Well, this turned out to be a topic that generated some chatter and certainly some votes in our poll, more than 5000!
WKW Opinion Poll
The most interesting thing in the poll for me is the number of voters willing to give pantyhose a try, I did not expect that. What have we learned other than personal preferences on the issue? A few things, especially that we use different names for what Kate wears:
- What are called nylons or pantyhose or hose in the US (primarily) are in many locales referred to as “tights,” particularly in the UK. As a rule in the US (I think), tights are what we wore to ballet, thicker, heavier, opaque (frequently colored) hose.
- Many readers seem to feel that if one is required to wear them, then whatever style/brand Kate is wearing looks pretty darn good
- Some readers hadn’t realized early in the tour Kate was wearing any hose, that’s how good the color and fit were
- the most offensive trait associated with ‘bad pantyhose of the 1980s’ is wearing them in colors significantly darker than the rest of your skin
- many pointed out that hose can help prevent blisters and other ailments associated with going barefoot in heels
As one might expect, the comments left by readers closely echoed the poll voting, providing an outstanding snapshot of how people feel about the topic in general.
Geography determines many local customs, including what is considered appropriate in this regard, as pointed out by Olga in her comment:
“Wow! When Mrs. Obama visited my country (Czech Republic, Europe) recently, everybody here was shocked that she DIDN‘T wear stockings. There is a different dress code here – ladies have to wear stockings at formal occasions.”
Mina points out the custom in her part of the US:
“I would never wear skirts or dresses again if I had to wear pantyhose! I live in WA where they are not required or expected at all.”
The quality of stockings available may also depend on where you are located, our friends at Pigtown Design share something I had long suspected:
“…having lived in the usa and the uk, i think that they uk does tights/stockings WAY better than the usa. i found nude stockings over there that were miles better than here.”
Lee expressed a common sentiment:
“Love the look, can’t stand the feel. I will never willingly wear them again!”
Charlotte asked a good question in her comment:
“But the fashion industry have made those of us who choose feel like pariahs. Why?”
There were also a few comments making the point we could have used an additional category or two in the poll, including:
- “wear hose when necessary but prefer to go barelegged” from CKS
- “it really does depend on the occasion!” from Kristen
I wish I had thought to add those when constructing the pol, they are very goodl!
‘ImKindaCharlotte’ made an excellent comparison and contrast
“They called Diana, Princess of Wales, “modern” because she didn’t wear hose for her first tour in Australia. They call Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, “old-fashioned” because she wore hose for her first tour in North American. Since both women are considered stylish ladies then to wear or not to wear hose is really a personal preference.”
Jennifer also made a good point:
“But as Cecil Beaton said, “The truly fashionable are beyond fashion.” And as we witnessed these past two weeks, Kate Middleton wears more than clothes – she wears the air of confidence!!
Perhaps the most commonly shared belief is that regardless of whether one personally does/doesn’t wear them, the Duchess of Cambridge looked about as good as a human can look when wearing hose.
- “I haven’t worn hose since the 80s, but I love the way they look on Kate.” ‘Liz’
- “…she made the best of the situation and wore pairs that were sheer and comfortable.”
- “I think hers look great and will be wearing some the next time I wear a dress.” ‘Jo Anne’
- “Go Kate! Rock the hosiery!” Emily
Thank you to everyone who voted, and for all of the wonderful comments, it is a terrific topic, one I imagine we shall be discussing for some time to come.
I am a single guy who likes to see a well-dressed woman. I like the conservative type of clothing (not showing a lot of cleavage, etc.). A big part of the style is the pantyhose. Ever since elementary school, girls wearing pantyhose have always drawn my attention. It seems to set them apart.
I have seen several pictures of Kate in some sharp looking hose. Hopefully this discussion will encourage more women to return to the day they wear pantyhose more often. It also makes you all look more professional in the business setting. After all, we men usually can’t expose our legs, hot weather or not.
On the flip side, I do understand one reason why many of you do not want or like to wear them. A couple of years ago, I started to work at an office with my desk located next to a cold and drafty window. I caught several colds. I tried thermals under my dress slacks, but they were too thick. Someone suggested I wear pantyhose underneath. After a couple of weeks delay and being reminded of it, I finally tired it. They worked quite well. I was much warmer and had fewer colds.
