Pantyhose: Nude or Dark?
Choosing the right color and style of pantyhose is a question many women still ask themselves. The decision depends on the season, the occasion, the setting, the color of your outfit, how much skin is showing, and of course—the shape of your legs. My personal opinion? If you have beautiful legs, it’s a shame not to show them.
If you’re wearing a dark suit or dress with dark shoes and pair them with nude pantyhose, your legs—along with your face—will become the brightest part of your look. This is perfect if you want to draw attention to your legs; otherwise, opt for darker tights.
For a dark cocktail dress with short sleeves or bare shoulders and a deeper neckline, nude pantyhose can work beautifully with light-colored shoes such as nude, gold, or silver. Very sheer black hosiery is acceptable in winter, but in that case, your shoes should also be black. Keep in mind that nude pantyhose with a glossy finish will naturally draw the eye to your legs.
The season also matters: when the weather is warmer, nude is the more natural choice. For formal occasions, opt for sheer tights between 8 and 15 denier.
A Brief History of Hosiery
Hosiery has always been considered a mysterious and seductive part of a woman’s wardrobe. In ancient Rome, women wrapped their ankles with strips of fabric, and later wore loose cloth stockings—showing bare legs was seen as scandalous. By the 15th to 18th centuries, knitted stockings emerged, with silk versions becoming a symbol of luxury. Queen Elizabeth I was one of the first known women to wear silk stockings, while Josephine, wife of Napoleon, reportedly owned 158 pairs.
The Charm of the Garter
By the late 19th century, black silk stockings had become an emblem of seduction. Cancan dancers famously wore garters, and if one slipped to the floor mid-performance, it was considered a deliberate provocation. To this day, the garter remains a symbol of elegance and allure.
The Nylon Revolution
Silk stockings, while beautiful, tore easily. The invention of nylon was a fashion game-changer. In the 1940s, the first nylon stockings were introduced, marketed as “Sheer as a spider’s web, strong as steel!” During World War II, they were so coveted that they became a luxury item on the black market. In 1963, nylon was blended with Lycra, creating hosiery that fit the leg perfectly.
Seamed Stockings
Originally, stockings were sewn up the back, leaving a visible seam. Women often had to straighten this line throughout the day—there was even a small ritual to it: moistening two fingers, bending down, and carefully aligning the seam. Those who couldn’t afford real stockings sometimes drew a seam up the back of their legs with an eyebrow pencil.
Modern Choices
Today, women still spend a considerable amount on hosiery, despite its delicate nature and short lifespan. The once-common trade of mending torn stockings has disappeared, replaced by the habit of buying new pairs—sometimes for a single wear. Self-supporting stockings are perfect for warmer days or special occasions, with silicone bands to keep them in place. Fishnets are generally not suitable for business settings unless the weave is very fine and discreet.
The thickness, or denier, of the tights plays a big role in formality and warmth. Sheer 10–15 denier tights are ideal for summer and formal events, while 15–30 denier works well for professional wear. Mid-weight 30–60 denier is suited to colder weather but is less formal, and anything over 60 denier is too thick for most business outfits.
Pantyhose are more than just a functional garment—they’re an expression of style, personality, and elegance. Whether you choose nude or dark, sheer or opaque, the right pair can subtly enhance your look and elevate your presence.