The Decline of Pantyhose: When Casual Fashion Changed a Wardrobe Staple

By Jessica WrightLast Updated July 30, 2025

The Rise and Golden Era of Pantyhose

Pantyhose, a garment combining stockings and undergarments, became a fashion phenomenon in the mid-20th century. Originally introduced as a convenient alternative to garter belts and stockings in the late 1950s, pantyhose rose to prominence in the 1960s with the advent of the miniskirt. As hemlines rose above the knee, traditional stockings became impractical, and pantyhose offered a seamless, polished look. Iconic figures such as Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton helped popularize the trend, turning pantyhose into a daily essential for women of all ages [1] . By the 1970s and 1980s, pantyhose were firmly established as a symbol of both professionalism and femininity, often associated with power dressing and the expanding presence of women in the workplace [3] . The garment was marketed with promises of comfort, versatility, and a flawless finish, and by 1970, U.S. sales of pantyhose surpassed those of traditional stockings.

When Did Pantyhose Fall Out of Fashion?

The decline of pantyhose began in the 1990s . Several factors contributed to this shift. A primary reason was the transformation in workplace culture: dress codes became more relaxed, and “business casual” attire became widespread, reducing the perceived necessity of pantyhose for a polished appearance. The fashion pendulum swung towards a more casual, effortless look, and bare legs gained popularity both in office settings and on the runway. According to Sally Kay, then-president of the Hosiery Association, the industry saw a noticeable drop in pantyhose sales during this period, with women opting for trouser socks, tights, or simply forgoing hosiery altogether [1] .

This trend continued into the early 2000s, as designers and celebrities embraced the bare-legged look. Red carpet events and magazine spreads began to celebrate visible, natural legs, further cementing the perception that pantyhose were outdated. By 2006, U.S. pantyhose sales had fallen to less than half of their peak levels in the 1980s and 1990s [3] . Factors such as increased comfort, cost savings, and changing social attitudes about dress norms also contributed to the garment’s decline [5] .

Why Did Pantyhose Lose Their Appeal?

Several overlapping forces influenced the fall of pantyhose from everyday fashion:

Casualization of Workwear: The shift toward business casual and the acceptance of trousers for women in professional environments made pantyhose less of a requirement. Women increasingly chose pants or bare legs for comfort and convenience.
Changing Fashion Trends: Designers and style icons promoted the bare-legged look, and tights or opaque hosiery became favored alternatives in colder months. The image of pantyhose became associated with outdated formality rather than modern style [2] .
Comfort and Practicality: Many women cited discomfort, difficulty in finding the right fit, and the fragility of pantyhose as reasons for abandoning the garment. The cost of frequently replacing torn or laddered hosiery also played a role [5] .

To illustrate these points, consider the workplace transformation in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As companies like IBM, General Electric, and major tech firms adopted more relaxed dress codes, women found trousers and bare legs both practical and socially acceptable. Simultaneously, the emergence of athleisure and streetwear further blurred the lines between formal and casual attire.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

For decades, pantyhose were considered a non-negotiable part of a professional woman’s wardrobe. For example, in the 1980s, female news anchors and office workers almost universally wore pantyhose as part of their standard attire. However, by the early 2000s, even high-visibility professionals-such as TV journalists-began to appear on air with bare legs, signaling a broader cultural acceptance of hosiery-free fashion.

On the red carpet, celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston popularized the bare-legged look in the late 1990s, influencing millions of women to follow suit. Retail sales data mirrored these cultural shifts: hosiery manufacturers reported significant declines, while sales of alternative legwear, such as tights and trouser socks, remained steady or increased [1] .

How to Access Pantyhose and Stylish Alternatives Today

If you are interested in purchasing pantyhose or exploring alternatives, you have several options:

Major Retailers: Pantyhose are still available at department stores, drugstores, and online marketplaces. Brands such as Hanes, L’eggs, and Wolford offer a range of styles, colors, and sizes. To find the most current selections, consider searching by brand name on trusted retail sites or visiting the hosiery section at large chain stores.
Boutiques and Specialty Shops: For unique patterns, luxury fabrics, or sustainable options, boutique hosiery brands may provide a curated selection. You can search for “luxury pantyhose brands” or visit fashion boutiques in your area.
Modern Alternatives: Tights, leggings, and trouser socks are popular alternatives, offering enhanced durability and style variety. These can be found in most fashion outlets and are often included in seasonal fashion collections.

For those interested in the resurgence of pantyhose in modern fashion, follow leading fashion magazines or blogs (such as
Vogue
,
Harper’s Bazaar
, or
InStyle
) for trend updates and style inspiration. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok also showcase contemporary ways to style hosiery for both formal and casual looks.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Finding and Choosing Pantyhose

1. Identify Your Needs: Consider the occasion, desired level of opacity, and comfort requirements. For office wear, classic nude or black pantyhose may be appropriate, while fashion-forward events might call for patterned or colored options.

2. Research Brands and Retailers: Visit the official websites of established hosiery brands for sizing charts, material information, and customer reviews. Compare options based on durability, comfort, and price. For example, Hanes and L’eggs have dedicated online stores with extensive product information.

3. Try In-Store Shopping: If possible, visit a local department store to assess the fit, feel, and look of various pantyhose options in person. Store associates can often provide guidance on sizing and style selection.

4. Check Return Policies: Before purchasing, verify return or exchange policies, especially for online orders, to ensure you can find the right fit and style for your needs.

5. Explore Alternatives: If comfort or durability is a concern, try opaque tights or leggings, which often offer more support and are less prone to runs and snags.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Finding comfortable, durable pantyhose in the right size can be difficult, especially as availability has decreased in some physical stores.

Solution: Utilize online shopping, where a broader range of brands and sizes is typically available. Look for detailed sizing guides and customer reviews to gauge comfort and fit. Consider choosing brands known for innovation and quality, such as Wolford or Spanx.

Challenge: Navigating current fashion trends, especially in workplaces with ambiguous dress codes.

Solution: Review your organization’s dress guidelines or consult with colleagues. In industries where formal attire is still valued, pantyhose may remain appropriate. Otherwise, explore alternatives that align with your personal style and comfort.

Key Takeaways and Alternatives

The fall of pantyhose from everyday fashion was driven primarily by shifts in workplace culture, casual trends, and changing attitudes about comfort and self-expression. While pantyhose are no longer a strict wardrobe staple, they remain a versatile option for those seeking a polished look or wishing to experiment with retro styles. Alternatives such as tights, leggings, and trouser socks offer additional choices to suit contemporary needs and preferences.

For the most up-to-date information on pantyhose availability and style inspiration, consult major fashion publications, reputable retail sites, or visit local fashion boutiques. If you need assistance selecting hosiery or related garments, consider reaching out to store associates, using brand-specific customer support channels, or searching for “how to choose pantyhose” guides online.