Not having a girlfriend or wanting anyone to find out, I have been driving to another city and making the purchase as quickly as possible. It is embarrassing being seen even by strangers shopping for them. Not paying much attention to what I was buying, I found many of the hose are scratchy and uncomfortable; but others are not bad at all.
I am still no expert, but I believe you just need to watch what you buy. Perhaps someday I will have a girlfriend who can help me, even if it is just passing down here runs. Regardless ladies, please consider wearing them more often.
I consider hose a necessary part of being truly dressed up. However, I am also 51, and my girls wear tights (mostly black in winter) but rarely hose. I love tights and hose, plus my shoes would be unbearable without them. Rarely, I can find hose with the toes out. When, I visit my brother in Kirkland, WA, lots of ladies wear footless tights, which look super cute with skirts etc. I love red tights with gray wool, and low boots. I love the cute tights in patterns, esp. black, and my favorite brand is HUE, very classy.
A little jest about how most WOMEN feel:
Pippa Luvstocking
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8303831/pippa_luvstocking.html?cat=46
Enjoyed seeing What Kate Wore mentioned in an article that appeared in my local paper this morning (Aug 4) and that was apparently distributed and printed nationwide about the possible revival of pantyhose as a fashion accessory because of Kate wearing them! Find it online at many newspaper sites. The article is credited to Kriston Tillotson of the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) and appears online with headlines like “Duchess gives hosiery a leg up” and “A new run for pantyhose?” (Seems the headline writers have a sense of humor too.)
I wear Pantyhose everyday. The fabrics today make them easier to put on and more comfortable to wear then in the 70’s & 80’s. On avg I get 6 wears or more out of tha newly opened package. I wear them in the summer with short & Snorks, and I wear them with pants and skirts other days. I like the way they make my legs look and feel, and I have received nice compliments from men, and some ladies when I have a skrit or shorts on. To prove my point I went to the local mall with my husband and walked through with skirt and bare legs, and not one person made a remark or gave me a second look. The next day we went back to the same mall, and this time I had Tan color silky hose on, and a skirt, and my husband walked a few steps back, and men kept doing double takes my husband told me. When we went to the food court, 2 different guys came up and asked for my name and phone #.
Think of hose as make-up for the legs. If you take a 10 – 30 minutes in the morning to makeup your face and do your hair, and pick an outfit, then why not take an extra 5 minutes to makeup your legs.
More and More younger women are wear hose again, and they are showing up on the fashion runways too. They are making a come back. I do see more women wearing them latly.
Last comment for the day
I found this great picture of Kate’s wedding shoes…
http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/07/22/135187-kate-middleton-s-wedding-dress-the-world-admired-goes-on-display.jpg
Got it from this site (that has lots of good exhibit photos– great for those of us who can’t head over to London!) : http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/184940/20110722/kate-middleton-s-wedding-dress-the-world-admired-goes-on-display-photos.htm
Thanks for all your awesome blogging! This is one of my favorite sites
All I can say is men look up nowadays in the U.S. It’s frightening.
The problem with hosiery is often the sizing. I’m 5’9″ and very short waisted which means I am mostly legs.
Hose never fit properly- crotch is half way down to my knees. Nightmare. Even those sizes as “tall” are too short and then tons of fabric from waist to crotch – not enough LEG. I think hose look terrific but they have to feel good these days – modern women won’t put up with any less.
Hosiery with a sheer shine catch my eye every time. Men love it. .we don’t think about rigid rules. If we see some cute nylon covered toes in open shoes so much the better. Ugly bare legs and mangled feet should be covered. Nylons help good legs look awesome and sexy, but cant do miracles for all.
Bare legs look tacky beyond belief, especially when I see the pics of actresses in designer dresses on red carpet. Any pretense of elegance is lost. They might as well shopped at Walmart for that level of a classy look. No offense to Walmart shoppers.
Nude, dark, light, tan. Nylons on legs are very elegant and sexy. Who can dispute the results on Kate’s legs?
