Why do women wear tights?

(Edited from contributions to the Stockings HQ discussion forum)

"I'd appreciate some female input on this subject that has always baffled me: I've always been curious why the majority of women in today's society wear pantyhose instead of stockings and a garter belt. I've heard women complain how bad and uncomfortable pantyhose is and that they're always pulling it up, making adjustments, and so on. Yet they still wear it. If it's so bad, why don't they just go back to the stockings and garter belts. I'm sure it's more comfortable not to mention sexier."

"Each woman has her own reason which may be different from the next woman. I had an ex-girlfriend tell me that garters/stockings were sooo comfortable, but unless she wore a loose dress or skirt, it was obvious that she had suspenders going up her legs."

"I guess as a male in my early 30s I can relate to some of the reasons you all gave. After all, guys had the similar boxer/brief dilemma. Like your garter-stocking or pantyhose decision, comfort was first and for most a concern as was fear of trying something different and being found out when I made the switch to boxers about 12 years ago and never looked back. While I hope more and more ladies make the switch to garters and stockings, obviously everyone should do what they're most comfortable with."

"I am a very recent stocking user. I only began using stockings three months ago and before that I loved my pantyhose. The reason many women don't give up on pantyhose is there is far less risk of exposing a garter or stocking top. Many women may feel a garter belt and stockings are more uncomfortable than pantyhose. We like the freedom from garters that pantyhose provide.

I know those are my reasons. It has only been recently that I can say I am now comfortable in a garter belt and stockings, and I prefer stretch stockings. Too me stretch stockings and garter belt now = comfort.

"But as a young teenager I hated stockings, and rather than wear them I'd wear knit knee socks. What changed my mind was wanting to improve my relationship with my husband and in searching for an answer tried stockings and a garter belt.

"Also I've noticed that public opinion in the UK is more in favour of stockings than the USA. Things are starting to change slowly, but there's a long way to go. I'm glad I can feel more comfortable wearing stockings and a garter belt. That has been a major change in attitude for me. If more women can experience this change in attitude it will help. But I also know it must be freedom of choice their choice."

"Even as a stockings wearer, I am more comfortable in pantyhose. I wear stockings on 'dates' out with my husband. The fear of ridicule by my peers at work, and the discomfort of garter clips on my legs, negate the sexiness I feel when I wear stockings to work."

"I wear a six inch slip-on garter belt with metal clips, but rarely wear gartered nylons to work. I'm new to stockings in recent months. I like how they feel, but it is requiring time to overcome my old fears."

"The extra attention my husband gives me when I wear stockings is something I like. When I wear stockings, I have control of this big, aggressive, self-assured man. I'm confident when 'dressed elegantly', and admit I like the attention men pay me, even though I am happily married and faithful.

"But, the bottom line is Hollywood's depiction of sluts wearing stockings scares US women in not wearing them outside the bedroom. There aren't visible role models wearing stockings to give US women confidence to challenge their fears."

"I love the sexy feel of stockings, and the 'power' I feel when I dress up. In the past year I lost 40 pounds, and regained my schoolgirl shape. While I like the flattering comments from male and female colleagues at work, I wish to avoid the 'slutty' label associated with wearing stockings in a conservative US business.

"I am gradually replenishing my wardrobe with 'classic' business attire that is softer, but I am careful not to cross the line to sexy.

"The encouragement that stockings are elegant attire - instead of JUST sexy attire - is needed."