Hosiery for Different Body Types

The right hosiery flatters every body type. This guide helps you find styles that work with your unique shape, whether you're petite, tall, curvy, or athletic.

Petite Frames

Under 5'4" / proportionally small build

Best Choices

• Petite-sized hosiery (shorter leg length)
• Nude or skin-tone colors (elongating)
• Vertical patterns if any
• Low to medium denier

Avoid

• Heavy horizontal patterns
• Overly thick opaques (can shorten legs)
• Contrasting shoes/hosiery (visually cuts leg)

Sizing Tips

• Look for brands offering "Petite"
• Size A/B usually fits
• Avoid excess fabric bunching

Tall Frames

Over 5'9" / long legs

Best Choices

• Tall or Queen Tall sizing
• Extended length pantyhose
• Any color—tall legs carry bold well
• Patterns welcome

Avoid

• Standard sizing (uncomfortable crotch)
• Too-short stockings

Sizing Tips

• Look for "Tall" designation
• Thigh-highs may not reach
• European brands often run longer

Plus Size

Size 14+ / fuller figures

Best Choices

• Purpose-designed plus sizes
• Control top for smoothing
• Wide waistbands (won't roll)
• Adequate gusset sizing

Full Plus Size Guide →

Avoid

• Sizing up regular hosiery (won't fit right)
• Narrow waistbands (uncomfortable)
• Small gussets

Brands for Plus Size

• Hanes Curves
• Berkshire Queen
• Torrid
• Snag Tights

Curvy / Hourglass

Defined waist, fuller hips and bust

Best Choices

• Control top for waist definition
• Sheer legs highlight curves
• High-waist styles work well
• Size by hip measurement

Fit Considerations

• May need larger size for hips
• Wide waistband stays put
• Gusset placement important

Athletic Build

Muscular legs, defined calves

Best Choices

• Stretch-friendly construction
• Higher lycra content
• Opaques for coverage
• Compression styles

Considerations

• Calves may stretch sheers thin
• Size up if between sizes
• Look for "sport" or athletic lines

Pear Shape

Fuller hips/thighs, smaller waist

Best Choices

• Size by hip/thigh measurement
• Darker colors on legs (slimming)
• Avoid horizontal patterns at widest point
• Control brief helpful

Universal Tips