Are Pantyhose Still in Style? Your 2026 Guide to Wearing Hosiery
TL;DR
The Quick Version
Yes, pantyhose are stylish in 2026. Fashion is fluid, the rules are gone, and hosiery technology has genuinely improved. Wear what makes you feel good, and if you want guidance on how to do it well, keep reading.
I originally wrote about pantyhose back in 2014. At the time, Princess Kate was single-handedly rehabilitating hosiery after years of Carrie Bradshaw-era bare legs convincing everyone that pantyhose were the enemy of chic. It's been over a decade, and the conversation has completely changed.
Whether you're returning to hosiery after years away, wearing a skirt for the first time, or just trying to figure out if pantyhose still have a place in your wardrobe, you're in the right place. This guide is for anyone who wants to wear hosiery and wants to do it well.
Fashion in the 2020s doesn't do hard rules. You can wear tights with sandals (Valentino recently did it), sheer black hose with ballet flats, or fishnets with a blazer and nobody is batting an eye. Pantyhose sales have actually risen 18% overall, with 76% growth among 18 to 24-year-olds in 2023, which tells you something: the generation that grew up watching their moms ditch hosiery has decided it's cool again. (source)
Designers like Prada and Miu Miu pushed the trend on the runway, and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber have been spotted in sheer hosiery with modern outfits. At the 2025 Met Gala, Kylie Jenner wore sheer black gloves and a dramatic sheer corset gown, part of a broader red carpet embrace of all things sheer. This is the moment hosiery has been waiting for. (source)
So: are pantyhose still in style? Yes. Are they required? Absolutely not. Are there more options than ever for more skin tones, more body types, and more occasions? Also yes. Here's how to navigate it.
The Modern Approach to Hosiery
The biggest style change since 2014 is that pantyhose are no longer about covering up. They're a tool, same as a great shoe or a statement earring. Wear them because you want to, because they make an outfit feel finished, because they keep you warm, or because sheer black hose with an evening look is tres chic in 2026. You no longer wear them because your workplace requires it or because bare legs are somehow wrong.
The best hosiery either nearly disappears into your skin, or it makes a deliberate statement with texture, pattern, or finish. What you want to avoid is the middle ground: opaque-ish, slightly shiny, visible toe seams, obvious-but-not-intentional. That's the look that reads as dated. Hosiery has come a long way, baby, and you can find incredibly natural looking pantyhose in 2026 regardless of size or skintone.
Sheer Nude Pantyhose
Sheer nude is the most wearable option and the one that has improved the most since 2014. The old problem was that “nude” meant one shade for one skin tone. Again, we've come a long way baby, and brands have caught up with broad ranges of skintones with hosiery.
The goal is to match your actual skin tone as closely as possible. Too light and it reads as a costume. Too dark and the same. Brands like Nubian Skin and SKIMS now offer ranges designed for a broader spectrum of skin tones. Even old school Marks & Spencer moved away from the word “nude” entirely as part of their commitment to inclusivity. (source)
For a sheer, natural look, denier matters. 12 denier is ideal for warmer weather and easier to match to your skin tone, while 20 denier works well for fall, winter, and spring. Go lower than 15 denier and you're essentially in airbrushed-leg territory, which is exactly the goal.
Where to Shop:
- Hipstik (sizes 2-24, lace waistband, four sheer shades with great reviews from women of color). Hipstik's 16-denier microfiber is consistently called “magic” by reviewers, and their stretchy lace waistband skips the digging and pinching most of us have learned to dread.
- Sheertex (rip-resistant, six shades, XS-3X) is popular for durability and a great range of colors and sizes.
- When it comes to best quality, you can't go wrong with Wolford. Wolford is available in XS (equal to a US 4/6) to XL (equal to 18/20). Wolford is also available at Nordstrom.
Sheer Black Pantyhose
This is the one I'm most excited to talk about because sheer black hose for evening is having a genuine moment and it deserves it. A very sheer black leg, paired with a great shoe, is elegant and chic in a way it simply wasn't ten years ago.
The key word is sheer. We're talking 10-15 denier, not opaque tights. The effect should be subtle color and a slight polish, not coverage. Pair them with ballet flats, pumps, ankle booties, or tall boots. Wear them with a cocktail dress, a midi skirt, wide-leg trousers with a slit, or even tailored shorts for evening. The versatility is genuinely impressive.
