Lycra Revolutionises Tights and Hosiery
As a staple item in the wardrobe of ladies for many years, the introduction of Lycra to hosiery is more recent. So has it been a change for the better?
Hosiery of the past was also known as “tights”, but neither did it provide the comfort nor the support that we have become accustomed to in the present day and age.
The chief content of hosiery in the early 1900s was silk or rayon; by the 1940s, nylon took centre-stage. The commercial use of tights and pantyhose only began in the 1950s, and even then it was due to necessity.
The invention of Lycra in the 1960s brought the elastic property to stockings, tights and pantyhose, making them more comfortable and easier to wear, as well as improving the support that they provided or meant to provide.
But has hosiery become better? Most users will definitely say yes, since Lycra has increased comfort to the point of making hosiery a daily wear item, essential to various outfits and purposes.
One would wonder why Lycra has brought on this comfort. It is the elasticity that Lycra possesses, giving hosiery the stretch and cling which ends up as support and comfort for the legs, becoming an appealing piece of clothing. With the ability to hold themselves up and stay up, the days of tights and stockings falling down are long gone.
There is more definition and a sleeker outlook with a comfortable hold for the legs, with many men preferring women’s legs in stockings than without.
So, in terms of making hosiery better, there is bound to be a triumphant “yes” for the addition of Lycra. Giving comfort, support and shape to all forms of hosiery, and resulting in a nicer appearance, the experience of wearing this form of garment is now more enjoyable the world over.