Real Women Don’t Wear Pantyhose

Jul 25th 2008
Suzanne EnochMy Life As A Plebe

67 Responses to “Real Women Don’t Wear Pantyhose”

1. Kendra on 25 Jul 2008 at 12:30 am #

   I can’t remember the last pair of pantyhose I bought. I bought some footless leggings to wear with boots and a short skirt at Christmas but no pantyhose. Luckily I wear scrubs to work and don’t need this sort of thing for my job. I worked retail years ago and tore through countless pairs of the nasty toe stranglers. No pantyhose for nationals award night either, just Spanx and a pedicure. Gotta love Spanx! It does the work of a million stomach crunches in five seconds.

   Self tan? I use Loreal for body and Neutrogena for my face. The Neutrogena isn’t very dark, but it doesn’t smell funny. The Loreal gives good color but still has “that smell.” You know what I mean? If anyone can recommend a good self tan that doesn’t smell like self tan, I’d love to hear about it.

2. TinaLouiseF on 25 Jul 2008 at 1:17 am #

   With enough notification, I will shave and wear pantyhose with a dress.

   Usually socks and tennies even with slacks.

3. evlqn on 25 Jul 2008 at 2:49 am #

   I have about ten pairs of pantyhose and cannot remember the last time I actually put a pair on. I think it might have been about 4 years ago. I just go about with nekkid legs and let the world adjust to the sight of my un-tanned, un-hosed person.
   I stopped wearing those bras that were made by a member in good standing of the Spanish Inquisition. I wear sports bras or a very soft jersey number if I need a more finished look.
   High heels are apart of my past also, one inch heels are my limit.

4. Paula on 25 Jul 2008 at 4:27 am #

   Pantyhose, no way it is so uncomfortable I’d rather wrap my legs in clingfilm!!
   The only time you’d catch me wearing it is if we go to my DH’s christmas party and I wear my evening dress, or now I’m working my works christmas do.
   Like Evqln high heels are not part of my wardrobe anymore.

5. Judy F on 25 Jul 2008 at 4:58 am #

   I couldn’t tell you the last time I wore pantyhose. They are a pain. During the winter I wear socks with my slacks no more knee highs either.

   I haven’t used a self tanner but my glow in the dark white legs could use something.

6. Karen Rose on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:11 am #

   I haven’t worn hose since 1999. I tried spanx - ouch. I’m doing the self-tan because I have a Florida tan (like all arms and no torso tan) and my dress for the RITA awards is a halter style.

   I thought about a spray tan to even out my lines and that scares me - some kind of mist will coat me all over and then my face will be a different color and my makeup will no longer look right. Anybody know how that mist works anyway?

   So I’m self tanning with lotion now and you’re right, Kendra, it has that smell. Ick.

7. Karen Rose on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:14 am #

   Suzanne - I remember reading an old Jude Deveraux book where the heroine says she can’t stand hose because they make her feel like she’s in sausage casings.

   After that, I could never wear them. I thought, hey, yeah, sausage casings is exactly right. No MAN would wear something so heinously uncomfortable! So I liberated myself from hose forever!

8. Margaret Garland on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:47 am #

   I can’t remember the last time I even bought a pair of the stupid things. Many years ago that’s for sure. I just shaved better. I’ve never minded the white legs but I’m not going to fancy places anymore, either. I guess I have a Florida tan too, KarenR. My arms are brown up to the point where my short sleeves take over. Also I’m brown where my scoop neck shirt reveal skin. From sitting at those 2 day, all day tournaments. I never lie outside and fry anymore.

   My DD doesn’t wear them either. I think the only person I know who does is one of my DILs. She’s a spiffy dresser and wears them when they go fancy. Pity as she doesn’t need them.

   KarenR the only men who wear sausage casings are ballet dancers. And they don’t look comfortable on them either.

   No heels at all since knee replacement surgery.

9. Margaret Garland on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:49 am #

   I wonder about those tan sprays and such. I see people on tv all the time who have a weird orange glow to them. Like the Oompa Loompas in the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka. Haven’t seen Johnny Depp’s to compare.

   Why would anybody want to be orange? Mostly it seems to be local news people. Strange.

10. Maggie on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:53 am #

    I hate pantyhose but with the right garter, I will wear a pair of stockings!

