... Or am I just out of touch with legwear world? Here's what got me wondering: The onslaught of holidays catalogs has begun, and although I use a
junk-mail removal service, one slipped through, addressed to my home's former owner. It was from
Bare Necessities, seller of lingerie, hosiery, sleepwear, loungewear and accessories, as well as a few men's items. I was taken aback when I saw several pantyhose items for $30 and upward, up to as high as
$340 for wool leggings. Considering I write for Luxist, you would think I would not be surprised to see the word "luxury" batted around even such a basic wardrobe item as pantyhose. But I was. And then, just two days later, while in a moderately upscale department store, I noticed that Cole-Haan now makes "luxury" microfiber tights for about $30 (not sold online).
Sarah Jessica Parker recently was spotted wearing a $250 pair of Chanel pantyhose. So, I guess I really am out of touch and that legwear can indeed be luxurious, and expensive, but can be an affordable splurge. Check the gallery for some of the pricier hosiery items offered by Bare Necessities, all from
Wolford.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kate Nov 24th 2008 7:18PM
Why is this surprising? Silk stockings as a luxury item are almost a cliche.
Dianne Nov 24th 2008 10:13PM
Wolford is very fine hosiery - if you wear hose and you can afford it, it's completely worth the price! And they make your legs look fantastic!
Rachel Nov 25th 2008 12:10AM
I agree with Dianne. I own several pairs of Wolford Polar tights, and I don't think that I could live without them. Also, they last forever. I have had them for two years, and they show no sign of giving out anytime soon. They are definitely worth the price.
James Nov 24th 2008 10:52PM
Can hosiery be a luxury item? Yes!!!
I run a blog on legwear (http://toomanytights.typepad.com/) and you really don't have to look hard to find $200 + for great quality legwear.
That's usually for printed tights etc.
Dan Nov 25th 2008 8:07AM
Think of hose as make-up for the legs. If you take a 10 - 30 minutes in the morning to makeup your face and do your hair, and pick an outfit, then why not take an extra 5 minutes to makeup your legs.
My Wife get lots of compliments for men, and from some woman on how nice my legs look in Pantyhose.
To prove our point we went to the local mall and she walked thru with skirt and bare legs, and not one person made a remark or gave her a second look. The next day we went back to the same mall, and this time she had Tan color silky hose on, and a skirt, ( she wears shorts with hose as well) and I walked a few steps back, and men kept doing double takes. One guy turned to get another look at her, and the girl he was with smacked him. When we went to the food court, 2 different guys came up and asked my wife for her name and phone #. Now you tell me ladies, what was the reason for the 2 different reactions? ANSWER- Men like to see ladies made up, and they love to see hose on them. Most men are afraid to tell there girlfriends or wives about this. If you find a brand of hose you like the feel and fit, and start showing your legs in hose. Hollywood is starting to wear hose again, and they are showing up on runways as well. My wife wears the higher end hose, and they don't run as easy. With the new fibers, Pantyhose are much more comfortable today then in the 70's & 80's.
BrieCS Nov 25th 2008 12:43PM
Thank you for bringing up one of my favorite luxury items! I spend quite a lot of money throughout the year on nice hosiery and also on thick, warm socks to wear during winter months. I shop primarily at Sock Dreams, but there are so many sites and stores dedicated to attractive, soft, rich hosiery.
just me Nov 25th 2008 11:50AM
What a confession--to be surprised that lingerie is luxury. Were you just in a dumb moment? Come on, you can buy $3.00 fish roe or $300.00 caviar--it's all about the marketing. I mean we even think of some waters as luxurious--Fiji or Hildon for example.