Socks for every occasion
Not every occasion calls for the same thing
The question is rarely which hosiery looks best, but which one suits what you are doing that day. Hosiery that is perfect for a dinner does not work on a day when you are on your feet for eight hours.
Work and a long day
Advice: 20 to 40 denier, matte finish, tights or hold-ups with a wide band.
Comfort matters more than appearance here. Matte hosiery in 20 to 40 denier looks polished without drawing attention. If you will be standing for a long time, choose tights or hold-ups with a wide silicone band, as this distributes the pressure more evenly across the thigh.
Do you sit a lot? Then pay attention to the waistband of your tights. That is where you notice the difference between a good and mediocre fit first.
A wedding or party
Advice: 10 to 20 denier, lightly glossy, skin tone or black.
Fine hosiery with a subtle sheen makes the leg look even without making it obvious that you are wearing anything. Take a spare pair in your bag. A long day of dancing and fine hosiery rarely go entirely smoothly together.
If you are wearing a long dress, the hosiery is mainly about comfort and warmth. With a short dress, it also contributes visually, so it is worth coordinating the color and sheen with your shoes.
An evening out
Advice: 10 to 15 denier, or stockings with a garter belt.
This is the time for classic sheer stockings or Fully Fashioned stockings with a seam. They are less convenient to wear than tights, but that is not the point here.
Autumn and winter, everyday wear
Advice: 40 to 100 denier.
From 40 denier onward, you get noticeable warmth. From 70 denier, it becomes a fully insulating layer under a skirt or dress. Pair them with boots and feel free to choose a thicker pair, as most of it will not be visible anyway.
Warm days
Advice: 8 to 15 denier, or open-crotch styles.
If you prefer not to go bare-legged even in summer, you will benefit most from the finest yarn possible. In warm weather, pay extra attention to the size: stretched fabric is more likely to stick to the skin.
What always applies
- Two pairs are not a luxury. A run rarely happens at a convenient time.
- Match the color to your shoes, not your skirt. This elongates the line of your leg.
- Try on new hosiery once at home before taking it to an occasion. That way, you can be sure the size is right.