I am intrigued by the pantyhose debate. I think certain occasions require hose – work, church, etc.- but most of my friends avoid hose like the plague. I definitely try to avoid hose during the summer. I think Kate looks great in her hose. At first, I didn’t even realize that she was wearing them.
As many commenters have pointed out, it’s all about the occasion and a certain decorum which exists in some countries and situations, and even in some professions. I am a lawyer and appear frequently in court so wear hosiery on a daily basis. In the winter I wear nude, black, or opaque black depending on my outfit and mood (and how cold it is!) and in the summer nude – as sheer as I can find. At first I absolutely detested having to wear them everyday but I’ve embraced it (given up?) and don’t actually mind now. In fact, whenever I see other lawyers in court with bare legs I think they look casual and unprofessional. So it really is what you’re used to and what is expected in the situation. I commend the Duchess for finding such great looking hose and intend to track down that brand!
@Jane – you are so right! I’m not old – so I feel perfectly fine asking, “Who said it was ok to go to work in a professional environment – or to church, or a funeral, or a wedding, or for cryin’ out loud visiting another country as the First Lady!! – in your bare legs? Most women in bare legs & dresses NEED to wear hosiery – bouncing butts around and jiggly stomachs are not a good look. Few people actually have skin that’s awesome, especially after the age of 30. And if you’re over 50 – your skin ain’t what it used to be. And the others who have great legs – save the bare skin for after work/wedding/funeral/church.
Kate looks and looked awesome in them. They say attention to detail. I’m going to start looking for Kate’s brand!!
I swore I would never do this (wear hose, that is), but I agree with your post. I’m going to search for Kate’s brand, because they looked excellent. Major problem for me has always been that I get runners the first time I put on a new pair of hose. But, if I just wear them on certain occasions, it shouldn’t get too expensive, LOL!
I don’t often wear heels of any kind but I was at a wedding in WI this weekend and wore heels on two occasions — and got a blister. I don’t think I would have if I’d been wearing stockings.
Informal and unscientific poll: two fascinators (one made out of a peacock feather) and one hat (red and straw, nothing even close to the elegant hats British women wear to weddings). Stockings … a couple women were wearing them with sandals and open-toe shoes.
On the bright side, I saw some lovely straw wedges and nude heels and some delightful clutches.
I find it interesting that people think this woman is so stylish, I felt as if her entire wardrobe for this tour was a complete bust. The absolute worst outfits were that white dress with the red hat, the Burberry shirt with jeans (yawn), and then the last day’s outfit that made her look like a 12 year old. The nude hose was the absolute WORST. God help us if that is considered stylish in years to come. There are so many more creative options for covering legs in this day and age.
Either way Kate looks fantastic. Looking back prior to her North American tour, her choice appears to be based on the occasion. She wears them in formal situations (Ex. meeting the Obamas at Buckingham Palace) but not in informal situations (Ex. leaving the Buckingham Palace the morning after their wedding day). On this tour it appears she didn’t wear hose with a dress publicly when she left Heathrow airport on a Canadian Forces plane or at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club when she had on open toe shoes.
I believe she is an excellent fashion role model because she wisely dresses for the occasion. Her maturity is evident in her style choices. She knows what she is comfortable in, what is expected of her and the impact that her choices have. I look forward to following not only her fashion but also her lifestyle choices in the years to come.
I think you hit the nail on the head. The Duchess realizes that certain occasions call for a certain manner of dress. This is something that many people (both men and women) used to be taught but sadly, in many cases, no longer are.
My daughter loves the bare-legged look. She has beautiful olive skin, is an athlete, and always radiates a healthy look (she is also thin like Kate Middleton – she is fortunate to have a metabolism that allows her to eat quite a bit without putting on any weight…..something all my children inherited from their father’s family). When her grandfather died, I told her that this was an occasion for stockings. She said that no one would notice – and perhaps no one would, but, that did not matter. It was a formal occasion and just as she would wear a dark dress – not slacks but a dress and a dark coat, so would she wear stockings and closed toe pumps. And so she did – she later said that one elderly lady commented to her how her deceased grandparents would be so proud to see that unlike many young women her age, she knew what was appropriate to wear. Needless to say, my daughter was pleased by the woman’s comment.