    I had a funny moment with my mom while preparing for a seriously upscale date…I had my outfit including my stockings, garter, and matching panty and bra set laying across my bed. She brought in a handbag to match my outfit and said “Are you wearing stockings? I hated those things. I was excited when pantyhose were invented.” I gave her the “you’re weird” look and told her that pantyhose were a pain the patookus. Since discovering stockings and garters, I will wear those if I have to.

    As for self-tan…I still can’t find one that doesn’t make me orange.

11. Kathy/Cookie on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:16 am #

    I’m back after a bout with pc madness.
    I hate pantyhose! always have. still have a few pair in my drawer, but haven’t worn them in YEARS!!! no dresses either, actually.
    I’ve gievn up fancy shoes for comfort. I used to wear the most fashionable yet uncomfortable flats and tiny heeled shoes you can imagine.
    no more! “comfort is key” is my personal motto.
    If you aren’t comfortable, you aren’t wearing it!

12. Kathy/Cookie on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:42 am #

    and fainlly after a bit of loving care, my ac is back working.
    pc, ac, any other something c unit not wanna work for me? the week isn’t over!

13. Kathy/Cookie on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:43 am #

    fainlly? f i n a l l y!!!

14. cail on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:52 am #

    Kathy! You’re back! Yay!

    I actually, don’t hate me, kind of like panty hose. In the winter at work i’d wear them, (even some with patterns!) but in the summer i’m all about spanx. i’m one of those girls who can’t get away without something shielding my thighs from each other and seriously, the person who invented spanx is a genius. plus it also allows me to squeeze into smaller skirts, without being uncomfortable.

    i own many pairs of 2 in or higher heals, which will probably be completely useless now that i’ve forsaken my dear NYC for the country. come to think of it, the majority of my wardrobe is NYC 9-5 appropriate. Bummer. I guess I’ll have to go shopping…

    Never used a self tan… probably should instead of sunbathing from time to time. Too many people I know have had skin cancer removed. Any suggestions on one that doesn’t turn orange or smell?

15. SuzyQ on 25 Jul 2008 at 7:40 am #

    I so hate pantyhose. In fact I am sitting at my desk right now in a short skirt, bare legs, and a cute pair of strappy sandals. The last time I wore hose was for my Christmas party. I don’t do the self tanner. Once I did get some from QVC and it worked ok but I couldn’t stand the smell. Like Cail, if I could find one that smells good and won’t turn orange I’d give it a go.

    And speaking of self tanners, has anyone seen the suntan lotion with it in? I once bought this by mistake and ended up with streaks all over my legs. I mean really, what is the point of a self tanner in suntan lotion????

16. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 7:40 am #

    I wear hose but only if 1) it’s hot and 2) it’s a funeral.

    Ok, I will wear them to weddings, but I never go to those (been to five — all five are divorced now! I’m the black lung of wedding invitees. Whatever you do, do NOT invite me to your wedding. Things will end up BAD.) so other than that, nope.

    I do self tanner and SLACKS. That’s right, SLACKS. Give me liberty (of pants) or give me — whatever else.

    Suzanne, so ah . . . you sharing that self tanner at Nationals? Or should I get my own bottle? I’m out of suitcase room!

17. Emmiebee on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:00 am #

    Hello, all! I sometimes will wear patterened tights or leggings as part of an outfit- but they will be the soft, comfy kind that does not run. Oh- and I will wear thigh-highs for Halloween costumes, if that counts. Heh. And I feel that my bone china white legs are just a precaution for walking at night- no other reflective gear is necessary!
    -Emmiebee, glowworm

18. Gannon on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:08 am #

    I despise pantyhose! I think the last time I wore them was to my MIL’s memorial service–my dress was black and the hose were black. And it the weather was cool.

    Now, stockings with a garter belt…..very sexy, but worn only on rare occasions.

19. Freshechelle on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:26 am #

    I don’t think I’ve worn panty hose since the 20th century. Tights in winter, yes but pantyhose, no way. Here in NY it’s a no hose town no matter how cold it is. Cold days call for knee high, high heeled boots when worn with a skirt.

    I visit department stores all over the country as part of my job and have seen hosiery departments get smaller and moved to the least valuable real estate sections of stores. Spanx has moved from Hosiery to the Foundations department. OK, bored with my intro to Retail 101? I am.

