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  • Carrie Stuart

    @hunterloveshose I remember when Canadian drugstores used to carry a much better selection of pantyhose.  When I was a young teen, they were all over the place, even in small corner stores.  There were a ton of brands, too...most of which you'd never heard of or seen in magazine advertisements.  Now you're super lucky to even find pantyhose being carried at all at a drugstore, let alone a reasonably good quality brand.  Back a few decades, we didn't worry about availablilty when you snagged your nylons.  You could find them almost anywhere.  Not any more!  Nor, has it been like that for a very long time, now.  Heck, it's even difficult to find much of a variety even at high end department stores!  Nordstrom here in Canada, when there existed a store in the city where I live, (not any longer) about all you could find were Wolford, Commando and Spanx.  Nothing was available at mid level pricing.
    I never saw Underalls here in Canada but was aware of the concept through magazine ads.  But we soon started to find a style called "Disguise" popping up all over that were the same idea was Underalls, except that they were made by a Canadian brand that was popular in the business for its other styles.  I think they were about $.50-$1.00 more than their regular styles by the same company.  Women were always on the hunt for a better pair of pantyhose, but we didn't want to pay a lot for them because of how fragile they were.  They had a very short life...sometimes measured in mere hours, instead of days.  That could easily add up to a lot of money literally being thrown in the garbage can at work when you banged your knee on the desk while sliding your chair in!
    Desite their widespread availability just about everywhere there was a store that sold anything, we'd have several brand new packages around and stored in our bottom desk drawer at work, and also in our car's glove compartments or map pockets in the doors.  Everybody wore them ALL the TIME!  So, you were always damaging them and needing new ones.  You just never knew when you'd need to change them, often while on your way to an event.  They should have made that a gymnastic sport in the Olympics.  Putting some on in a car was always an exercise in extreme care and dexterity, all the while trying to keep one's dignity intact!

    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

  • S

    Yes...drugstores, convenience stores, grocery stores, even gas stations all carried pantyhose and I noticed.  L'eggs and No Nonsense were the most common brands at these places.  I even remember  seeing No Nonsense pantyhose for sale at a small store in Yosemite National Park.  L'eggs always got my attention especially with pretty models striking poses wearing hose on the advertisement banner.  Don't know if anyone remembers the big white egg display case that housed the pantyhose.  I loved looking at the selection while also trying to be nonchalant.  I didn't want anyone taking notice to my peeking eyes.     

    To be able to select and buy my own pantyhose seemed like an unattainable endeavor.  For years I would think of scenarios of how to comfortably buy my own pantyhose.  However, it seemed beyond my comfort zone, I couldn't withstand the embarrassment.  I think most males feel they have to have some excuse when buying pantyhose for themselves.  Plus, it is just awkward buying something so feminine.  So, to those males who were able to make those early purchases...good for you.  Most of us males know the anxiety behind a purchase.       

    I went to Nordstroms many times to visit and buy from the hosiery section.  The thing with Nordstroms is that the sales reps approach you asking if you need assistance.  As I became a little bolder, I almost looked forward to this exchange.  I felt I could admit that the pantyhose purchase was for myself.  All the sales reps were always very accomodating and helpful.  I do remember conversing with one lady as she was ringing me up about males buying pantyhose for themselves and she said she was aware of it.  Not sure if women understand a male's perspective since hosiery purchases is no big deal to them.  But for men, there is a lot of anxiety behind a store purchase.  Carrie you are correct about Nordstroms, their hosiery selection has been significantly reduced over the years.        

  • Janine J

    @Carrie Stuart Hi Carrie,

    Thank you for the Amazon link to the pantyhose with a French style brief area. They do look nice, but your comments regarding the quality deter me from buying them. 

    As for tights / stockings with attached garter belt, I do quite like them. I have had some Cervin Pigalle 20 denier garter belt tights for many years, and they fit and stay in place perfectly. I am contemplating the purchase of a pair of Fogal Estelle, which are a similar concept -

    https://fogal.com/products/estelle-tights

    On most occasions, though, I do prefer the sensation of wearing conventional sheer to waist tights, especially seamless.