For quality sheer black options, SPANX's sheers hold up well and have a more polished finish than drugstore options. Wolford's individual line remains a benchmark for sheerness and durability if you want to spend more. For a more budget-friendly entry point, Sheertex makes a sheer black that resists runs better than most.
Opaque Tights
Opaque tights never actually left fashion, and they remain one of the most practical items in a fall and winter wardrobe. Black opaques with black shoes extending the line of the leg is a styling trick that continues to be fashionable.
A few things to keep in mind: matte always looks more expensive than shiny, and thickness matters for versatility. A mid-weight opaque (around 40-60 denier) works for both office and evening. Very thick tights start to read more as thermals, which is fine for warmth but limits your outfit options.
Layering pantyhose under thicker tights is a practical trick most people overlook, and works especially well with a wool midi skirt and ankle boots for a put-together cold-weather look. It adds warmth without visible bulk.
SPANX's Tight End Tights remain a solid pick, as does anything from Wolford if you want them to last multiple seasons. For plus sizes, the best fitting brand IMO is Snag Tights.
Patterned, Textured, and Fishnet Hosiery
Let me eat my 2014 words: Back then, I told you not to bother with patterned and fishnet hosiery unless you really knew what you were doing. Yeah, things have changed in the past decade+.
Tights with sandals, once a hard fashion no, are now runway-approved, with Valentino leading the charge and Pamela Anderson among the celebrities embracing the look. Fishnets, subtle patterns, and textured tights are genuinely stylish in 2026, and the approach is simpler than I made it sound a decade ago.
The entry point is still a nude fishnet or a very fine mesh, which adds texture without screaming for attention. From there, subtle patterns like pin dots, micro-argyle, or vertical ribbing work with almost anything. Bold patterns and bright colors are absolutely on the table if that's your style, just keep the rest of the outfit grounded so the hosiery reads as intentional rather than chaotic.
One pairing that works better than you'd expect: a fine fishnet or textured tight with a midi skirt. This is considered now a classic look, and tres French chic. For shoes, you can do a loafer, a Mary Jane, a kitten-heel, even a low-profile sneaker.
Alternatives to Pantyhose
If you want the look of smooth, even legs without hosiery, the options have genuinely improved since 2014.
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is still around and still works, though the lotion formula continues to perform better than the spray for most people. Self-tanners have improved significantly, and gradual options like Jergens Natural Glow reduce the streaking risk for the less coordinated among us (solidarity). Body makeup specifically designed for legs, like Isle of Paradise's tanning drops mixed into lotion, gives more control over depth of color and works well for all skin tones.
For chafing prevention specifically, Thigh Society makes slip shorts that do double duty as a smooth base layer. Use promo code ALISON15 to get 15% off your order!
The Bottom Line
Wear pantyhose if you want to. Don't if you don't. Fashion in 2026 is more fluid and accepting than ever, and that's the best possible update to a post I wrote in 2014.
If you do want to wear them, go sheer over opaque, match your skin tone carefully (or commit to a deliberate statement), invest in quality because the cheap ones still run, and know that the technology and size range available now is vastly better than what existed a decade ago.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pantyhose
Are pantyhose back in style in 2026?
Yes. Sheer nude and sheer black pantyhose are both on trend, appearing on runways from Prada to Valentino and on celebrities across red carpets. Fashion rules around hosiery are looser than they have been in decades.
What is the difference between pantyhose and tights?
Pantyhose are sheer and lightweight, typically under 40 denier. Tights are more opaque and generally thicker. Both cover the legs and waist; the main difference is coverage and finish.
What pantyhose look most natural?
Low denier (10-15) pantyhose in a shade that closely matches your skin tone. Brands like Hipstik, Nubian Skin, Sheertex, and SKIMS offer ranges for multiple skin tones.
Can plus size women wear pantyhose?
Absolutely. Hipstik (sizes 2-24), Sheertex (XS-3X), and Hanes Plus all make pantyhose specifically designed for plus size bodies with better stretch and fit.
Are fishnets still in style?
Yes. Fine fishnet and textured hosiery are very much on trend, particularly with loafers, Mary Janes, and tall boots.
Do I have to wear pantyhose to work?
No. Pantyhose are no longer required in most professional environments. They're a style choice, not a dress code requirement.
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I’m all for joining the pantyhose bandwagon, but after so long without them, it’s really hard to go back. I am now a huge fan of opaque hose, though.
Great post, thank you!
Spanx have the dreaded rollershade effect on me, so as much as I like their opacity and durability, they drive me nuts.
