But where does one begin? Are the selections in the Duane Reade checkout line going to disintegrate after one wear? Are luxury-minded brands like Wolford and Fogal worth the triple-digit investment? And how does one navigate the chaos that is the department store hosiery section without losing her marbles?
To a leggy lady's rescue is Pique, a monthly-curated subscription service that introduces women to new brands and styles of stockings, leggings, socks, and tights for $38/month, shipping included. Founder Satya Twena (whose name might ring a bell) wanted to change the way women shop for hosiery by engaging them in the process of discovering new types, colors, and designs through technology. “Hosiery can make the most simple or even out-of-date outfit look instantaneously perfect and glamorous,” Twena told me. “It’s a staple accessory…once you try a pair of high-quality hosiery, you can never go back. It’s life changing.”
Never having understood the whole "patience is a virtue" thing (and scratching at my apartment walls in post Hurricane Sandy-induced shopping withdrawal), I decided to hit the pavement myself to source, select, and score the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to all things intimate. Consider the below a comprehensive, editor-tested list of this season's best hosiery picks at every price:
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Most Popular
I didn’t know her in high school, but these days, it’s safe to say Spanx founder Sara Blakely is every girl’s best friend. Leggings that make for svelte silhouettes are surprisingly hard to find, which is why I’m particularly fond of this style: super thick, super opaque and super slimming. Spanx, you’ve done it again.
Spanx Look-at-Me Leggings, $62
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Most Sexy
It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra on such a trendy pattern, but when your tights draw this kind of attention, it’s best to make sure they’re the cream of the crop. Wolford lives up to its reputation with this black lace number – pair with a super-short black mini to put a sexy twist on a classic piece.
Wolford Rosaria Tights, $160
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Most Likely to Succeed
With a built-in ribbed foot, these opaque tights are not only durable, but ultra comfy. For anyone who understands the drama that comes with attempting to wear thin socks over regular hose, this will be your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” moment. They’re brilliant.
Hanes Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights, $15
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Best Overseas Import
As with most things (croissants, couture, Chanel), the French seem to do it un petit peu better. Case in point? Bleuforet’s knee-highs, the cutest and most comfortable way to run around town in your new kicks. This striped style is available online for now, but stateside retailers like Steven Alan are beginning to take notice, stocking up on Bleuforet at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Bleuforet Striped Knee-Highs, 15€
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Most Reliable
You’re traveling on business, your only pair of black tights just got a run and you have a major presentation in 15 minutes. Desperate times call for reliable replacements – and Hue is a brand that consistently performs (at a won’t-break-the-bank price).
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13.50
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Most Artistic
For ladies who want to make a statement with their stockings, Strathcona offers softer-than-soft fabrics with the most eclectic array of specialty prints. I love the cacti drawings on this Desert Flower version, which feels particularly wanderlust with winter approaching.
Strathcona Desert Flower Stockings, $36
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Most Popular
I didn’t know her in high school, but these days, it’s safe to say Spanx founder Sara Blakely is every girl’s best friend. Leggings that make for svelte silhouettes are surprisingly hard to find, which is why I’m particularly fond of this style: super thick, super opaque and super slimming. Spanx, you’ve done it again.
Spanx Look-at-Me Leggings, $62
-
Most Sexy
It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra on such a trendy pattern, but when your tights draw this kind of attention, it’s best to make sure they’re the cream of the crop. Wolford lives up to its reputation with this black lace number – pair with a super-short black mini to put a sexy twist on a classic piece.
Wolford Rosaria Tights, $160
-
Most Likely to Succeed
With a built-in ribbed foot, these opaque tights are not only durable, but ultra comfy. For anyone who understands the drama that comes with attempting to wear thin socks over regular hose, this will be your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” moment. They’re brilliant.