    A friend has been enjoying her regular spray tan sessions and tries to convince me to do it but I embrace my pasty whiteness. It’s got a certain 18th century chic of “only the working class spend time outdoors”. I’d like a little time off to embrace the 21st century chic of “only the uberwealthy have time to be outdoors”.

20. Louisa Cornell on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:31 am #

    I never really minded hose when I was younger. Of course I was a garter belt and thigh highs girl then! I am bringing panty hose to Nationals, but I am not crazy about it. The sausage casing look is not comfortable, but I really need it to keep those two dress sizes Karen gifted me with from escaping and doing their own conga dance!!

    Love the Spanish Inquisition bra makers!! Those things should be OUTLAWED!!! I wear sports bras to work, BUT when I dress up I need something to saddle ‘em up and insure that I don’t look I am smuggling a 10 pound bag of potatoes on my chest! A bad that is threatening to fall to my waist!!

    My Wal-Mart uniform is khakis, navy t-shirt and tennis shoes. I am actually looking forward to a week of dresses and heels. Please don’t send the lynch mob after me. I DON’T have my suitcase packed if that is any compensation!

21. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:45 am #

    Gannon, you naughty woman! Heh! I bet you make Mr. Gannon a happy man!

    Louisa, I think Karen R gave ME her extra poundage, not you. Or maybe it was Julia. SOMEONE gave it to me and I wish they’d take it back!

22. dbrown3400 on 25 Jul 2008 at 9:18 am #

    I think the last time I wore pantyhose was when I worked in Manhattan and had to wear business suits and high heels in the early 90s. I wore tennis shoes on the PATH, but they came off a/s/a I hit the office. When I was installing the networks, I got to wear slacks, but when I was teaching the classes on came the suits and heels. The pantyhose were usually under the pants, which was miserable. When I was traveling, it made for a heavy suitcase. Never liked dresses, although I would wear them sometimes. Due to an illness, I didn’t work for several years, so when I went back to work, thank goodness, slacks were okay in the jobs I was able to get.

    My experience with self-tanning lotions was miserable and orange, so I’ll remain pale.

23. Michelle B on 25 Jul 2008 at 9:19 am #

    I think I have one pair of panty hose in my drawer. I wear them to funerals, summer weddings, and with a cocktail dress. Don’t need them for long formal dresses, or work where I wear slacks, a polo shirt, and black Dansko’s. In winter I wear tall boots with my skirts. Panty hose are hot and uncomfortable so you must be special for me to put them on. After I broke my foot three years ago, my Doctor said no more pretty shoes for me. Meaning no more high heels. Sometimes I put a pair on with a formal, but I ususally regret it the next day.

24. dbrown3400 on 25 Jul 2008 at 9:21 am #

    Oh, and never mind the pantyhose, you couldn’t get me in a pair of heels today for ANY reason.

25. Kathy/Cookie on 25 Jul 2008 at 9:30 am #

    I don’t do self tanning.
    I wear 50 -70 sunblock at all times.
    I burn within seconds.
    So white legs abound! lol
    I had a really bad burn on my chest while living in Trinidad , and am constantly on the watch for moles turning colour.

    When I have a funeral to go to, I wear the same grey slacks matched with a grey shirt and long blue trench. Except for my mom’s. She liked bright colours, so I wore my brightest floral dress for hers.
    Weddings- there aren’t too many of those to go to…my friends are already married, the others are steadfastly single and family members just live with their significant others. My nephew has such a nervous stomach, he couln’t handle the planning of a wedding. We always tease him we’ll have a surprise one set up for he and his girlfriend. My sister is a reverand, so she could do the ceremony. He’s actually fine with that idea, and calls Shauna his wife anyway.

26. Kim on 25 Jul 2008 at 9:50 am #

    Panty hose? What’s that? Its been since high school since I’ve tried to squeeze into a pair. I’m totally into comfort. No tight clothes and no un-comfy shoes. Ever.

    KarenR–I’ve got two words for you on the mist stuff. Friends & Ross. Don’t do it. LOL.

    KarenH–soooo, does this mean you’re finally packed?

27. Claudia Dain on 25 Jul 2008 at 9:54 am #

    Self-tanners…Jergens. Easy to apply and has a very nice smell. Not at all expensive and they sell it everywhere!

