I assumed pantyhose have been useless, however now it appears as if they’re being handled because the equal of precise pants. Are we actually speculated to consider the pantyhose-instead-of-pants look I see on social media goes to be a development? And I assumed leggings have been unhealthy. — Susan, Vancouver, B.C.
It’s true: Pantyhose (probably the most unappealing names for a garment ever invented) have been on the rise for a number of seasons now, after disappearing virtually fully from many wardrobes as girls not within the British royal household have been free of among the extra egregious costume code strictures of the previous century.
Invented in 1959 by Allen Gant Sr., who known as them “panti-legs,” pantyhose might have revolutionized basis clothes by taking out the girdle, garter belt and stockings, however by the millennium, having the ability to simply say no to pulling on a pair of flesh-sucking sheer tights, after which worrying about ugly snags and runs, was an indication of liberation. The style world grew to become so hooked up to the Finish of Pantyhose that editors famously went to reveals in February with naked legs and excessive heels, snow be damned.
Then, in September 2022, Matthieu Blazy of Bottega Veneta despatched a navy crew neck down his runway paired with solely darkish hose and heels. Only a few months later, Miuccia Prada largely tossed pants and skirts out the window in her Miu Miu present, subversively matching her librarian cardigans and beatnik polo necks with sheer hose and coordinating lingerie. A vibe was born. Or reborn.
After all, Mrs. Prada didn’t invent the no-pants look — that was popularized by Edie Sedgwick again when she was Andy Warhol’s It woman, prancing across the Manufacturing unit in black tights and a boat-neck tee (In 1965, Life magazine topped her “the woman with the black tights.”) That will have been the reference when Emma Corrin (an It individual of the second) closed the Miu Miu fall present in a camel turtleneck, gold sparkly bikini bottoms and sheer brown hose.
Little marvel that earlier this month the viewers on the spring 2024 Miu Miu present was chockablock with pants-less influencers, all vying for the title of It woman. Or that up to now the fashion has been picked up by such figures as Kendall Jenner, who modeled the Bottega look IRL, and Rihanna, who went pantsless at ASAP Rocky’s birthday dinner, sporting solely a ruffled chiffon high, bomber jacket and shiny tights.
That stated, Rihanna is Rihanna, and most of the people who dwell in the true world won’t ever willingly forgo their pants in favor of mere tights or pantyhose. However provided that excessive runway trend has a manner of trickling down and changing into digestible for on a regular basis, and given the expertise Miuccia Prada has for making at this time what everybody wears tomorrow, odds are that the no-pants-but-pantyhose look might lead, finally, to a pantyhose renaissance.
Certainly, over the past spherical of fall 2023 reveals, Virginie Viard was pairing white lace tights with virtually each look on her Chanel runway. And Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, LaQuan Smith and Saint Laurent all featured sheer black pantyhose with pencil skirts and cocktail frocks.
All of which is sweet information for individuals who recognize the smoothing, buffing impact that sheer pantyhose has on legs, to not point out the little bit of added heat when the temperature falls. Personally, although, I believe they’d be extra widespread if somebody got here up with a greater title.
Your Type Questions, Answered
Each week on Open Thread, Vanessa will reply a reader’s fashion-related query, which you’ll be able to ship to her anytime through email or Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.