    As for the decline in manners and standards of attire, and general behaviour in public places - I could so easily launch into a heated rant. In England, things are going downhill rapidly, especially in the cities, larger towns, and on public transport. Some days, I just want to withdraw from the rat race, and buy an isolated little stone cottage on the far northern tip of Scotland, overlooking the sea!

    Janine xx 

  • Janine J

    @Carrie Stuart I like the package!  I must say, the image of a gorgeous woman on the front would help sway me into buying these!  

  • Janine J

    @SheerMark That's a nice photo on the package!  I would not be likely to buy that style, but the image on the packet can help to tempt a potential buyer.   I remember - many years ago - when I bought my first ever Wolford tights, the packet was large ( twice the size of the run-of-the-mill brands of tights I had  hitherto been buying) and had on it a photo of the most gorgeous woman, modeling the tights in such an alluring pose. I just had to buy those tights, despite the very high price!  I;m SO glad I did buy them too!    These days, Wolford packaging is not quite so attractive, in my opinion. 

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  • Janine J

    @Carrie Stuart Back in the 1990's, here in England there was a brand named Scantihose. I know you don't like the style I'm about to describe, Carrie, but they consisted of a 'Scantibelt' with attached thin suspender straps, each with a little hook at the end , and two stockings with loops for the hooks to mate up with. They were very sheer legs, available in many shades.  i had several pairs, and loved them. They disappeared from the market after a while, but  were later resurrected by Charnos, though the design wasn't as nice. 

  • Carrie Stuart

    @Janine J I don't like the style mostly because they can be really fiddly to get into.  If I want to wear gartered stockings, I'll do just that.  If I'm more in the mood for pantyhose, I'll choose that option.  Something that tries to straddle both worlds usually just comes off as half baked and really doesn't address either function very well, in my experience.

    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

  • Carrie Stuart

    @Janine J Those Fogal Estelle 20 are crazy pricey!!  Yikes.  Did you notice that they are mostly made of cotton??  60% !!  Honestly, even if I could get them for $20, I still wouldn't buy them.  I simply don't like the style of them.

    For the most part, I'm primarily a sheer to waist pantyhose girl.  I feel secure in their full coverage but without the extra bulk of a reinforced or control top panty.  When I'm in more of a bold mood, or have on a longer skirt than my typical, I may opt for gartered stockings or stay-ups.  Normally, though, my skirts tend to be just a touch too short for stockings such that the welt wouldn't be revealed if I wanted to perch atop a bar stool at a local pub.  Skirts often like to ride up, and short skirts leave very little margin if the usual stocking welt is rather longish.  Guys love the sight but most women don't want to put that out to the general public when just trying to relax and have a good time.  I don't want to have to be "on guard" all the time.

    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

  • Janine J

    @Carrie Stuart Well, you'd probably get on alright with Cervin Pigalle garter belt tights. I've had some for years, and they are easy to put on.  Also, have you ever looked at Wolford Stay Hip?  I have a pair, and though they require some careful thought to put on, they are so nice to wear.

  • Janine J

    @Carrie Stuart Have you seen these, Carrie?  They look nice. From a good maker too.

    https://www.cervin-store.com/en/sheer-tights/657-18189-new-lido-lingerie-tights.html#/14-color-black/24-size-t4

  • Carrie Stuart

    @Janine J No.  I refuse to pay ridiculous money for Wolford products.  I honestly don't even like the look of most Wolford products on the leg.  I find they tend to be a bit more opaque than others.  Perhaps where their reputed durability comes from...at the cost of sheerness.
    I DO, however, generally like Cervin products.  I have a few pairs of their stockings, but have never splashed out the high dollar demand for their pantyhose, and likely won't ever.  I can no longer justify the cost of designer high heels, even when I can get them for 40-50% off their full list prices.  The last pair I was able to buy ran me just under $600 to get them to my door from Italy...taxes, duty and shipping.  I don't see that happening again in the near future.
    When I splurge on a few pairs of Giardi pantyhose, I'm pretty content.