Hanes Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights, $15
-
Best Overseas Import
As with most things (croissants, couture, Chanel), the French seem to do it un petit peu better. Case in point? Bleuforet’s knee-highs, the cutest and most comfortable way to run around town in your new kicks. This striped style is available online for now, but stateside retailers like Steven Alan are beginning to take notice, stocking up on Bleuforet at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Bleuforet Striped Knee-Highs, 15€
-
Most Reliable
You’re traveling on business, your only pair of black tights just got a run and you have a major presentation in 15 minutes. Desperate times call for reliable replacements – and Hue is a brand that consistently performs (at a won’t-break-the-bank price).
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13.50
-
Most Artistic
For ladies who want to make a statement with their stockings, Strathcona offers softer-than-soft fabrics with the most eclectic array of specialty prints. I love the cacti drawings on this Desert Flower version, which feels particularly wanderlust with winter approaching.
Strathcona Desert Flower Stockings, $36
-
Most Popular
I didn’t know her in high school, but these days, it’s safe to say Spanx founder Sara Blakely is every girl’s best friend. Leggings that make for svelte silhouettes are surprisingly hard to find, which is why I’m particularly fond of this style: super thick, super opaque and super slimming. Spanx, you’ve done it again.
Spanx Look-at-Me Leggings, $62
-
Most Sexy
It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra on such a trendy pattern, but when your tights draw this kind of attention, it’s best to make sure they’re the cream of the crop. Wolford lives up to its reputation with this black lace number – pair with a super-short black mini to put a sexy twist on a classic piece.
Wolford Rosaria Tights, $160
-
Most Likely to Succeed
With a built-in ribbed foot, these opaque tights are not only durable, but ultra comfy. For anyone who understands the drama that comes with attempting to wear thin socks over regular hose, this will be your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” moment. They’re brilliant.
Hanes Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights, $15
-
Best Overseas Import
As with most things (croissants, couture, Chanel), the French seem to do it un petit peu better. Case in point? Bleuforet’s knee-highs, the cutest and most comfortable way to run around town in your new kicks. This striped style is available online for now, but stateside retailers like Steven Alan are beginning to take notice, stocking up on Bleuforet at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Bleuforet Striped Knee-Highs, 15€
-
Most Reliable
You’re traveling on business, your only pair of black tights just got a run and you have a major presentation in 15 minutes. Desperate times call for reliable replacements – and Hue is a brand that consistently performs (at a won’t-break-the-bank price).
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13.50
-
Most Artistic
For ladies who want to make a statement with their stockings, Strathcona offers softer-than-soft fabrics with the most eclectic array of specialty prints. I love the cacti drawings on this Desert Flower version, which feels particularly wanderlust with winter approaching.
Strathcona Desert Flower Stockings, $36
I didn’t know her in high school, but these days, it’s safe to say Spanx founder Sara Blakely is every girl’s best friend. Leggings that make for svelte silhouettes are surprisingly hard to find, which is why I’m particularly fond of this style: super thick, super opaque and super slimming. Spanx, you’ve done it again.
Spanx Look-at-Me Leggings, $62
It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra on such a trendy pattern, but when your tights draw this kind of attention, it’s best to make sure they’re the cream of the crop. Wolford lives up to its reputation with this black lace number – pair with a super-short black mini to put a sexy twist on a classic piece.
Wolford Rosaria Tights, $160
With a built-in ribbed foot, these opaque tights are not only durable, but ultra comfy. For anyone who understands the drama that comes with attempting to wear thin socks over regular hose, this will be your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” moment. They’re brilliant.
Hanes Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights, $15
As with most things (croissants, couture, Chanel), the French seem to do it un petit peu better. Case in point? Bleuforet’s knee-highs, the cutest and most comfortable way to run around town in your new kicks. This striped style is available online for now, but stateside retailers like Steven Alan are beginning to take notice, stocking up on Bleuforet at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Bleuforet Striped Knee-Highs, 15€
You’re traveling on business, your only pair of black tights just got a run and you have a major presentation in 15 minutes. Desperate times call for reliable replacements – and Hue is a brand that consistently performs (at a won’t-break-the-bank price).