One of my pet peeves (and I teach in an all girl’s school) is the failure to teach young women how to dress appropriately for the occasion. Many of my female colleagues set a poor example so it is not surprising that the students do not see the importance of presenting themselves always in the best possible light. I believe that as a teacher it is important to dress professionally. That means heels with dresses and pant suits, polished shoes, tasteful jewelry, appropriate length of hemlines, and cleaned pressed clothes. My students always comment on what I wear – how I always look nice. As I tell them, it is a sign of the respect I have for them. I expect them to listen to me, do what I ask for the 90 minute class period. The least that I can do is make sure that I present myself (but of course more importantly the material) in a pleasing manner. It is all about taking the time – preparation of the lesson to the best of my ability and myself as well – the attention to the latter is as important as attention to the former.
I love the polished, elegant look of sheer tights, as long as they are very close to the wearer’s skintone. Love your site and I always enjoy everyone’s comments.
US celebrities/actresses have set the trend for bare legs–a nod to the warm weather and “perfect”skin ideal of California. I welcome a change, something more serious and elegant to suit the times.
I read somewhere (maybe on this site, though I don’t think so) that Catherine is expected to wear hose with closed-toed shoes, that that is just what is done in the royal family in England. So it might not be a matter of her making a fashion statement or personal choice at all. I’m from Houston, Texas, where hose are not fashionable at all (and no, we don’t wear boots and cowboy hats all the time either). I did notice, however, that this site didn’t distinguish between pantyhose and tights. I generally consider “tights” thicker and more opaque. I would never be caught dead in “nude” or flesh-toned pantyhose, but I do wear thick, opaque tights in the winter. I might consider wearing shear black hose to a formal event, but I prefer to stick to my opaque tights if I wear anything on my legs at all.
Hose are great when you can find a comfort band at the top and still have control built into the pantie. Much nicer than shape-wear and more comfortable in shoes.Those of us who are women of color–of the white paste variety, that is–can go a shade darker to achieve a tan look without opting for streaky orange legs. Hose, however, is limited to closed-toed shoes. Anything else is as bad as the boys in summer sandals wearing white socks with Bermuda shorts. It says: heading to or from the care home.
Is anyone else noticing she does not represent 98 percent of women who are average size this because she’s gotten so thin?? What looks good on her will not pull off for most of us, she is a size zero. Hope her family is monitoring this because the royals won’t.
I haven’t worn them in years, but then I haven’t worn skirts/dresses in years either. The statement that really has me mystifyied is the idea that hose are ‘aging’????? Kate looks anything but dowdy/aging and I really love the sheen the hose gave her legs. I am wearing a dress to a wedding next week and will be sporting hose (Fogal or DKNY) with a sheen.
I am a survey researcher by profession and do have an interest in William and Kate. Your readers should understand that the poll results are pure garbage. You need a random sample for reliable results and you have the opposite…people who read this website and chose to respond. This poll is not to be taken seriously
Hello Mary, thanks so much for reading and commenting on the blog. As an FYI, no one is portraying this as a scientifically based poll, nor do we pretend to present data that is statistically sound. I have supervised the creation and execution of many (*many*) research projects and highly sophisticated surveys using empirical research and am well aware of the distinction between the two.
I think our readers are more than intelligent enough to know this is a non-scientific poll. We have a highly engaged readership that enjoys participating in these conversations, as evidenced by the 80+ comments left on the previous post, the post launching the poll. I would suggest that while you find it to be ‘garbage,’ it is an activity we and our readers enjoy. I would hope that you could view it in that light. All best to you, and thank you again for visiting!
The general public DOES take “polls” like yours seriously. I know more than you do about these things. Few people know the difference between a scientific poll and what you’ve done here.
Yes! Don’t you know how serious this is. People might actually consider donning a pair of nude hose because of this. I know I consider fashion to be a highly scientific subject. I shudder to think of the mayhem this might cause. Think of the children, for god’s sake won’t someone think of the children!