Hue tights fit me much better. I also like their micro mesh fishnets
Opaques and patterns for me. I hope to never wear a pair of nude pantyhose again (too many years in the corporate world!). Great post
I’m from Michigan, the land of the ice and snow, where the midnight sun and the hot springs flow (and other Led Zeppelin lyrics probably) so I’m all for leg coverage based on temperature, but can I just say that the anonymous comment in here about “women over a certain age” is a total bummer? Is it really so traumatizing for people to acclimatize themselves to seeing imperfections on women? Stop making grown up chicks feel shitty for having normal, fallible human bodies and you’ll get used to seeing it, dude. Jesus. I guess I’m probably just annoyed because my own biggest pet peeve is people without the balls to attach their name to their bitchy opinions.
My mom is 71 and still does bare legs and looks fantastic, but she has great gams and has maintained a yoga practice for over a decade. My legs as I get older are starting to look… well not the way that makes me comfortable. I could see myself choosing sheer hosiery in the future for my own comfort level and confidence. I don’t believe there is a rule for any age group, there are always those who prove those rules are wrong and dated!
I’m not a huge fan of pantyhose but they do make my legs look nice when I wear them! I love opaque tights. A staple with dresses in the winter!
I’m a fan of wool tights. They are pricey but they last and are made of merino wool. It’s like having a sweater on your legs!
Well is all up to the person to wear or not to wear I say even though I love a woman in nice hosiery but not for me to say otherwise. I wear daily under my pants like most men do so not to be ridiculed and called names. Am straight not a fetish not a CD it’s about fashion liking the way one’s legs look plus the benefits.
I love wearing nylon tights – with a good girdle up over them as well. Tights are great for health and circulation and the girdle great for back problems, both fabulous in an Irish winter!
I grew up wearing hosiery and to me it finishes off an outfit beautifully…but, all I can every find is control top hosiery and that is not a beautiful look unless you are the size of a pencil. If there is the least bit of fat around the middle all you get is a flat bottom and a muffin top. Is there a brand that doesn’t flatten the bottom and sits on the waist naturally. I had rather have a smooth belly than a squeezed flat belly with a harsh line and a muffin top sitting above. Would love some feed back and suggestions.
I will give you my perspective as a transgender lady. For the past 10 years, after having everything done except the final surgery, I have successfully lived, worked, been promoted, and enjoyed life in a woman’s role. Because almost nobody is aware of my status except HR, I freely receive compliments about my wardrobe, fashion, and personal appearance to include my figure; moreover, shortly after earning two degrees, I literally had to start life over and relearn how to present myself in order to be viable and productive in the job market and in life after hormone treatments and minimal cosmetic surgeries.
That said, I do not understand the animosity and vitriolic discussion about the hosiery one chooses to wear. Fashion magazines and on-line comments routinely scour about whether or not a woman should have nylon fabric on her legs. Personally, I go bare legged and also wear hosiery to include thigh highs, nylon stockings, and pantyhose. The outfit worn determines what is appropriate for my legs along with hairstyle, shoes, cologne, makeup, etc. Ultra sheer fashions are my pantyhose of choice since they present a bare look which highlights my legs and does not veil a part of my figure. I also find wearing pantyhose without panties is more comfortable and less restricting; the feel of double undergarments does not work for me. In my case, if the dress or skirt is tight and short, wearing a nude smoothing thong suffices just fine.
From my viewpoint, spending disproportional amounts of time discussing some else’s fashion choices makes no sense, especially when they are productive and present themselves well.
I love wearing pantyhose. …. wore them growing up my whole life. I think that they can be fashionable. They are also helpful in cold weather:)
Hosiery – Not just for weddings, church or other “special” events.
Black sheers – Not the only choice! Nude sheer or ultra-sheer hosiery, when closely matched to skin tone, looks absolutely amazing!
Set up a poll that features a non-model women’s legs (waist down, showing part of the dress or skirt) in various heels, pumps, flats, etc. Same women, same shoes. One pic of her in sheer hosiery that matches her skin tone and one bare legged. Pics side by side. Then one with pics of a women in opaques (tights) and bare legged, same women, same shoes, same picture distance and angle. Do several of these, using the same women for the side by side comparison, in various combinations of skirts/dress, heels/flats/boots and hosiery, ultra-sheer to opaque, etc.
Do the poll without notifying the participant that it’s a poll about hosiery (or bare legs), but start the poll featuring sheer (or ultra sheer) vs bare leg pics and then opaques vs bare leg. Some women (& men) will know right away what type of poll it is, but not all.
