With only a few weeks to go until summer officially begins, it’s a great time to discuss how to wear pantyhose in the summer — because even if your office is freezing, your commute won’t be. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: This is very much a “know your office” situation. If you’re new, assume that pantyhose are required and wear them at least the first day and all significant events to follow after that (big meetings, court appearances, etc.) — change that assumption if you see mid-levels going barelegged at big events.
Big work events aside, though, there are some women who love pantyhose — including many Corporette readers. (In fact, last time we talked about pantyhose in the summertime, readers seemed split on the topic, with only about half of them being on Team Bare Legs!) We also had a debate on underwear with pantyhose — to wear or skip? (One reader said she thought of them “panties with legs” — an interesting take.) If you do wear underwear with them, 100% cotton is best (although increasingly hard to find!), and even those who wear pantyhose sans underwear suggested making sure your stockings have a cotton gusset. By the way, make sure to check out our Guide to Pantyhose for Work, as well as some of our favorite brands of hose!
For those of you whose office dress codes mandate pantyhose year-round, and for those who just like wearing them to work, we’ve gathered a few tips from readers on staying comfortable if you have to wear pantyhose in the summer:
Tips on Surviving Pantyhose in the Summer
If you dread wearing pantyhose when it’s hot out, put them in the freezer for a few minutes when you’re getting dressed — at least you’ll get a brief respite before your commute.
Alternately, just don’t put them on until you’re at work. One reader says she carries hers in her work bag so she doesn’t have to wear them during her hot commute, then stops in the ladies’ room before she goes into her office.
Another option is to skip full pantyhose altogether and just wear thigh-highs. We talked about wearing them at work in a previous post, so check there for Kat’s brand recommendations and some tips from readers.
Hack your hose — literally. One reader swears by this tip shared by a friend: She cuts off about half an inch at the top of control-top or regular stockings (making sure to leave some elastic) to make her pantyhose less itchy and more comfortable. Of course, as she notes, this trick is best for cheaper brands that won’t last long anyway. (Have any of you tried this?)
Keep dryer sheets in your desk. A couple of swipes with a dryer sheet will stop the static electricity that makes your skirt stick to your pantyhose — and won’t it be nice to walk without constantly stopping to peel it off your legs?
Benefits of Pantyhose (Stay on the Sunny Side!)
If you’re still cursing your office dress code for making you wear pantyhose in the summer, check out these reasons that some readers prefer wearing them instead of going to work with bare legs. Pantyhose can:
Stop your shoes from giving you blisters.
Keep your feet from getting sweaty — which protects your shoes, too.
Protect your pedicure.
Make your outfit seem more professional and “pulled together.”
Cover bruises, scrapes, and scars — and anything else you’d rather hide.
Even out the skin tone on your legs.
Allow you to go a few days longer without shaving.
Provide shaping and control.
Keep you from sticking to chairs/seats when it’s hot.
Prevent friction from your thighs rubbing together. (Alternately, you can use this.)
Readers: Which are your favorite brands of pantyhose? Do you wear them in the summer because of dress code rules or just because you like to? Or, do you just not wear them — or use them in certain situations?
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