pantyhose
Noun: A single, close-fitting garment that covers a woman's body from the waist to the toes, combining underpants and stockings into one piece. It is typically made of a thin, stretchy, and often sheer material like nylon.
This word is a singular noun but typically refers to the garment as a concept or a pair. It is used in contexts related to fashion, clothing, and daily attire. - She wore pantyhose with her dress to the formal event. - Do you prefer control-top pantyhose for a smoother look? - I need to buy a new pair of pantyhose.
- "Run in one's pantyhose": Refers to a tear or ladder that forms in the material.
- She got a run in her pantyhose right before the meeting.
- Used to specify types, such as "sheer pantyhose," "opaque pantyhose," or "support pantyhose."
- Tights (noun): A similar, often thicker or more opaque garment that may cover the feet or stop at the ankle. While sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech, "tights" often implies a heavier material than sheer "pantyhose."
- Stockings (noun): Separate garments that cover the foot and leg, typically held up by a garter belt.
- Hosiery (noun): A general term for stockings, socks, pantyhose, and tights.
- Nylons (informal, plural noun)
- Sheer tights (context-dependent)
This word specifically denotes a one-piece garment. It is not used for two separate pieces (underpants + separate stockings). The term is primarily used in American English; similar garments may be referred to as "tights" in British English, though British "tights" are often less sheer.
- a woman's tights consisting of underpants and stockings