    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

  • Carrie Stuart

    @Janine J Those are really beautiful by Cervin.  Exactly the style I was describing when I mentioned a French cut lacy panty design that used to be available a couple of decades ago.  Even at that well discounted price of 16.90 Eur, that still works out to $27.00 Cdn sans taxes and shipping.  So, those would only be a special treat for me, and not a sustainable lifestyle.  Very beautiful, though, as I find most Cervin products to be.

    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

  • Janine J

    @Carrie Stuart

    Oh, I love your Casadei heels, Cassie!

    Regarding Girardi pantyhose, I see you buy them in size 3.   Do they fit you perfectly?  I can't recall what you said your height is. Of course, it depends on what proportion of your height is accounted for by the legs. Some of us are tall, but with a long body. I have quite long legs.   I would be inclined to buy size 4 for myself in Girardi, but unfortunately they have a back panel - I don't want that!  I might order a pair in size 3 , but worry about the legs being long enough. 

  • Carrie Stuart

    Thanks.  Those are my most provocative heels.  They're only appropriate for certain occasions.

    Be really careful if you buy size 3.  There is NOT a whole lot of play in Girardi sizing.  They fit like a lot of classic Italian brands...most people feel they are sized with no forgiveness in them.  I'm only 5'5" or 1.65 m tall, but that is mostly legs in terms of body proportion.  I'm not very long in the torso from the hips up.  My mother told me I was "short waisted", if that expression (Irish) means anything in your culture.
    The Elen 20, that I've worn most recently, have ONLY 9% lycra content.  The lower the lycra content, the less stretch or elasticity they will have.  At 90% nylon, they're not going to have much "give".  I don't have any excess material that I need to smooth up my legs.  They're a very good fit on me.  Size 2 at my height would restrict my body weight to 60 kg or about 130 lbs.  I've been known to weigh a little north of that, especially in the winter when I pack on some insulation against the cold weather.  In Trasparenze brand, I can usually fit into size 2 in the styles I wear, but I wouldn't chance it with Girardi sizing.

    Make sure you leave yourself some room, and size up if your height/weight proportions are borderline.  Check the sizing charts for each different style.  There will be a variance because the thread content will be different for each.

    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

  • S

    @Janine J Packaging is very alluring Janine.  I have never tried Underalls but I definitely would.  There seems to be quite a selection on Ebay after all these years, I might have to eventually get a pair.  I do see how you can be persuaded by the packaging.  When there is a gorgeous model on the front cover and her legs look spectacular it just seems like an incentive to buy them.   For so long I wanted the option to be able to wear all these styles myself, maybe that is why I own so many pairs these days.

    I know some prefer sheer to waist over control top.  I like both.  What it sounds like is people don't like the double seem found in the back and typically on bigger sizes.  I would agree with this.  I think it feels and looks odd.  I have seen some brands that have this feature on all their sizes.  To me, the center seem on the front and back look the best.  I think it helps with alignment as well.  When looking at your back in a mirror, it just looks sexy when the seem is running right in the middle of your buttocks.

    One style I'm not sure about is the T-band that is present in sheer to waist styles .  Is it for adding additional support to the center seem, is it part of the manufacturing process?  I'm not too bothered by it but I do notice it when looking at hosiery.  Maybe someone knows.                

  • Janine J

    @SheerMark
    I've always bought sheer to waist pantyhose - or at least, ever since I knew there was such a type. In the finer deniers, I simply adore the way that high quality hosiery coats the body from toes to waist in a gorgeous consistent wash of colour, be it black, grey, nude, or indeed any shade. To have the pleasure of seeing rather too much exposure of upper thighs - and beyond 🙀 - if a woman is wearing a daringly short skirt or dress and sheer to waist nude or cosmetic tights, becomes a delightful (at least, to my mind!) exercise in wondering: is she, or isn't she wearing tights?