100% guaranteed, the majority of women & men will say the legs with hosiery look better, even though its the same (non-model) woman. And, most likely, the sheer hosiery would win the most “up” votes (vs the opaques). And, more than likely, a higher percentage of men (than women) will like the hosiery look in dresses and skirts vs. bare leg.
You intentionally pick out a beautiful dress and sexy, gorgeous shoes and then go bare legged? Doesn’t look good. Hosiery completes the look. Legs looks better, smoother, more elegant, etc.
Bare legs are…well, bare. Great for shorts, great for swimsuits, great for wearing with flip flops. You know, the casual or beach scene look. Not so great for paring with dresses or skirts. Looks incomplete and too raw when matches with a dress or skirt.
There is a poll on stylebistro called “What Do You Think of Wearing Tights Under Shorts?” As of now, 81% like and only 19% dislike. Mind you, this is about the more casual look of opaques (not sheer/ultra-sheer) with shorts (not even dresses or skirts). Hosiery does look better than bare leg, in many situations.
Besides, there are so many new types, new technology out there since prior to the 90’s. The sheer/ultra sheer skin tones look far more natural and appealing than before. As a bonus, there are of course many options for giving the appearance that you’ve lost a dress size (tummy control, especially with high waist, bum lifting, leg messaging, etc). There are even some that are made specifically for hotter climates such as the Silkies 65 Degree Control Top Sheer Pantyhose (in regular & toe-less). There are even hosiery that have a G-string affect made by Trasparenze (& others), if your into that, anti cellulite hosiery made by Solidea (& others), moisturizing hosiery made by Solidea, Cette (& others) and non-slip sole hosiery made especially for high heels by Marks & Spence, Frappe, Verano (& others).
Like Kate Middleton, Beyoncé, Zoey Deschanel, Sofia Vergara, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and many of the younger 20 somethings from Disney, many more young and middle aged women should take notice that hosiery just looks better with dresses and skirts and has come a very long way in the last decade or so!
I am 46 years old and work with technology companies in the DC metro area. With few exceptions, I wear hosiery with skirts and dresses. I like opaque tights as much as anyone, but they look out of place at temperatures above 60 degrees and are too casual for formal business attire. I have a large selection of colors for my casual winter outfits only. Patterned sheer pantyhose tend to look costume-y and I can’t pull off that kind of look. For work, I’ll wear buff (I’m very fair), off-black, or black. Occasionally, I will even wear–don’t faint–sheer navy, which so far has not resulted in anyone’s mistaking me for a flight attendant.
Vera Wang opaque control top tights from Kohl’s cost about 10 dollars/pair and last for a long time.
I think the thing about less than perfect legs is that it is fine for them to be bare in the hot weather when it is a comfort choice – but why suffer in the cold to show them off? I veer between bare legs in the summer and opaques and some of the dreaded pattern in winter. I bridge the gap sometimes with some fishnets – I quite like nude (though hard to find) but also wear black and brown. Since I almost always wear flat shoes I think I avoid the slut trap! I even own some bright orange fishnets, but haven’t braved them yet. But mostly I stick to trousers in the ‘transition’ periods. A few other thoughts about sheer and summer.One reason I gave up sheer tights was that I always wore them once and then threw them away – not because I am extravagant but because they laddered! I really was quite careful putting them on and taking off, but the ladders happened anyway. The cost, especially if you buy quality, is horrendous. Also, if you are going to wear sheer tights in summer, that presumably rules out sandals or anything open toed. And also, you should think about skirt cling. I find that even some lined summer skirts are lined with a cotton fabric which is nicer than synthetics to wear with bare legs but will cling like mad if you wear tights. Also some shoes are just better with bare feet. There is a friction between the lining and your skin that keeps them on – but put on tights and they keep slipping off.
One of my biggest pet peeves are women over a certain age who don’t wear pantyhose/tights, particularly in the work place. As we get older, our legs get veiny, knees start to sag, and the general color and condition deteriorates. It is very unflattering for older women to go without pantyhose/tights. Plus, I think it looks odd when women wear closed toe shoes with no stockings at any age – just plain uncomfortable and will make your shoes smell after a while.
I also find it ridiculous when women of all ages go bare legged in the dead of winter in the northeast (although it seems the younger women do this more). I don’t know even know how women can leave the house like that! That is like a man going to work in shorts and dress shoes without socks in February.
