pantyhose above hipsters
k) Visible reinforced heels and toes
l) White pantyhose on anyone who's not clearly a nurse