    I agree whole-heartedly with you on the matter of having the body seam of pantyhose carefully centred. Unfortunately, many women overlook this. Also, when the wearer hasn't taken the time to put on the tights carefully, ensuring that the gusset is fully in contact with the body, rather than two inches below the appropriate position. Of course, in some cases, that could be due to incorrect sizing.   I have such a passion for seamless pantyhose. Whilst care is still needed to put them on in a centred manner, the absence of a seam in the body, and the way they cling in true 'second skin' fashion, is, for me, such a huge sensual pleasure.

    Regarding T-band construction - I guess it must be for reasons of strength at the seam. Perhaps Robert might comment on this matter. 
    Jan x

  • S

    Janine, you and Carrie communicate so effectively and add new perspectives to conversations.  If you two teamed up you could be a powerful force for the advocacy of pantyhose!

    Wondering whether or not someone is wearing hose is something I also find myself entertained by.  There is that mystery...does she just have perfect legs or is she enhancing them.  The lower deniers obviously add to the challenge.  Sheer to waist also adds to the mystery versus when you see the control-top making an appearance from a skirt riding too high.

    The center seam alignment you address is true.  Taking the time to carefully work a pair of pantyhose up your legs and making sure the seam is centered in the front and back does take a little more effort.  Not sure about the approach of most wearers...but is it even a consideration?  Do they even care if the seam is crooked? 

    The gusset tucked up high making contact with the body is another interesting issue.  Hosiery is not only visually appealing but there is also the sensual pleasure of having the material rest against your skin.  I'm sure there are those who are perhaps embarrassed about experiencing this or maybe they just haven't had the opportunity to try it.  I admit that I still feel a bit awkward about sliding into a pair of pantyhose.  Holding a package of hosiery, opening the contents, and feeling the silky nature of the material doesn't seem typical of a male.  What really takes it to another level is bunching up the legs, placing my feet into the hose and gracefully working them up my legs.  Sometimes there is that hesitation but there is also the excitement of watching my legs change color and enjoying the gentle caress against my skin.  Having that perfect fit with no wrinkles, correct alignment, and gusset resting snuggly against the crotch does justice to the hosiery.  A lady who made a costume for me actually told me when picking a pair of hose, I should size up so that the gusset does come up high, avoiding that gap that can happen when hosiery is too short.  

    Although I enjoy control-top, I do notice that the top can sometimes be a little too firm.  There is always that final struggle when putting on pantyhose when you get to the top of the thighs and have to do that final pull up to bring the material up around the waist.  Sometimes it is a bit risky as the potential for damage is high.  And if the top is too firm I can see where the discomfort comes into play.  Sheer to waist has a much easier transition when pulling up to the waist.  But what I like about sheer to waist is the uniformity of the legs if the person is wearing something like a leotard or bikini brief.  I've seen individuals wear a high cut article of clothing and their choice of hosiery is control-top.  To me, it looks awkward.  The other thing I notice with high cut clothing is when the wearer is wearing sheer to waist pantyhose with a bit of reinforcement (common with the t-band) that pops out below the hemline.  Looks tacky to me when you see the inconsistency in the hosiery.     

  • David S

    @SheerMark Don't sell yourself short your point of view is very interesting and yes Carrie is an authority on many subjects

  • Carrie Stuart

    @SheerMark My advocacy for fine hosiery and heels usually ends with me simply wearing them consistently and often, and hopefully setting a good standard with my fashion choices.  Lead and influence by example, is my credo.  I silently represent, unless someone decides to ask about any of my fashion choices.  It's rare that I'll get into with another woman unless she specifically singles me out in public and says something stupid and careless like, "why are you wearing hose today in this weather?" as one idiot pub server once said to me on a beautiful sunny warm Sunday afternoon when I had stopped in at a regular watering hole to enjoy a cold pint, the air conditioning, and a once a year sporting event on one of their big screens. 