I am appalled that someone might have thought it would be fun to see what people who choose to express their opinion on the raging issue of hose think! Horrors! Do you not see the global impact? And to think that I actually bought a pair of hose after realizing that there are at least three other women in the world who wear them.
For heaven’s sake Mary, take your scientific calculator and get back to trying to figure out how to spin some politician’s poll numbers. NO ONE here took the poll that seriously.
In the meantime, I got a kick out of the discussion and think that the site is a great form of entertainment!
You are too funny Lisa, you made us laugh here at WKW InterGalactic HQ! I’m glad you enjoy the site, *and* understand the perspective from which it is written.
Oh no I’ve been duped!! I’m taking my pantyhose off right now and burning them.
Love pantyhose and never stopped wearing them. Never will. Nude, like Kate. You just look classier and more put together. And I am in the US!!
Wore them every time I had a dress on until about 15 years ago. Then I never wore them for about 10 years. Now, I wear them in the cooler months because they really keep you much warmer. Also, the summer skirts/casual sandals look doesn’t warrant dressing up with hosiery.
I did have an older woman at church once approach me and somewhat rudely ask, “When did you decide it was okay not to wear stockings to church?” I think I’ll blog about that one.
I actually wouldn’t mind wearing pantyhose more often if they could find a way to make the tops more comfortable! I grew up doing ballet and practically lived in tights – I just need the tops of my tights to be attached to the sheer hose bottoms! Get on that USA companies!
I think it’s funny that people would refer to hose as old fashioned. I’m 33 and will wear them when I feel I need to (i.e. if we’re going to an upscale evening event) but my mental image of “old fashioned pantyhose” are the ones you’d buy in a package at the drugstore…the ones with that horrid lined crotch. For all we know Kate is sexying it up and her hose are thigh highs…haven’t met many men who would complain about seeing those on their woman!
the articles calling them 1980s fashion throwbacks are so odd – which is a nice way of saying wrong!
in the 1980s they were usually colored, or an unfortunate “tan” which was too dark for most people.
diana’s hose were so shiny they looked almost opaque and white.
i don’t wear hose (except at chilly (usually night) events when i wear them for warmth). i’m indian and have naturally tanned legs. lather them up with a little cream to make sure the knees look good and most people can’t tell i’m going bare-legged!
when Diana first came on the scene, she did actually wear sheer white hose – started a trend that I admit succumbing to. Love it when the fashionistas (rightly) said that white hose only belong on nurses (hangs head in shame).
Oh, me, too. I wore mostly white hose and a lot of big sailor-style collars. I haven’t purchased white hose in over 15 years, though.
I love these polls and the discussions they have started.
Never would I have thought so much could be said about hose/tights! It’s good to hear about differences between countries too – I’m all for valuing differences.
One point I noticed that no one has mentioned as far as I am aware is that Kate always wore closed toe shoes with hose. I think that’s a major consideration. Sandals and hose are a whole different issue!
Vivian – I’m with you there – closed toe shoes ONLY!!!!!!! And I am also against those pantyhose with “open toes” that are supposed to be worn with open-toed shoes…..I mean……who wears THOSE?????
I think it’s all about protocol. I dont know in the us but in uk and europe in general women use thights for formal occasions. It’s just natural. I’d feel strange otherwise. Obviously not for all occasions but important ones need hose. It doesn’t surprise me tha Kate wears them
I live in the Czech Republic (middle Europe) and it is really “normal” to wear pantyhose for any occasion, even absolutely informal ones. Some women wear it even in summer when it´s hot. Some also wear it under their jeans in winter. I actually could not imagine not wearing them while wearing a skirt until last year. My friends find it quite strange that I stopped wearing them (only when it is necessary – when it´s cold outside or at some more formal occasions).
I dont wear hose in the summer unless the outfit calls for them ie something dressy. I feel bare legs are too casual for certain events. I wear tights and panty hose all fall and winter – no one needs to see my pasty white chubby legs when the sun isnt around.
I do find the problem with them is that no matter how much or little I pay for them, I only ever get 1 use out of them…the second wearing always results in a tear while putting them on.