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13.50
For ladies who want to make a statement with their stockings, Strathcona offers softer-than-soft fabrics with the most eclectic array of specialty prints. I love the cacti drawings on this Desert Flower version, which feels particularly wanderlust with winter approaching.
Strathcona Desert Flower Stockings, $36
I didn’t know her in high school, but these days, it’s safe to say Spanx founder Sara Blakely is every girl’s best friend. Leggings that make for svelte silhouettes are surprisingly hard to find, which is why I’m particularly fond of this style: super thick, super opaque and super slimming. Spanx, you’ve done it again.
Spanx Look-at-Me Leggings, $62
It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra on such a trendy pattern, but when your tights draw this kind of attention, it’s best to make sure they’re the cream of the crop. Wolford lives up to its reputation with this black lace number – pair with a super-short black mini to put a sexy twist on a classic piece.
Wolford Rosaria Tights, $160
With a built-in ribbed foot, these opaque tights are not only durable, but ultra comfy. For anyone who understands the drama that comes with attempting to wear thin socks over regular hose, this will be your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” moment. They’re brilliant.
Hanes Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights, $15
As with most things (croissants, couture, Chanel), the French seem to do it un petit peu better. Case in point? Bleuforet’s knee-highs, the cutest and most comfortable way to run around town in your new kicks. This striped style is available online for now, but stateside retailers like Steven Alan are beginning to take notice, stocking up on Bleuforet at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Bleuforet Striped Knee-Highs, 15€
You’re traveling on business, your only pair of black tights just got a run and you have a major presentation in 15 minutes. Desperate times call for reliable replacements – and Hue is a brand that consistently performs (at a won’t-break-the-bank price).
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13.50
For ladies who want to make a statement with their stockings, Strathcona offers softer-than-soft fabrics with the most eclectic array of specialty prints. I love the cacti drawings on this Desert Flower version, which feels particularly wanderlust with winter approaching.
Strathcona Desert Flower Stockings, $36
I didn’t know her in high school, but these days, it’s safe to say Spanx founder Sara Blakely is every girl’s best friend. Leggings that make for svelte silhouettes are surprisingly hard to find, which is why I’m particularly fond of this style: super thick, super opaque and super slimming. Spanx, you’ve done it again.
Spanx Look-at-Me Leggings, $62
It may seem counterintuitive to spend extra on such a trendy pattern, but when your tights draw this kind of attention, it’s best to make sure they’re the cream of the crop. Wolford lives up to its reputation with this black lace number – pair with a super-short black mini to put a sexy twist on a classic piece.
Wolford Rosaria Tights, $160
With a built-in ribbed foot, these opaque tights are not only durable, but ultra comfy. For anyone who understands the drama that comes with attempting to wear thin socks over regular hose, this will be your “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” moment. They’re brilliant.
Hanes Silk Reflections Boot Liner Tights, $15
As with most things (croissants, couture, Chanel), the French seem to do it un petit peu better. Case in point? Bleuforet’s knee-highs, the cutest and most comfortable way to run around town in your new kicks. This striped style is available online for now, but stateside retailers like Steven Alan are beginning to take notice, stocking up on Bleuforet at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Bleuforet Striped Knee-Highs, 15€
You’re traveling on business, your only pair of black tights just got a run and you have a major presentation in 15 minutes. Desperate times call for reliable replacements – and Hue is a brand that consistently performs (at a won’t-break-the-bank price).
Hue Opaque Tights with Control Top, $13.50
For ladies who want to make a statement with their stockings, Strathcona offers softer-than-soft fabrics with the most eclectic array of specialty prints. I love the cacti drawings on this Desert Flower version, which feels particularly wanderlust with winter approaching.
Strathcona Desert Flower Stockings, $36
Via: Getting a Leg Up: Closed Set with Julie Bensman