The Invention and History of Stockings and Tights

Tights and stockings are an essential part of every woman's wardrobe. Sheer natural toned tights/pantyhose complement and finish off the perfect office outfit. Sexy stockings spruce up a special dress for a sensual date, and patterned opaques keep you looking funky and stylish without freezing on a winter day!

But tights and stockings were not always as comfortable or accessible as they are today. Hosiery has evolved throughout the ages, and demand and fashion have dictated style, colour and material. As strange as it may seem now, tights and stockings actually originated from men's clothing. Stockings or Hose became widely available in the 16th century with the invention of the knitting machine. They were most commonly made from wool, luxurious versions were available in silk or cotton, and they were worn by men under breeches. It was not until the early 20th century, that women's fashion changed and it became socially acceptable for women to show their legs.

The invention of Nylon in 1939 revolutionised women's undergarments. As tights were not yet invented, stockings were the garment of choice and industrial advances made them widely available, albeit not during the war. Lycra had not yet been added to stockings so there was not much 'give' to them and they did not stretch. As such, they were available in what was known as 'Fully fashioned', meaning different sizes, to follow the shape of the leg.

By the early 60's Lycra was added to stockings, making them more comfortable and a better fit for the wearer. It was also at this time that in California, Allan Gant Senior developed the first 'tights'. Known as 'pantyhose', as derived from the American 'panties' - a term used for knickers, referring to the opaque section at the top, and 'hose' to refer to the stockings. These 'pantyhose', were literally stockings and knickers sewn together. They were designed to eliminate the need for several different layers of undergarments. Pantyhose production was perfected by the mid sixties, and the product became 'seamless'. This coincided with the rise of the mini skirt. Allowing women were to wear tights, that covered the leg, as a alternative to stockings, which would have been exposed under the short skirt fashion of the times. Tights became the new must have product and the sale of stockings dramatically declined.

In the UK, 'tights' is used as a generic name regardless of weight/texture/denier of the material. However, in America the term 'pantyhose' is used to distinguish tights of a 'lighter' denier. Pantyhose refers to tights which are either seamless waist to toe, or have a opaque section at the top. They are usually available in 'nude' or 'natural' shades. Americans use the term 'tights' to refer to thicker, opaque garments, including those of the woolen variety.

Advances in technology and ever changing trends in fashion, have seen a vast array of tights available on the market. Fishnet, peep toe, thigh slimming, tummy controlling and maternity tights are all available, and they can be purchased in every conceivable colour. There has never been a better time in history to wear or purchased the perfect pair of tights!

Sexy Costume Shopping Online

If you're looking for a sexy costume for a special occasion in your relationship, or maybe to just add a little spice to the intimate side of things, then consider spending some time at the computer and shopping for sexy adult costumes. There are so many Internet stores that offer a wide range of costumes that make shopping for intimate adult costume so fun.

Think about what kind of sexy costume you want to wear. It will be easier once you select your theme such as school girls, fire woman, pirate, fairy princess etc. Consider first if you would prefer to look a pure seductress of innocence complete with white lace lingerie, or whether you'd be more comfortable playing the vamp in black lace lingerie. You could get a sexy bra and matching sexy thong that you wear under a plus size sexy dress and hint at what you're wearing all evening until your date can't stand it anymore and goes looking for the evidence - or you could plan a very intimate party for two at home and do the whole thing complete with latex and leather lingerie, sheer stockings and spike heels. Perhaps you even have the urge to play a commanding role in risque leather lingerie! Whatever kind of sexy outfit you're looking for - pure and innocent or bondage - you'll find when you buy lingerie online.

The best part is that even if you want to buy a plus size corsets that match sexy micro bikinis, you'll probably have no problem finding them because all you need to do is search the online stores catalogue and you'll find out instantly if they stock each of the items in the sizes you require. Another advantage is that even if you're buying the most sexy leather lingerie in the store, there's no sales assistant offering a silent raised eyebrow at your daringness to choose such an item!

Most online stores that selling sexy women's lingerie offer a wide selection. This means that you won't just find the la paula leather lingerie that you've seen reviewed in magazines or on the Internet or TV. You'll also find other accessories that will help to transform sexy lingerie into a sizzling costume. This can include stockings (sheer or fishnet), a feather boa or even play hand cuffs to help with the bondage theme if that's what you want to achieve. It's a one-stop shop so be prepared to have a lot of fun making your choices! You may find you have as much fun planning the evening as you shop sexy lingerie as you do carrying the plan out! Well almost!

