TextileGlossary.com

What is "Pantyhose" - Definition & Explanation
Last Updated on: 03-Jan-2023 (1 year, 2 months, 16 days ago)
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Pantyhose

Pantyhose (known as Tights in the UK) are tight fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet, normally worn by women. Like stockings they are usually made of nylon.


The term 'pantyhose' is exclusively American, referring to the combination of 'panties' (an American term for women's undergarment) with hosiery. The one-piece pantyhose was a substantial improvement that appeared in the 1960's because it provided a convenient alternative to separate underwear and hosiery.


In North America, the term tights is used to describe a garment similar to pantyhose, but which is thicker and more commonly worn by girls, dancers, and athletes.


Pantyhose are worn for a number of reasons. Sheer pantyhose that match the skin color of the legs can enhance the appearance of legs, making them look smoother. Darker pantyhose can enhance the legs by outlining the shape. Pantyhose also has practical use, as it can provide warmth in colder weather and let women go "bare-legged" even in the winter. Pantyhose can even enhance blood circulation by applying even pressure on the legs throughout the day.


Pantyhose are available in a wide range of styles. The sheerness of the garment, expressed as a numerical 'denier'/'dtex', ranges from 3 (extremely rare, very thin, barely visible) to 20 (standard sheer) up to 30 (semi opaque). The terms denier and dtex refer to the weight of the yarn in grammes at a standard length: for denier, it is 9,000, for dtex, 10,000 metres. Thus, 1 Denier = 1g of yarn when 9,000 metres long.


Pantyhose also come in a variety of colors, from gray/black or skin tone common in business wear to brightly colored styles fashionable among young women.


Most pantyhose are composed of nylon and spandex, which provides the elasticity and form fitting that this characteristic of modern pantyhose. Unfortunately, the nylon fabric is somewhat prone to tearing and it is common for very sheer hose to 'run' soon after snagging on something sharp.


Pantyhose worn for fashion have a standard construction. The top of the waist is a strong elastic. The part covering the hips (boxer/brief area) is composed of a thicker material than the legs. The gusset or crotch is also a stronger material, sometimes made of cotton. The legs of the pantyhose are made of the thinnest material which has a consistent construction down to the toes, which may be reinforced to guard against wear.

Pantyhose
Pantyhose are tight fitting coverings of the body from the waist to the feet, usually worn by women. Just like stockings, pantyhose are normally made of nylon.
Pantyhose
Nylon, silk or other material that stretches to fit next to skin and covers legs from hip to toe, or with open foot.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

Pongee 61
A fabric made using a rib variation of the plain weave. The construction is characterized by having a slight ridge effect in one direction, usually the filling. Poplin used to be associated with...
Three types: (1) A clear-finish worsted fabric woven to produce smallindentations suggesting the eye of a bird. (2) Also known as Diaper Cloth. Fabric woven on a dobby loom ofcardedyarns in tiny...
A type of durable press finish in which the finish is applied to the fabric by the mill, but the garment manufacturer completes the cure of the finish by applying heat, using an oven, or press, or...
Rough woollen fabric made in the uplands of Mid-Wales from the local hardy sheep. Plain weave, hopsack, or herringbone weaves are the most usual and the yarns are either dyed with synthetic dyes for...
(Anti-Microbial) - A fabric that has been chemically treated or a fiber that is created by incorporating the anti-bacterial chemical agent into the fiber formula, making the finished fiber or fabric...

Add a definition

Add a definition for a textile term that you know about! Send us an email & tell us:
  • The term you want to define
  • Its definition in 500 words or less
  • Attach an image if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Companies for Pantyhose:

If you manufacture, distribute or otherwise deal in Pantyhose, please fill your company details below so that we can list your company for FREE! Send us the following details:
  • Company name
  • Company address
  • Attach a logo, if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

(s) 2024 TextileGlossary.com Some rights reserved. • Sitemap