Pantyhose vs. Stocking — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 4, 2023
Pantyhose are sheer, close-fitting legwear covering the body from the waist down, while stockings are coverings for the feet and legs up to the thigh.
Difference Between Pantyhose and Stocking
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pantyhose are a form of tight-fitting legwear that cover the wearer's body from the waist down to the toes. They provide a seamless look and are often used under skirts or dresses to give the legs a smooth appearance. Stockings, in contrast, are similar in material but only cover the foot and extend up to the thigh, requiring garters or a garter belt to hold them up.
While pantyhose are typically made of a combination of nylon and spandex, providing elasticity and a snug fit, stockings may also be made of silk, cotton, or wool, offering more variety in texture and thickness. Pantyhose often include a control top to shape the waist and hips, whereas stockings are worn more for style and have no such feature.
Pantyhose became popular as a single garment because they offer convenience and uniform color, eliminating the need for garters. Stockings, however, have remained popular for those who prefer the tradition of wearing them with garter belts, or for the elegant aesthetic they provide.
One of the practical benefits of pantyhose is that they can provide warmth during colder seasons while still appearing delicate and sheer. Stockings, on the other hand, are seen by some as more comfortable or more convenient when using the restroom, as they do not need to be pulled down.
In terms of durability, both pantyhose and stockings are prone to snags and runs. Pantyhose, however, are more difficult to repair due to their full coverage, while stockings can be more easily replaced if damaged since they are worn in pairs. Both serve to complement outfits, but pantyhose offer more in the way of smoothing and shaping the silhouette.
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Comparison Chart
Coverage
Extends from waist to toes
Covers from feet to thigh
Support
May include control top for shaping
Requires garters for support
Material
Often nylon and spandex blend
Can vary more, including silk, cotton, or wool
Convenience
Eliminates need for garters
Considered more convenient for restroom use
Fashion
Seen as practical and modern
Associated with elegance and tradition
Compare with Definitions
Pantyhose
Full Coverage
Pantyhose are essential for her winter wardrobe.
Stocking
Thigh-High Covering
Her silk stockings were held up by a classic garter belt.
Pantyhose
Nylon Fabric
Pantyhose are typically made from a durable nylon blend.
Stocking
Elastic Hold
Her stockings had an elastic band to prevent slipping.
Pantyhose
Control Top
Her pantyhose had a control top for additional support.
Stocking
Leg Accessory
She paired her velvet dress with red stockings.
Pantyhose
Elastic Fit
The pantyhose provided a smooth silhouette under her dress.
Stocking
Fashion Statement
The fishnet stockings added an edge to her look.
Pantyhose
Sheer Legwear
She chose black pantyhose to complete her outfit.
Stocking
Stockings (also known as hose, especially in a historical context) are close-fitting, variously elastic garments covering the leg from the foot up to the knee or possibly part or all of the thigh. Stockings vary in color, design, and transparency.
Pantyhose
Pantyhose, called sheer tights, or tights in the United Kingdom and a few other countries, are close-fitting legwear covering the wearer's body from the waist to the toes. Mostly considered to be a garment for women and girls, pantyhose first appeared on store shelves in 1959 (Allen Gant's product, 'Panti-Legs') as a convenient alternative to stockings and/or control panties (which, in turn, replaced girdles).
Stocking
A close-fitting, usually knitted covering for the foot and leg, often made of sheer fabric as nylon or silk and rising high on the leg.
Pantyhose
(North America) Women's thin nylon tights worn over the legs, usually tan in color.
Stocking
A sock.
Pantyhose
A woman's tights consisting of underpants and stockings
Stocking
An elasticized garment that exerts pressure on the leg to improve blood flow and is used in the treatment of various circulatory disorders or sometimes following surgery.
Stocking
A bag in the shape of a large sock that is often decorated and hung on a mantle for the deposit of Christmas presents.
Stocking
A white marking on the lower leg of a dark-colored horse, extending from the hoof to at least the hock or knee.
Stocking
A soft garment, usually knit or woven, worn on the foot and lower leg under shoes or other footwear.
A pair of stockings
Stocking
A broad ring of a different fur colour on the lower part of the leg of a quadruped.
Stocking
A knitted hood of cotton thread which is eventually converted by a special process into an incandescent mantle for gas lighting.
Stocking
(forestry) A ratio of the actual density of trees in an area to the ideal density that would make the fullest use of the land.
Stocking
Present participle of stock
I've almost finished stocking these groceries.
Stocking
A close-fitting covering for the foot and leg, usually knit or woven.
Stocking
Any of various things resembling, or likened to, a stocking{1};
Stocking
To dress in GBs.
Stocking
Close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)
Stocking
The activity of supplying a stock of something;
He supervised the stocking of the stream with trout
Stocking
Wearing stockings;
Walks about in his stockinged (or stocking) feet
Stocking
Knit Footwear
She wore wool stockings to keep warm.
Common Curiosities
Can men wear stockings?
Yes, stockings are unisex, although traditionally associated with women's fashion.
What's the main use for stockings?
Stockings are worn for warmth, fashion, or to complement an outfit.
Are pantyhose one size fits all?
No, pantyhose come in various sizes for different body types.
Do pantyhose require garters?
No, pantyhose are designed to stay up without garters.
Are stockings still in style?
Yes, stockings are fashionable, often associated with luxury and elegance.
Can stockings have patterns?
Yes, stockings come in many patterns and colors.
What are pantyhose made from?
Pantyhose are commonly made from a blend of nylon and spandex.
Do pantyhose help with circulation?
Compression pantyhose can aid circulation and reduce swelling.
Do all stockings require a garter belt?
Thigh-high stockings often need garters, but some have stay-up silicone bands.
Are pantyhose suitable for all seasons?
Lighter pantyhose are suitable for summer, while thicker ones are better for winter.
Do pantyhose come in different shades?
Pantyhose are available in various shades to match different skin tones.
Can pantyhose be reused?
Yes, if handled carefully, pantyhose can be worn multiple times.
How do I choose the right size stockings?
Size is typically chosen based on height, thigh circumference, and personal preference.
Can pantyhose be recycled?
Recycling options are limited, but some programs accept nylon pantyhose.
Are there eco-friendly stockings available?
Yes, some stockings are made from eco-friendly materials.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
