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Stephanie Davis
Stephanie started an illegal newspaper at her middle school called The Underground—which was printed on copy paper stapled together—thus beginning her foray into the world of publishing. She went on to be editor of her high school newspaper, worked at The Red and Black (UGA's esteemed newspaper)...
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Panty hose: A generational divide

Tuesday, September, 2, 2008

I’ve decided that panty hose don’t just separate our skin from our skirts. They separate women generationally as well.

images_4.jpeg

My mother, who wears pantyhose even with open toed sandals (god help her!), can not for the life of her figure out why I loathe the nylon nooses. But I have hated them for years. Now tights! Tights in the winter, I can handle. They’re functional and stylish. But tan pantyhose serve to make hot days unbearable, and already smelly shoes, stink central.

I was recently at The Power of Women and Money luncheon at South City Kitchen and sat next to an extremely interesting woman who was an accountant with a southern drawl. She preceded to explain to me (over the most delicious cheese grit croutons, by the way) that she can’t go anywhere without her pantyhose.

She wears them every day to work. Can you imagine? Without them she feels naked. Since the accountant was only about 10 years older than me, I was quite shocked to realize that she was  of my mother’s mindset, even though my mother is 30 years older than me.

So, when did the divide happen? Is it a Generation X phenomenon? When did the women of my generation say “Enough with the Pantyhose!” And why haven’t the older generations caught  on?

I ask you...which of the feet below looks more stylish?:

pantyhose.jpeg


In my opinion, the right foot is the only way to go. Is the anti-pantyhose movement, similar to the burning of the bra 1960s era, I wonder? Maybe. All I know, is  I refuse to be restricted just to fit some No-White-Shoes-after-Labor Day mentality that was put in place way before I had a say in it. So, weigh in ladies. Are you a pantyhose or no pantyhose girl? And why?


getaclewis
getaclewis
Posted Tue, 09/02/2008 - 19:13
Nylon noose... what a great phrase! I couldn't agree more. But then I'm also the girl that uses a strapless, adhesive gel bra EVERY SINGLE DAY (when wearing a bra at all) rather than be tortured by discomfort. "Trust Life's unfolding..."
steffdav
steffdav
Posted Wed, 09/03/2008 - 12:18
Down with panty hose! I know. It should be a bumper sticker. Stephanie Editor of skirt! Atlanta
imanislandgirl
imanislandgirl
Posted Tue, 09/02/2008 - 21:08
Pantyhose is so NOT feminine! So NOT sexy! If you want to cover your legs, go with stockings, feel like a woman! Embrace your sensuality - go stockings, thigh highs or dare to bare!
dinaz
dinaz
Posted Wed, 09/03/2008 - 13:21
Just thinking about pantyhose in this Atlanta heat, hopping into a 120 degree car after a day of work, makes me itch! I am 45 years old, grew up in the Northeast, and I have never liked the things. They were obviously designed by a sadistic mysogynist!
bjd3140
bjd3140
Posted Thu, 09/04/2008 - 07:37
Well, I see now you have told all of Atlanta that your Mom is old fashioned because she wears pantyhose and also let's not forget to mention that she is 60 again. I hate sweaty smelly feet. Pantyhose keeps you from blisters, hairy legs, and sticky smelly shoes. If you had bought the correct color pantyhose, the picture you attached would have looked much different. Still think pantyhose looks better than white legs with tiny hairs sticking out. Oh, the perils of being the mother of a writer. Love you. Mom
getaclewis
getaclewis
Posted Thu, 09/04/2008 - 09:36
She didn't just tell all of Atlanta, Mom... she told the world! :-) My mom cringes at being the one who bore a writer, too. Thanks for giving us a lifetime of inspiration! ;-) "Trust Life's unfolding..."
steffdav
steffdav
Posted Tue, 09/09/2008 - 11:53
All the abuse is heaped on the mother of the writer. Poor poor mom. I love you, but not your pantyhose. Ha. Stephanie Editor of skirt! Atlanta
bbengts
bbengts
Posted Thu, 09/04/2008 - 09:24
I was discussing with my bf the other day what she was going to wear on the plane to make her trek across the country to meet me at LAX for a best friend's wedding. She was explaining that if she was going to wear a dress then she had to wear pantyhose because the dress was too short. I wondered if she had somehow pow-wowed with my mom about that. But then she explained that in Chicago, if you ever want to wear a dress in 30 degree or minus 30 degree weather then pantyhose are a must. All that being said, I would never in any circumstances EVER wear them, but I can see why someone in the mid west might wear them. :)
pooteydo
pooteydo
Posted Mon, 09/08/2008 - 09:14
I havent worn panty hose in like 5 yrs they are so outta here!
NatashaYahnee
NatashaYahnee
Posted Mon, 09/08/2008 - 15:03
Pantyhose + Atlanta heat = all sorts of uncomfortable infections in places you cannot scratch.
jennibgood
jennibgood
Posted Wed, 09/10/2008 - 11:30
I remember being in the sixth grade and I had on black pantyhose that I'm sure my mother had to talk me into wearing. I can remember exactly where I was sitting on the bleachers during lunch when one of the boys in my class noticed my "furry pantyhose." When he pointed it out to all the other kids around us, I had no idea what had gotten all over my legs, then it hit me. Those were my never-before shaved leg hairs sticking out of the hose, shimmering in the sunlight. Mortified, I went home and begged my mom to let me start shaving. To this day, I have never again wore hose for fear of another furry pantyhose experience.
steffdav
steffdav
Posted Wed, 09/10/2008 - 13:36
Jenni- I am dying laughing. That is too funny. I can remember the first time I noticed that too and thinking "PLEASE MOM! TAKE A RAZOR TO THESE SASQUATCH SHINS!" Anyway, TMI, but you know what I mean. too funny! Stephanie Editor of skirt! Atlanta