An important factor is the amount of Lycra/spandex in the pantyhose you buy. For average everyday use it is suggested that you buy pantyhose with no less than 12% Lycra. They are the most durable and easiest to put on. You will also want everyday pantyhose to have a denier count of 20 which also adds durability.

Fiber Content

The primary yarn used in the construction of pantyhose is a combination of nylon and Lycra. Lycra is a fairly fragile yarn, so when blended with nylon it becomes stronger. Often the nylon is woven on the outer layer of the pantyhose so that the blended fabric is protected when being worn. This type of pantyhose provides durability and a good look. Lycra is the brand name for fabric known as spandex.

Spandex is often a component of control top pantyhose to give extra strength in the panty. It is a highly elastic fibre that conforms to the body, stretching to fit, then snapping back into place.

Cotton, polypropylene or polyethylene yarns make up the remainder of the market. 100% nylon is still used but its lack of ability to stretch and recover has made it unpopular among consumers. 100% nylon pantyhose will likely end up giving you bagginess around your knees or ankles.

The Durability Test

No one brand could be singled out as the best when tested.

So what happens when two busy women test out seven different brands of pantyhose to see which one lasts the longest? Anna and Kristina did just that and found out that there is no difference between the expensive brands and the moderately priced pantyhose.The brands tested were all dark in colour, so that the runs would easily show and had the same denier count, which was 20.

It took less than one month before Anna and Kristina had runs in all seven pairs, even though they were careful when putting them on! The brands tested were: Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Nine West, Wonder Bra, Secret, Mantles and a no-name brand.

The high-end brands felt nicer but they ran just as easily as the others. Dollar for dollar the best bet is the middle range pantyhose, they were the most durable, especially the ones that have more Lycra. The no-name brands with no Lycra were the least desirable.

There are tons of brands out there but only a couple of manufacturers produce all these different brands. So if we chose seven different types of pantyhose, all with the same denier count and amounts of Lycra why do they differ in wear?

The experts told Anna and Kristina that although they may have the same yarn weight and Lycra/spandex content the difference is determined by the stitch sizes, combination of yarns used and general construction of the garment.

Anna & Kristina found that if you understand how pantyhose are made and what to look for on the package, you will make a wiser choice when shopping. Depending on the occasion you will want to select a pair based on its denier count. Denier count refers to the thickness of the yarn that goes into the product. The lower the denier count the finer the yarn, the silkier or sheerer the product. For instance a 15 denier count is very sheer and usually referred to as Ultra Sheer. The three most popular deniers on the market are 15 (ultra sheer), 20 (daywear or nylon / Lycra) and 40+ (opaque or tights).

Understanding how pantyhose are made
The process of making pantyhose can be very labour intensive; it takes a combination of many people and a lot of machines to produce a pair of pantyhose. It begins with the selection and verification of the quality of yarn to be used. A thread pattern is then generated on a computer screen and the computer, in turn, tells the sewing machines which pair of pantyhose to make next. A single tube of white nylon, called greige is produced and it goes to the next stage.

This single tube is then sliced in half to create two legs and the garment is sized. Next the gusset is put into place, the toes get finished and the waistband is trimmed. In some cases, a separate area runs in tandem with this mainstream assembly process. Such is the case with thigh-highs or queen-sized hose for example. A good part of the assembly of these products must be done by hand to ensure that these specialty products are constructed properly.

After their assembly, automatic or manual, they are channeled through the dying section to add colour. The fabric comes out of the dyeing process wrinkled and so it must be steamed and shaped, this process is called boarding. Finally the pantyhose are packaged and shipped. Throughout this whole procedure there is approximately five quality checks.

Expensive or bargain priced, all pantyhose sooner or later succumb to runs. We wanted to see which brand would last the longest, so we tried out seven, wearing each pair until it ran

Brands we tested:
1. No Name
2. Wonderbra
3. Mantles
4. Secret
5. Nine West
6. CK
7. Givenchy

All had 20 Denier count. All were dark coloured.

Results:

• We found that brands with more lycra were easier to put on, and more resistant to bagging around ankles and knees. Inexpensive brands didn’t have lycra, we didn’t like them as much.
• We both found that the mid priced brands did the best in our test. Anna definitely liked the ones with more lycra better. Kristina found her nylon wear is random and that the most expensive pairs felt nice but they ran just as quickly as everything else.

The biggest buying mistake
According to manufacturers, women have some very high expectations when it comes to having their pantyhose to last. The biggest mistake women make is choosing the wrong type of hosiery for the activity they are doing … one type will not suit all occasions. So for instance, don’t buy an Ultra Sheer hose to wear for everyday use. Pantyhose that have reinforced toes, a reinforced crotch and a little spandex or elastic will last longer than their sheer, flimsy counterparts. They may cost more, but with proper handling they'll last a long time.

