Tights and Other Hosiery Add Spice to Any Wardrobe

Tights, stockings, pantyhose, holdups, and thigh highs are all types of hosiery. And yes, hosiery is practical, but it's more than that. Depending on your mood and desire, hosiery can be sensuous, luxurious, elegant, sexy, or fun. If your hosiery collection lacks any of these essential fashion accessories, consider upgrading right away.

Thinking of tights conjures up images of court jesters, ballet dancers, and little girls. My grandbaby wears lovely tights to match her outfits. Stripes, patterns, stars, bright colors, subtle tones-by three years old she could choose the right tights to go with her dresses and little skirts. Girls used to abandon tights for shear stockings when they reached a certain age. But now, old and young, anyone can wear colorful and stylish tights, even funky designs. The right tights can turn a simple skirt set into a dynamic fashion statement.

Let's not forget the warmth factor. If you live in the north as I do, you know how hard it is to be both warm and fashionable in winter. With thermometers turned down, legs need cover even inside these days. Wool or cotton tights are the solution. The subtler styles are perfect for work-more appropriate for the office than long underwear and warmer than shear pantyhose. Jazz it up a bit for an evening out, and you've got warmth and style.

Tights aren't just for women, either. Tights designed for men replace socks and underwear with one garment. Breathable fabrics make them ideal for athletics, leisure, and work all year round. Bold and confident men may even choose from the larger sizes of women's styles.

Hold ups and thigh highs expand your hosiery options. They give you the feel and look of stockings without the bother of a garter belt or the confinement of pantyhose. Lacy silk or silicone tops make the hold ups lie comfortably flat against your thighs and prevent them from sagging.

If you're looking for classically sensuous hosiery, nothing beats the soft and smooth feel of silk against your skin. Natural silk fibers transport moisture away from your body, making you feel light and comfortable, never sweaty. The ultimate indulgence, silk pantyhose or hold ups make an important occasion even more special.

Fishnet hose and seamed stockings are back on the fashion scene after years of hibernation. They can lend a funky or elegant stylishness to your outfits. Just make sure those seams are straight!

Hosiery puts the finishing touch on any outfit. Whether you wear the lightest of shears or the boldest of tights, you will look and feel better when your legs are embraced by quality hosiery.

Pretty Polly, Aristoc, Gypsy, and Kunert are all hosiery brands. They are just a few of the dozens of designers of fashion forward and traditional tights, stockings, pantyhose, hold ups, and thigh highs. Most clothing outlets and department stores carry a variety of hosiery, but for the best selection, look at hosiery sites on the web. Quality online sites may carry 15 or more types of hosiery by more than 25 different designers. Let your imagination go wild and have fun!