The original hosiery was generally less comfortable than it is today. Although called “tights” they were much more loose-fitting, and didn’t give the same level of comfort, shape and support that’s demanded in the current market.

In the early 1900s the tightswas mainly confined to stockings made of silk or rayon; only in the 1940s did nylon become the material of choice. It was not until much later that tights as we know them today were seen on the shelves.

In the 1960s the new era of hosiery was born. Lycra was invented, and it was discovered that the properties of it would make a great deal of change in modern hosiery. For one thing this introduction made tights so much more comfortable, and it made them a great deal tighter on womens legs.

But you need to ask does it make tights, pantyhose and stockings any better? The majority would say yes, that hosiery has been vastly improved thanks to the addition of Lycra. It’s made all types more comfortable and easier to wear on a daily basis, and now women (and men) the world over consider them an essential item of clothing to be used for a variety of uses, outfits and occasions.

So what it is that has made such a difference to tights? One of the main reasons is it’s so elastic and stretchy, hosiery clings to the leg more and offers much more support and comfort. It not only makes it more comfortable to wear, but also more appealing to look at. Gone are the days of tights and stockings falling down the leg and crumpling in an unsightly fashion around the ankles; now they hold themselves up and stay there without moving.

Legs look sleeker and more defined. Indeed, many men prefer to peek at women’s legs in stockings and tights than when they’re bare.Lycra helps to show legs to the very best.

When you know all of this, has the addition of Lycra made tights, pantyhose and stockings better? You should hear a resounding “yes”! Lycra has improved the fit and comfort of all types of hosiery. It’s made them shape and cling better to the legs, and has made all types much nicer to look at. Overall, Lycra has made wearing hosiery a much more comfortable, pleasurable and enjoyable experience the world over.