Hosiery Etiquette Guide
While hosiery rules have relaxed considerably, certain settings still have expectations. This guide covers modern etiquette for professional, formal, and social occasions.
Professional Settings
Conservative Industries
Law, finance, government, traditional corporations:
- Hosiery generally expected with skirts/dresses
- Nude or natural tones preferred
- Sheer to ultra-sheer denier
- No patterns, runs, or visible repairs
- Closed-toe shoes typically required
Business Casual
Tech, creative agencies, startups:
- Hosiery optional in many offices
- Bare legs increasingly acceptable
- Opaque tights allowed
- More color flexibility
- Personal preference respected
Client-Facing Roles
- Match formality to client expectations
- Conservative for first meetings
- Mirror the client's dress code
- When in doubt, wear hosiery
Formal Occasions
Black Tie
- Hosiery traditionally expected
- Sheer nude or black
- May match gown color
- Seamless toe with open shoes
White Tie
- Hosiery required
- Ultra-sheer, flawless
- Nude or ivory with formal gowns
Weddings
- Bride: Traditional to wear, often ivory
- Guests: Optional, match formality
- Religious ceremonies may require
- Outdoor summer: Bare legs acceptable
Funerals
- Conservative hosiery appropriate
- Nude, black, or navy
- Opaque tights acceptable
- Avoid patterns
Cultural Considerations
Religious Settings
- Many require covered legs
- Opaque hosiery often expected
- Research specific requirements
- Respect local customs
Regional Differences
| Region | Typical Expectation |
|---|---|
| Japan | Often expected professionally |
| UK | Increasingly optional |
| USA | Varies by industry |
| Germany | Generally more relaxed |
| Middle East | Modest coverage required |
Modern Etiquette Rules
Do
- Carry a spare pair
- Match hosiery to shoe color (roughly)
- Ensure no visible runs
- Consider the occasion's formality
- Wear what makes you confident
Don't
- Wear runs or obvious repairs
- Mismatch formality levels
- Apply lotion showing through sheer
- Let waistband show above skirt
- Judge others' choices
When Hosiery is Always Appropriate
- Job interviews (conservative fields)
- Court appearances
- Formal ceremonies
- Religious services
- Traditional business meetings
When Bare Legs are Acceptable
- Casual social gatherings
- Summer events
- Casual workplace environments
- When dress code explicitly permits
- Vacation/resort settings