There are hundreds of companies worldwide that manufacture and sell pantyhose. As with most products, pantyhose manufacturers tend to break down into a few separate groups. The first group markets their products to those not looking to spend a grand fortune for their hosiery. Their products are made for less money and tend to run easier, wear out sooner, and therefore have a much shorter shelf life. The second group markets their products to a high end customer who is looking to spend more money for a quality pair of pantyhose that will in all likelihood last a significant amount of time. These branded pantyhose tend to be constructed better and are often made from better materials, although this is not always the case. There is also a third group of manufacturers that market their products right in the middle of the first two, capturing a more middle to upper middle class customer who doesn’t want to spend a fortune but also wants a decent level of quality.

The first group of manufacturers includes companies like Hanes, L'eggs, Sheer Caress, Lane Bryant, Calvin Klein, Jockey, and many others. The products that these brands put out tend to be sturdy but lower priced. You’ll find that they run more often, wear out sooner in the areas that get more tread (like the crotch and feet), and they probably don’t feel quite as good against the skin as a more high end pair would feel.

Unlike the brand names mentioned above, the companies that sell in the high end market aren’t really known by anyone except those who regularly purchase high end pantyhose. Just about everyone has seen a package of Hanes or Leggs pantyhose at the drug store or the mall, but I’ll bet you’ve never run across pantyhose made by Falke, Ose, Sanpellegrino, Levante, Silca, or Franzoni. Most of these companies manufacture their products out of Europe and ship them only to boutiques or places like Neiman Marcus and the occasional Nordstrom. These products are going to feel much better to the touch and they will be much sturdier, lasting longer than your average cheap pair of pantyhose. For the true pantyhose fetishist, these products are the only option for pleasure.

Finally, there’s a middle ground of pantyhose products that’s occupied by brands like Wolford pantyhose, Donna Karan, Givenchy, and Spanx. The price range of these products tends to fall right between the other two mentioned above and you’ll generally get a good wear out of them. You certainly won’t find yourself replacing these after one or two times being worn unless you travel in rough circles. However, nothing feels quite as nice as a pair of high end sheer pantyhose, so if you’re in it for the love of the fabric, be sure to spend the extra money.

By Charles T.
Copyright Pantyhose Hunter