    I hadn't even spoken of the warm temperatures outside, or mentioned that I could have rethought my leg attire that day and opted for none.  Never said a word about it.  But she thought it was her place to point that out upon our initial verbal exchange when she came over to take my beverage request.  Needless to say that didn't end well for her.  (she wasn't exactly an example of runway prowess, nor did she look like she's ever been inside a gym)  Interesting where opinions come from, sometimes.

    Yes Mark, aligning the centre seam is important to me.  I get it all perfectly lined up before I slide into my skirt.  I slide an open hand carefully around the back and feel for that centre back seam while guiding it up to my waistline straight up the middle.  That way, when I zip up the back zip of my skirt, everything lines up on the same plane, and nothing feels weird or twisted underneath. 

    I'm a bit of an OCD case when it comes to a lot of things.  It has to be "perfect" or I'm not happy.  I even take the time to line up seams in the toe areas, (even though I'm wearing closed toe heels) and especially prefer when the reinforced toes are constructed so that they have equal amounts of fabric in each.  Some manufacturers are better at that than others.  I hate when one is a little short or the other is a bit on the long side.  It just doesn't look great when you step out of your stilettos which I usually do at someone's house, and especially when back at home.  Occasionally, you'll get a pair with excess fabric that will even appear beyond the toe boxes of your shoes, no matter how well you try to distribute it.  Not a great look.  Sometimes, I'll have to change my high heel choice as a result.  A shoe with a slightly deeper toe box that offers more foot coverage is the only way to alleviate that look, short of changing your pantyhose entirely!  But those shoe styles are a bit too corporate looking, I find, unless the occasion is simply going to the office. 

    I prefer a shoe that offers a little toe cleavage.  I find that kind of sexy, and is often viewed as such by guys, if not flirty.  But showing too much reinforcement in the toes of your nylons is a bit tacky looking, to me.  It's a bit like revealing the portion of the control top panty in a pair when your skirt rides up a little.  It might be popular with the guys, but it's really not something we should be putting out there on full display.

    On the topic of spotting another women who is wearing hosiery, upon first glance I assume she is not wearing any.  Unless she's wearing black, or some other very obvious shade on her legs, I pretty much go with a defalut "NO" since women who DO wear sheer hosiery in today's age are very much in the minority, and are often viewed as an outlier.  It's quite uplifting when I do encounter another women who is wearing some, but it's so rare in the city where I live, that it would have to be very obvious for me to notice, or even consider that she might.  In recent times, I've been asked about my hosiery by a scant few 2 women.  One came over to comment on my high heels.  She had noticed them from halfway across the bar because I was sitting somewhat sideways so I could see the big screen better.  And after we'd finished exchanging pleasantries and information on who makes them and where I got them, she noticed that I was wearing "stockings" too.  She smiled as she commented and simply stated that if you've still got great legs after a certain amount of time having lived life, we should show them off at every occasion we have.  LoL...I concurred whole heartedly and thanked her. 

    The other woman was my hair dresser.  She said she did a double take when she noticed and figured out I was even wearing hosiery.  Apparently they looked so natural she just thought I had got a nice head start on my summer tan.  But I confessed and mentioned that I find the best ones always come from Italy.  She came back later to ask me where I buy them.  Hoping she showed up at Shapings shortly thereafter to make a purchase as per my recommendation.  I found the website for her on her phone and left her with the fun task of going through the awesome inventory and brand choices.  She also teaches figure skating when she's not cutting or colouring hair.  So, I'm betting her legs probably look fantastic, and would even more so in some beautiful Italian 10-15 denier sheers.

    SILVIA GRANDI Top 15 with Steve Madden 100mm stilettos in burgundy patent leather







    Good manners and classic fashion never goes out of style.

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