    I did the spray on tan once or twice; the trick is to get a good operator, then your face doesn’t look too dark and fight with your make-up. Once so many good self-tanners came out, they sort of dried up as a business concern where I live.

    I don’t mind pantyhose, but haven’t worn them in years. Not to anything. The thing is, stockings make your legs look better, smoother, and they hide all the slight skin imperfections. For my money, the loss of “foundation” garments has created a tyranny over women and their body image. You can’t use “aids” anymore to look good, you have to actually look perfect. Breast implants instead of a padded bra; a tight butt in thong underwear instead of a firm pantie to hold the jiggle down; perfectly toned legs instead of support hose.

    I read an entire book on this subject once and it changed my outlook. For better? For worse?

28. Margaret Garland on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:22 am #

    A few weeks ago I think I mentioned some good uses for panyhose. None of them had a thing to do with putting them on your body. BTW, it always seemed to me that, no matter what size was on the label, pantyhose were/are pretty much a one-size-fits-all garment. And we know how well those work out.

    Tie up your peonies, gladiolas & other drooping tall plants. Put 4 stakes in the ground a couple of feet away from a newly planted tree. On 4 sides, of course. Loop a strip of PH around the tree just above the first low limb. Tie/nail to a stake. Make sure you have the tree straight & the PH pressure straight. Your tree will grow tall & proud & not fall over in a good windstorm before it’s roots or set. Give them to children to play with. Their imaginations will run riot.

    Hmm. I wonder if they make good bungee cords for tying things onto other things?

29. Kay on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:38 am #

    I am allergic to just about everything in most lotions, so the self-tanning stuff is out.

    It depends on the dress and the occasion. If it’s a fancy event (like the RITAS) I’ll wear stockings, otherwise, my pale mid-western legs are on their own.

    I have mostly given up high heel shoes. I only wear them to “stocking” events.

30. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:42 am #

    Kim, don’t rush me, woman!

    No, I have not packed. That’s scheduled for Monday night at nine to ten p.m. Meanwhile i have a synopsis to write, chapters to proof, website updates to get out — I’m BUSY, babe. BUSY!

31. Karen Rose on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:42 am #

    I had a character use the pantyhose eggs once to blow stuff up. Using plastic eggs to deliver an arson cocktail was part of an actual case I found in an old fire investigation manual.

    I wonder about all the uses for the pantyhose themselves in murder mysteries! Altho I still chuckle at that scene in Raising Arizona when the Nick Cage character robbed a 7-11 wearing the whole pantyhose on his head - for a bag of Huggies. Snicker.

32. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:44 am #

    Btw, Sheridan, when is your 60 mile walk?

33. Karen Rose on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:45 am #

    Kim - I take it that Ross had a negative experience with a tanning mist I decided not to mist me.

    Claudia - I started using the Jergens yesterday. HOpefully by Saturday night I’ll be evened up.

34. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:46 am #

    ACK, Karen Ro, I LOOOOOVE RAISING ARIZONA! The eloquence of Nick Cage’s character is at such odds with his trailer-park lifestyle … I DIED laughing!

35. cail on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:53 am #

    Claudia, I totally am going to go to the store later and get the Jergens stuff. Does it come off on your clothes at all?

    I’ve recently discovered spray on sun block. Now that stuff is amazing.

    For those non-Friends fans, Ross didn’t turn around when he was supposed to and got two coats of tan on his front and none on his back. It was very funny.

36. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:03 am #

    KarenH, if I can find a way to keep from accidently tanning everything in my suitcase, I’ll bring it along. It’s Neutrogena, w/ a very mild smell, thankfully. A couple of weeks ago I tried a different one that said to apply before bed. I had to get up at 2 am and take a shower. It smelled so strongly I couldn’t even get to sleep.

37. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:07 am #

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s flung off the sausage-casing bindings and found freedom. And whoever it was that first mentioned Spanx the other week, THANK YOU! I can’t believe I’d never heard of them.

38. Kendra on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:14 am #

    I’ve done the spray booth tanning, but I did it in addition to the tanning beds. I don’t think I’d try it without some sort of real base tan first. It would look odd. The spray goes on pretty evenly and then you rub it off with a towel. At first I thought I was rubbing away all my money, but the color emerges a little later. It worked well for me. Although the water in the bottom of the shower was light brown the next day.