Having placed the order for your items, you now just need to wait for their delivery. Often this can be as little as 48 hours - and as they should be delivered in discreet packaging, even the most curious of mailmen will remain oblivious to your passionate plans! You might find that having done this once, it's something that you want to do again so when choosing your sexy costume make sure that it's something you can create a whole new look just by adding a few different accessories!

The History of Lingerie

The origin of lingerie dates back to the pre-Christian days. It has been said that the Minoans of Crete first invented the corset, which is very different when compared to the lacy corsets worn today. Back then, women wore tight bodices made of bone that did the exact opposite of the typical bra: they pushed the breasts outward for the whole world to see, instead of hiding and protecting them. Women's breasts were a common sight back then, which was not a bother. The bodices, however, were extremely uncomfortable.

During the Age of the Roman Empire, underwear was available but optional. It was normal to wear nothing at all under a toga, but sometimes, a loincloth or a shorts-like piece of clothing called the subligaculum would be worn. The top part of it was called the strophium, and might as well have been the very first bra. They were simply made of cloth and worn over the breasts, most probably for protection.

The chemise, which was invented during the medieval era, is proof that it was during that age when the sexual repression was at its peak. The chemise was worn in between the undergarments and outer garments to prevent the outer layers of clothing from gathering too much sweat. They were washed regularly and they were also shaped in order to flatten women's breasts completely. Made of iron, the contraptions compressed the waist and hid the chest.

Lingerie made a stop forward during the Renaissance period because women's curves were emphasized. Many women strived to get the perfect hourglass figure and the very first corsets would help them achieve that. However, they came at a large price: comfort. Some women became so obsessed with having a good figure that they tightened their corsets too much, and would often pass out. Back then, corsets were created from whalebone, but a significant change occurred when they began coming in lacy, embroidered, more feminine designs. That was the first time lingerie had a decorative purpose, and history shows that this tradition will never die.

Around a century later, the bra was finally invented by Mary Phelps Jacobs. Before that, corsets were slowly evolving into the bras we all know of today: they became smaller and more compact, being used to support the breasts rather than alter a woman's figure. When women began working more 'manly' jobs in factories and similar industries, the bra was made purely for practicality and comfort. Stockings were also eventually introduced, being attached to garters and suspenders, and linked to corsets. Eventually, corsets became unfashionable, although they are still widely available today, mostly for bedroom use.

Lingerie has progressed through history by becoming lighter, lacier, more colorful, and more importantly, sexier. Even though it is concealed most of the time, a lot of women give importance to it, and so do their husbands or boyfriends. Today, underwear is as important and as fashionable as ever. Even the simplest-looking bras and panties help enhance a woman's appearance in some way. That is not a bad thing, especially when they want to impress their significant others.

Bras - Dealing With Underwire Poking

When it comes to support, there is little doubt that an underwire bra is the best bra on the market. That being said, millions of women hate them for one reason. They are sick and tired of being poked by that underwire!

A bra is supposed to do three things for you. First, it is supposed to provide support. Second, it is supposed to be comfortable. Third, it is supposed to enhance your look if the type of outfit you are wearing calls for it. Underwire bras accomplish all of this with the exception of providing comfort if the underwire is poking you. So, is there anything you can do?

If you are sick of getting poked, the first thing to do is figure out why the underwire is jabbing you. Most of us will think the bra doesn't fit our body type. This is actually incorrect in most situations. Professional bra consultants will tell you that a poking underwire is the sign of a bra that is too small for your breasts. Specifically, we are talking about the cup size. If the underwire pulls away from the middle of your chest, then the cups are definitely too small. Try moving up one cup size and seeing how that works. Yes, the cure to getting poked might be that easy!

Once you have a bra that actually fits, you need to take the necessary steps to take care of it. This means washing it in cold water only. If you throw your bras in with the rest of the laundry and use hot water, the material will shrink around the underwire and cause it to poke through. Once you put the bra on, you can guess what will be getting poked next - you!

To get the most out of your bra, you want to do a couple of things. First, use cold water. Second, wash your bras by hand. Third, let them air dry on a line. The goal here is to make your bras last. Treating them carefully at each step of the process will accomplish this for you. This means avoiding the rough and tumble processing of the washer and dryer.

Getting poked by your underwire bra is enough to drive any woman batty. Follow this guide and you should be able to eliminate the problem and get on with your life.