“One of my biggest pet peeves are women over a certain age who don’t wear pantyhose/tights, particularly in the work place. As we get older, our legs get veiny, knees start to sag, and the general color and condition deteriorates. It is very unflattering for older women to go without pantyhose/tights.”
Then look the f—k away, you dumb b*tch. Just because you’re so insecure about yourself that you feel the need to hide your legs away from the world with uncomfortable hosiery doesn’t mean we all have to.
THANK YOU!!! i agree completely. Screw the fashion police.
I am not overly fond of hosiery. However, having gotten that out of the way, I believe they are appropriate, and are absolutely necessary in less casual settings, and during cooler weather. Kudos to Princess Kate for bringing them back (when they should have never gone “out” in the first place); it would be great if the first lady could follow this example.
I am a woman of color, and sheer hosiery choices for me tend to be a bit more complicated. My preference in sheer hosiery is Hanes thigh highs, which I buy in a pack of 3 pair at a Hanes outlet for under $20. If I can’t find my color in thigh highs, I go with the regular to-the-waist hosiery, which might add a couple of bucks to the price. I rinse them with Hosiery Mate to prolong their life span.
I’ve never heard of Hosiery Mate, thanks for this Laurel!
I’ve been running into pairs of “The Nudes” at Marshall’s and TJMaxx. As always with those places the sizes/colors aren’t reliable, but if you’re someone who wears stockings it’s worth a look through the bin.
Awesome, thanks Ginger!
Except in summer, I prefer to wear pantyhose with dresses and skirts, and have found Secret Silky Control Top to be sheer, not shiny, and available in a color to match my very pale legs. Unfortunately I tried the palest shade of Airbrushed Legs (the lotion) and it was startling orange on my legs. I too find the Jergens Natural Glow good — I also like the Olay version. Both end up giving a natural look.
I never knew patterned tights were so scary! I think that if you go for a subtle pattern (like a small fish net or small polka dots) they’re really no different to plain tights. I do steer clear of the more violently coloured ones and patterns as a) the rest of your outfit has to be plain so as not to compete and b) they highlight your legs and my legs aren’t my best feature.
I think the difference is that you know that the rest of the outfit needs to be plain, and you need to be aware how a pattern will draw attention to your legs. The biggest thing I see is women trying to treat patterned hosiery as a solid, pairing lace or dots with printed dresses or conservative business suits. While I believe everyone should wear what makes them feel good, working with women of different ages, sizes, and styles I’ve learned that what patterned hosiery works on one does not work on another, and it gets far too complex for a general blog post.
Dance wear tights are actually very good quality, and much cheaper than many street wear brands. ( and most aren’t shiny at all!). They DO run much smaller than street wear though, so be sure to read your labels! I like body wrappers and prima soft. I also like those fleece lined tights for winter.
Hey don’t give up on the sheer hose I prefer them ovet tights, except winter time..I can wear the nylons all year. The Duchess Kate is a perfect example.
I wear tights year round, screw what’s fashionable! But then, I have a defined gothic aesthetic that this works with 🙂 Also, I really love Calvin Klein tights, they come in a variety of sizes & are very durable (I have pairs that are 4 years old, & again, I wear them all the time, so they get a ton of use).
I absolutely ADORE hosiery! Maybe it’s just my church upbringing, but I honestly cannot imagine going without them except for in the most extreme heat!!
Have you ever tried Commando sheer or opaque tights? They are so comfortable, and I think of good quality
I have tried for opaque but not yet for sheer. I must agree the quality is phenomenal!
Here, Brazil. Almost 350 days of sun and heat. I can’t manage to wear skirts/dresses without stockings.
Great post, Allie! I’ve always wanted some nude fishnets but cannot find them (aside from dance – type ones). Any suggestions there? Here in SoCal we are still completely on the bare legs train…so much that the idea of natural color hosiery makes me nervous. This from an Alaskan girl who used to wear bone/white hose with some outfits. GAHHH! ( Was a little clueless up there in the last frontier! )
Cheers!
We in DC are still on the bare legs train as well, but I think it’s ridiculous to choose to not wear skirts because you feel uncomfortable in bare legs. I don’t wear them… yet but the older I get the more I see the appeal. As for nude fishnets I have a pair from Commando that are at least 8 years old and still in great shape
Spanx also makes fishnets, and last time I checked they had nude and black, as well as a couple of other colors. Mine have worn like iron, so I haven’t had to repurchase in years.