39. Valarie P on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:14 am #

    Hate pantyhose, the only time I ever wear them is when I have job interviews, which thankfully are far apart. I am a slacks and sandals in the summer, comfy shoes in the winter gal.

    the best self-tanning lotion I’ve used is the Faux Tan by Bare Escentuals. It looks natural, it doesn’t streak, it doesn’t come off on your clothes, and it doesn’t smell. Best of all it doesn’t bother my sensitive skin, which is the biggest point in its favor for me.

    Looking forward to seeing everyone at RWA.

40. dan on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:25 am #

    if you have flawless legs then don’t wear hose but men like women in pantyhose, it is simply more attractive. I love today’s trend of shunning hose because they are uncomfortable (which almost always has something robsobqirj quality and size) but wearing toe mangling 4-5 inch heels, that looks pretty comfortable. Most women over the age of 30 who try to go sans hose look ridiculous

41. Sheridan LA on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:45 am #

    Panty hose… not so much. I am not even sure they sell them in LA anymore.. I love tights, though. No spray/lotion tans for me. I embrace my paleness AND my farmer/cycling tan.

    I went to a garden party type thing a few years ago, had this lovely dress all in purples and blues. I get to the party and my cousin shakes her head “You didn’t even notice, did you?” I look… dress on, no rips, shoes match, hair ok… “uhm.. the tan lines.”

    So picture this.. sleeveless dress with scoop neckline reaches a bit above the knees with sandals. V-neck line from cycling jersey, along with the short sleeve line, the glove line at my wrists, shorts line and sock lines.. and the crowning glory.. the strap lines on my face from the helmet and the reverse raccoon from my sunglasses. I was HOT! Bootyliscious, baybeee. HA!

42. Sheridan LA on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:46 am #

    Oh.. and K-Hawk.. the walk is weekend before Thanksgiving. I posted an update on things in the forum if anyone is so inclined to check it out

43. Lisa H on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:50 am #

    I don’t need pantyhose for color, I’m Italian and very olive. People always think I have a tan when I haven’t been in the sun in years. I do need the hose because of the jello-like consistency of certain parts the hose covers.(Stomach, thighs) I will wear them even under slacks for the slimming effect. Someday when I have time to work out, I will forgo them altogether.

    I think they can be sexy, or going without can be sexy…it’s all in the attitude of the wearer.

    LOL Kim - Friends/Ross I loved that episode. “Now I’m a 4!)

44. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2008 at 12:32 pm #

    Ah, but Dan, all women are goddesses. We’d just rather be comfortable ones.

45. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 1:20 pm #

    Sheridan, thanks for the update! We need to schedule you to blog when you get back! That’s going to be QUITE the adventure!

    I don’t think it hose or not to hose is about age. It’s about the tonal quality of one’s legs and skin tone. I’ve got a neighbor in her 50s who is a runner who wears these cute little sun dresses without hose and looks absolutely adorable. My 17 yr old even said she was hot and was shocked to find out how old she was. Conversely, there’s a 20 something chica down the road who wears shorts and should NOT. All pasty white and bumby and veiny — not pretty.

46. Sheridan LA on 25 Jul 2008 at 1:23 pm #

    I will be happy to share the experience. thanks

    and I will keep posting updates from the training as it goes along. We also just came up with a cool fund raising event idea that will also be shared.. think Footloose and proms

47. Meg on 25 Jul 2008 at 1:48 pm #

    I haven’t worn actual apntyhose in YEARS!! And thank goodness, too. I do like to have knee highs or even thigh highs for when I wear the shorter stuff. I like the way they make my legs look.

    And I have a few questions about SPANX. How uncomfortable are they REALLY? I have seen them in a few stores but they just look umcomfortable. Also, how much do they cover? Is it like a bodysuit? How hard is it to go to the bathroom when you’re wearing them?

    No self tanner for me. Guess I’m still too chicken to try it. I do NOT want to be orange. And I’m just too lazy for it. I like to look great, but I don’t want to have to work that hard for it. Sitting in the sun is way easier for me.

48. Meg on 25 Jul 2008 at 1:50 pm #

    Wow! I just re-read my post. Please don’t stone me to death for all the spelling errors. It’s been a long, hot week at work.