Pantyhose have three main components that you need to consider when purchasing:

1. Panty construction:

• Regular/Reinforced panties give non-compressed comfort, little control and a natural look.
• Cotton crotch panties are usually only cotton lined and give partial air circulation.
• Control tops are constructed with a heavier fabric that likely includes lycra/spandex. These panties give tummy and hip control.
• Long line panties allows the wearing of snug fitting clothes, especially dresses, as they contour and shape from the waist down through the lower thigh.
• Bottom shapers – Constructed to keep your buttocks shapely and in place. They have a band that pulls around and lifts up to create shape in the buttocks and a smoothing effect down to the thigh.
• High cut - give a feminine look but little support.
• All-sheer or sheer to the waist – have non-compressed comfort with a smooth continuous tone from toe to tummy. Very little or no construction in the panty.
• Maternity pantyhose are specially designed to provide extra room and comfort in the panty for pregnant women.

2. Toe construction:

• Reinforced toes will make the area stronger. If you tend to run your pantyhose from the toes this style will be helpful.
• Sandalfoot toes are sheer with the seam positioned at the front of the toe.
• Open toe works sort of like thongs, with a piece of fabric going between the big toe and the second one.

3. Type of leg:

• Ultra/Silky Sheer – made from lightweight fabric composed of a 15 denier count, this fabric gives the leg a nice shadow when the light hits it. For wear on special occasions or when you want a sophisticated look. Natural skin tones tend to show through.
• Shimmer – a 15 denier count or 100% nylon leg, with the same qualities as an Ultra Sheer, some with shimmer threads added.
• Microfibre is a relatively new material in the sheer category. It gives a matte rather than shiny appearance and is said to be soft and comfortable.
• Nylon/Lycra combination/Everyday wear – these types are considered the workhorse of the industry. The 20 denier count that makes this product very durable. Often referred to as day sheer products.
• Support – this specially knit product is meant to massage the leg. Useful for people who are on their feet all day because it compresses the leg to encourage blood flow. Support hose have a heavier look than day sheer and are made from a denier count of 20 or more.
• Moisturizing – a pantyhose which contains Aloe Vera in the fabric, meant to moisturize your skin while you wear the product.
• Opaques and Tights – are resistant to runs and snags because of the high denier count used to construct these products. Opaque hose are usually a 30-45-denier count and tights are 45 plus denier count.

Choosing the right size:

• Not only will you be more comfortable when you choose the right size of hosiery but the garment should last longer if there is less stress on it.
• Most brands of pantyhose have size guides on the back of the package. They are usually easy to read and are based on height and weight. Be aware though that - petite, slim, average, tall and queen sizes may differ from brand to brand. There are no standard references for sizing according to body heights and weights. If you are at the upper end of a size range, it is often wise to go to the next size for maximum fit and comfort.
• Some manufacturers have a tear-away tab that you can break off the package and pop in your pocket or purse. This gives you a handy reference the next time you go shopping.

Choosing the right shade:

Pantyhose can be used to make a fashion statement. It’s also a quick way to add versatility or style to your wardrobe.

Here are some suggestions:

• Wear dark, solid colours and ribbed textures with dark clothes to slenderize and elongate your figure and legs.
• Don’t wear pastels or white pantyhose with a dark skirt unless you are very tall (6 ft plus) or want to cut your figure in half.
• Be willing to try something new. Patterns, crochet or lace pantyhose can add a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe.
• Wear sheers for a touch of sophistication and elegance.
• The fashion experts say that the shade of your hosiery should be lighter, never darker, than your high heels.
• Buy pantyhose with an all-sheer toe for wear with sandals or open toe shoes.
• Reinforced toe hose should only be worn with closed-toe shoes.

A run or snag usually spells the end for a pair of pantyhose. So here are a few simple tricks can help you extend their life and your clothing budget! But if all else fails remember that it doesn’t hurt to keep an extra pair in your purse, briefcase or glove box to avoid those embarrassing and frustrating last moment runs!

How to put on pantyhose:

• Check your fingernails before putting nylons on. File jagged corners and trim hangnails before handling stockings. Wearing a pair to smooth, thin gloves is a great way to put on pantyhose without a snag.
• Toenails also need to be filed for jagged corners and trimmed for hangnails before handling stockings. Smooth any calluses and any rough spots on toes and heels.
• Take off jewelry, especially rings or turn them around on your finger, when putting hose on.
• Insert a thumb into the opening of one leg and gather nylons all the way to the toe before inserting foot. Gently pull the nylons evenly from both sides, rolling up the leg. Stretching or snagging mainly occurs when you pull nylons too hard from the center.
• Never heist the pantyhose up to your torso as this may tear them in other locations than the leg. Be careful to gently position the gusset and panty.

Snags and Runs:

• Steer clear of the corner of your desk, park benches or any rough surface that may catch on your legs.
• Carry a small bottle of clear nail polish. Dab a small amount on a hole or run the minute you notice it. This will stop the snag from expanding further. Avoid playing with any snag. This may lead to a run or hole.

Laundering your pantyhose:

• Try to avoid throwing pantyhose in the washing machine. It is recommended that you hand-wash them in a mild detergent, rinse well and roll them in a towel to absorb the water. Hang them over a clean towel to dry.
• If you must machine wash pantyhose make sure to put them in a lingerie bag or a pillowcase to protect them from snags and damage.
• Dark-colored nylons may bleed. Always wash similar colors together.
• Never bleach hosiery.
• Avoid drying hose in direct sunlight or direct heat sources.
• Store nylons in zip lock bags. This will keep them safe from bra hooks, lace edges and other hazards in lingerie drawers.