Pantyhose vs. Stocking: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Pantyhose are sheer, close-fitting legwear covering the body from the waist to the toes, while stockings are similar but only cover the leg up to the thigh or knee.
Key Differences
Pantyhose are made from a thin, elastic material, extending from the waist to the toes, offering a uniform color or appearance to the legs, whereas stockings are typically worn separately on each leg and often require garters or suspenders to hold them up.
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Nov 29, 2023
Pantyhose provide more coverage, extending up to the waist, making them suitable for formal or professional wear, while stockings, stopping at the thigh or knee, are often seen as more traditional or sensual.
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Nov 29, 2023
Pantyhose can be more practical in colder weather as they cover more skin, whereas stockings allow for more breathability and flexibility in warmer conditions or specific fashion choices.
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In terms of fashion, pantyhose often give a sleek, seamless look under garments, while stockings can be a fashion statement in themselves, with various colors and patterns available.
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Pantyhose are generally considered more modern and convenient, especially for their ability to stay up without additional support, while stockings hold a classic appeal and can be paired with various lingerie items.
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Comparison Chart
Support
Self-supporting, no garters needed
Often require garters or suspenders
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Material
Typically sheer and thin
Can be sheer or opaque, varying in thickness
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Practicality
More coverage for colder weather
More breathable, suitable for warmer weather
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Fashion Statement
Sleek and modern appearance
Classic, can be a distinct fashion element
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Pantyhose and Stocking Definitions
Pantyhose
Pantyhose are thin, close-fitting legwear extending to the waist.
For the chilly evening, she preferred pantyhose over stockings.
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Nov 29, 2023
Stocking
Stockings vary in color, pattern, and opacity.
For the party, she chose lace-patterned stockings to make a statement.
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Pantyhose
Pantyhose can have various levels of sheerness and color.
She found the perfect shade of pantyhose to match her skin tone.
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Stocking
Stockings can be sheer or opaque, tailored for different occasions.
She wore thick woolen stockings to keep warm in winter.
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Pantyhose
Pantyhose provide a uniform appearance to the legs with full coverage.
The pantyhose smoothed out the silhouette under her pencil skirt.
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Stocking
Stockings are close-fitting, elastic garments covering the leg up to the thigh or knee.
Her vintage outfit was paired with classic silk stockings.
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Pantyhose
Pantyhose are elastic, sheer garments covering the body from waist to toes.
She chose black pantyhose to complete her elegant outfit.
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Nov 29, 2023
Stocking
Stockings are separate for each leg and may require garters.
She attached her stockings to a garter belt for a secure fit.
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Nov 29, 2023
Pantyhose
Pantyhose are modern legwear, often used in professional settings.
Her collection of pantyhose ranged from nude to bold colors.
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Nov 29, 2023
Stocking
A close-fitting, usually knitted covering for the foot and leg, often made of sheer fabric as nylon or silk and rising high on the leg.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pantyhose
(North America) Women's thin nylon tights worn over the legs, usually tan in color.
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Oct 19, 2023
Stocking
An elasticized garment that exerts pressure on the leg to improve blood flow and is used in the treatment of various circulatory disorders or sometimes following surgery.
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Oct 19, 2023
Stocking
A bag in the shape of a large sock that is often decorated and hung on a mantle for the deposit of Christmas presents.
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Stocking
A white marking on the lower leg of a dark-colored horse, extending from the hoof to at least the hock or knee.
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Stocking
A soft garment, usually knit or woven, worn on the foot and lower leg under shoes or other footwear.
A pair of stockings
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Stocking
A broad ring of a different fur colour on the lower part of the leg of a quadruped.
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Stocking
A knitted hood of cotton thread which is eventually converted by a special process into an incandescent mantle for gas lighting.
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Stocking
(forestry) A ratio of the actual density of trees in an area to the ideal density that would make the fullest use of the land.
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Stocking
Present participle of stock
I've almost finished stocking these groceries.
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Oct 19, 2023
Stocking
A close-fitting covering for the foot and leg, usually knit or woven.
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Stocking
Close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)
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Stocking
The activity of supplying a stock of something;
He supervised the stocking of the stream with trout
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Stocking
Wearing stockings;
Walks about in his stockinged (or stocking) feet
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Stocking
Stockings have a traditional and sensual appeal in fashion.
The bride chose white stockings to complement her wedding dress.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are stockings?
Stockings are close-fitting, elastic garments covering the foot and leg up to the knee or thigh.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are stockings only worn by women?
Traditionally, yes, but fashion choices are increasingly diverse.
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What are pantyhose?
Pantyhose are sheer, close-fitting legwear covering the body from the waist to the toes.
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Nov 29, 2023
Do pantyhose and stockings serve the same purpose?
Both are worn for warmth, fashion, or to achieve a polished look, but they differ in coverage.
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Is pantyhose considered formal wear?
Often, especially in professional or formal settings.
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Can pantyhose be patterned?
Yes, pantyhose come in various patterns and colors.
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Are there different types of stockings?
Yes, including thigh-highs, knee-highs, and full-length.
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Are pantyhose suitable for all seasons?
Lighter varieties can be worn in warmer seasons, while thicker ones are for colder months.
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Do stockings require garters?
Some do, especially traditional or non-elastic varieties.
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Can stockings have different textures?
Yes, they come in various textures, from sheer to opaque.
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Is pantyhose a modern invention?
Relatively, becoming popular in the 20th century.
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Can men wear pantyhose?
Yes, there are pantyhose designed for men's comfort and needs.
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Do pantyhose offer health benefits?
Certain types, like compression pantyhose, can aid circulation.
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What's the difference in durability between pantyhose and stockings?
Stockings tend to be more durable due to thicker material.
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Can stockings be worn for medical reasons?
Yes, such as compression stockings for blood flow improvement.
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Are stockings always worn with skirts or dresses?
Typically, but fashion trends and personal choices vary.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.