49. Lisa H on 25 Jul 2008 at 2:03 pm #

    Hi Meg - I have a pair of spanx and they work great. They aren’t too bad to take off, kindof like control top panty hose. The thing I don’t like is that mine are like biker’s shorts and the line where they end tends to show mid thigh (if worn under pants) So I can’t wear them under slacks, just with dresses that are full.

50. Claudia Dain on 25 Jul 2008 at 2:09 pm #

    Jergens is wonderful!

    It does not rub off. It does not look orange. It comes in two shades, one for light skin and one for medium toned skin. You choose which one suits you. Picking the darker color if you’re fair skinned would probably make you look odd. *g* They have a formulation for your face, which I’ve used, but I mostly just want my arms and legs to look lightly tanned.

    I’ve bought Jergens in the grocery store, in Target, K-Mart, drug stores…it’s all over the place and less than $10. I’ve been using it for two years now and love it. The 2007 version smelled a bit like suntan lotion. The 2008 version just smells like hand/body cream—and is applied the same way. It just couldn’t be easier or nicer!

    This is the end of our unpaid endorsement.

51. Ann in IL on 25 Jul 2008 at 2:22 pm #

    I wear pantyhose. Not all the time, but when I dress up - like my niece’s wedding this past 4th of July. I wear them because I can’t stand the thought of wearing shoes or dress sandals without hose. I just can’t do it. Nor can I try on shoes without socks or hose. Too many years of wearing suits and heels in retail mgmt have left me with terrible feet. Doc says I need surgery, but will have to have 12 weeks off to heal.

    I imagine podiatry will be a big thing in the next 25 years when all these young things deal with the consequences of wearing flipflops all the time.

52. Sabrina Jeffries on 25 Jul 2008 at 3:02 pm #

    I will probably occasionally wear control top pantyhose at conference this year. Or not. At the very least I will be wearing knee highs all the time, because, unfortunately, I have to wear shoes all the time with my orthotics in them, and shoes chafe your feet without socks or knee highs or something. If I could wear sandals all the time, I’d be fine, but I can’t wear them at all.

    There’s no way I’m wriggling into any Spanx but I may wear the control top pantyhose just to smooth out everything. Maybe. We’ll see.

53. Kim on 25 Jul 2008 at 3:43 pm #

    K-Hawk–*snicker* You know its my job to rush you, right? LOL

    Sabrina–Do control top pantyhose smooth things?? I was looking for a girdle type thing but everything I saw looked like it was bullet proof. Meaning, hard as heck to get on.

54. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2008 at 3:56 pm #

    Meg, the Spanx I got come just above the belly button and just above the knee. They are hard to get on, but once there, I don’t notice them. And they’re not nearly as hot as I expected them to be.

55. Claudia Dain on 25 Jul 2008 at 3:58 pm #

    I haven’t packed. Haven’t figured out what I’m wearing. Haven’t done ANYTHING to prepare for my trip to SF. Except I did buy a new tube of Jergens tanning lotion.

    Prepared. That’s me.

56. Nicole Jordan on 25 Jul 2008 at 3:59 pm #

    I had to laugh, Suzanne, cause by your definition, I’ve been a real woman for years. Don’t wear pantyhose because I don’t wear skirts. So I haven’t checked out tanning lotions. My arms get really brown in summer, despite the 50 sunblock I wear. But my legs are totally white so they look bad in shorts. But I don’t have time to fuss with lotion either, so I’m willing to put up with it.

    Tanning lotion sounds tres smart, though!

57. Donna on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:15 pm #

    I don’t see what the big deal about wearing or not wearing pantyhose hose is about.
    I wear pantyhose every day, and yes today it’s going to 90, and I have hose on. I don’t have to wear them to work as I work in a warehouse, I wear them for a couple of reasons. One they make my legs feel and look much better, and my husband likes to see ladies wearing hose. I am 50, (and my legs look ok w/o hose) and have been wearing them everyday since before I even met my husband.
    In a professional environment they make ladies look so much more professional, just as a dress shirt and tie looks professional on men. The problem is, like everything else in society, people in general don’t care about the way they look at work or at leisure. With casual Friday and such, being and acting professional has suffered in most cases. If you don’t dress professional, (Men or Women) many people do not act professional, and their work as they have an I don’t care attitude and shows it

58. Suzanne Enoch on 25 Jul 2008 at 5:30 pm #

    I salute all the goddesses who 1) HAVE to wear hose, or 2) choose to wear them. For me it’s like wearing 10-pound weights all day — or one of those old hair shirts. Yipes. *g*

    I know many offices have a dress code and such, but personally I just don’t see how wearing something designed to be mostly invisible makes anyone more or less professional. I feel more professional when I’m not suffering from heat hives and leg itch. I know I probably LOOK more professional when I’m not suffering from either of those. Heh heh.

