Cosmetic Procedures BLOG!

Hosiery has been a staple in many wardrobes for years, but it’s only relatively recently that Lycra has become a common addition to it. But, has it been for the best?

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.

Support tights come in various strengths depending on the specific purpose you need them for. There are a number of factors which can determine which type of support tights to wear, so for a few of these, read on.

Support tights are, as the name suggests, more supportive than regular tights. They exert pressure on the leg to help make an improvement in your blood circulation and to prevent or control varicose veins, which are caused when the connective tissue surrounding the veins is weak. Support tights can help to correct the blood circulation and may stop varicose veins.

Support tights usually come in three groups of light (factor 6), medium (factor and firm support (factor 10). For more severe cases, you can also find extra firm support, or factor 12. The level and factor you go for will depend on a number of things, from how much you’re on your feet to whether you have a tendency for varicose veins.

If your legs ache after being on your feet for long periods of time or after travelling long distances, it would be wise to invest in some support tights. If you’re only just noticing the problem, or if you’re young, light support should be sufficient. Light support tights can also be used if you just want your legs to look firmer or slimmer; you don’t have to have a problem with aching legs at all!

However, if you’ve had the problem for a while or if you’re already noticing the beginnings of varicose veins in your legs, then you might consider going for medium support to help your legs. The extra support could help prevent the onset of varicose veins or at least stop the ones you already have for getting worse, and should certainly help stop your legs aching so much.

If you already suffer with your legs from varicose veins or poor blood circulation, firm or extra firm support it advised. Very firm support tights may be able to keep pressure on your legs and you will feel relief.

One point to think about is that varicose veins (or the problem that causes them, i.e. weak connective tissue) often run in families. So even if you have yet to notice problems with your legs, wearing support tights now could stop problems later in life.

You should also consider your lifestyle and daily activities when deciding which kind of tights for support to go for. Some days you may need a stronger level of support than others, for example if you’ve got some travelling to do or you’re playing sport, whereas if you’re sitting in an office for most of the day light support will probably be sufficient.

Support tights can be a great help to sufferers of varicose veins or aching legs. As you can see, there are a number of things you should consider before deciding which level of support to go for, but if you make the right decision they can make being on your feet far more comfortable.