59. Claudia Dain on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:02 pm #

    Suzanne, my DH is an investment broker. As far as I know, all brokerage offices still have a dress code. Can you imagine handing over all your financial information and a check for $500,000 to a woman wearing flip flops and a t-shirt? LOL

    I remember when wearing hose was part of the dress code for every job I ever had. Those days are long gone.

60. evlqn on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:51 pm #

    Claudia, it would depend on whether the T-shirt was clean and flipfops matched. Years ago we drove by a friends house on PCH in Malibu and there was a guy in the driveway washing the Rolls-Royce. He was wearing ,I kid you not, plaid shorts, flowered shirt.white socks and leather sandals. That man owned the Indiana Pacers, a third of the Forum, the Lakers and the Kings.

61. Kendra on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:52 pm #

    There’s a lot of different styles of Spanx. They make heavy duty body shapers that come with pretty big prices and they make a type which is more like panty hose on steroids for decent prices. I buy the second. I have a type that goes to just below the knee so I don’t get that mid thigh line. And I have one that starts just below my bra line so I don’t get the mid stomach strangle. They also have a low waist style. You can find them at Nordys in the hosiery section or the lingerie department.

    http://www.spanx.com

62. Michele Rene on 25 Jul 2008 at 10:28 pm #

    Hi

    i’m 23 and love wearing hose!!! there are alot of others of who do love wearing them all the time also!!!

    I wear them 7 days a week and dont bat an eyelash… i even wear them with shorts, skirts, jeans etc…

    my skechers are more comfortable than wearing with socks or barefoot.

    i have many friends who wear all the time also.

    I think hose are great !!

    One thing many people dont know is that back around 200 years ago men were the ones who wore hose and heels!!!!!

    Michele

63. Karen Hawkins on 25 Jul 2008 at 11:20 pm #

    Michele, I saw a shoe exhibit at the Albert and Victoria Museum in London that had some of those men’s high heels. Apparently it kept their white stockings out of the mud — a very big problem in gay old Paris, apparently. Very funny to think of men wearing those!

64. Sam on 26 Jul 2008 at 8:41 pm #

    Please Ladies, ALL guys LOVE to see legs in pantyhose or tights. Doesn’t matter what color, subtle or bold.
    The bare leg look is ONLY good if you have absolutely perfect, smooth, toned, young looking legs. Pantyhose or tights achieves this. It looks smooth, flawless and silky and hides imperfections and cellulite. We understand that underneath that smooth tight nylon/spandex there might be a few wrinkles, rough skin or whatnot, but that’s ok.
    Trust me when I say this - all men are egerly waiting for the bare leg fad to be over!

65. Binky on 27 Jul 2008 at 5:30 pm #

    I miss seeing women’s legs in pantyhose. The no-hose look crept up slowly and I didn’t even notice for a while. Sad because they really look great you girls/women.
    If worn properly (no open shoes) and with the correct shade they really spice up and outfit. pantyhose are sexy and I’ve talked about this with many guys and we agree that we miss them.

66. cindi on 27 Jul 2008 at 9:54 pm #

    The answer is … capri pants! Not enough leg shows to worry about tanners or torture devices. I love sandals - they make so many cute ones now! - with just a little heel and voila! Done! Just think of the money we can save by not buying PH, girls, and the guys won’t think that 6-8″ of leg still showing would look better with hose . . .

67. Gwen on 28 Jul 2008 at 4:56 pm #

    Oh heck no. No hose here - not even knee-highs. Hot, tight, uncomfortable as he… ahem, heck.

    I don’t even like to read about a heroine wearing them in novels. All I can think about is “Ick! She’s going to be so uncomfortable!”

    And what’s with all the jeans wearing in romance novels? Why can’t some of the heroines wear a nice pair of wool slacks, or cotton twill, perhaps linen?

    Not EVERYONE wears jeans.