For decades, pantyhose was a staple in women’s wardrobes, a symbol of elegance, refinement, and polished dressing. From office wear to formal events, sheer stockings were seen as a must-have, completing outfits with a touch of sophistication. Throughout the 20th century, pantyhose reigned supreme, worn by style icons, working professionals, and everyday fashion enthusiasts alike.
However, by the late 1990s and early 2000s, pantyhose saw a significant decline in popularity. The rise of casual fashion, the increasing acceptance of bare legs in professional settings, and shifting cultural attitudes all contributed to its fall from grace. Celebrities and influencers embraced a more relaxed, natural look, favoring tights in winter but forgoing sheer stockings altogether. Pantyhose became synonymous with an outdated, restrictive dress code rather than a stylish accessory.
Fast forward to 2025, and the tides have turned. Pantyhose is making a major comeback, reclaiming its place in the fashion world with a modern twist. No longer just a practical necessity, today’s pantyhose is an intentional style statement—bold, colorful, and versatile. With fashion designers, influencers, and trendsetters leading the charge, this once-forgotten classic is experiencing a revival that blends nostalgia with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
The Return of a Classic
The resurgence of pantyhose didn’t happen overnight. Since the early 2020s, the fashion industry has been witnessing a gradual revival of hosiery, driven by a renewed appreciation for polished, put-together dressing. In an era where retro fashion trends cycle back into the mainstream, pantyhose has re-emerged as both a practical and aesthetic choice.
What’s different this time? The perception of pantyhose has shifted from being a rigid, old-fashioned requirement to a playful and expressive accessory. Sheer, patterned, and colorful tights are now embraced as a way to elevate outfits, offering a sense of polish while still allowing for individuality. Women are no longer wearing pantyhose because they have to—they’re wearing it because they want to.
Fashion-forward celebrities and social media key drivers influencing this comeback…
A key driver of this comeback has been the influence of celebrities and social media. Fashion-forward figures like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and the Hadid sisters have been spotted wearing sheer and statement hosiery, bringing it back into the style conversation. Luxury fashion houses and mainstream brands alike have reintroduced pantyhose into their collections, showcasing new textures, colors, and patterns that cater to the modern consumer.
With this renewed focus on elegance and self-expression, pantyhose has successfully shaken off its outdated reputation, proving that what was once considered passé can, in fact, become trendy again.
Top 5 Current Trends in Pantyhose Today
Pantyhose is no longer just a subtle, barely-there addition to an outfit—it has become a bold, expressive fashion statement. As the trend gains momentum in 2025, we’re seeing a variety of exciting styles emerge, from vibrant colors to classic sheer elegance. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest trends dominating the pantyhose revival.
1. Vibrant Colors and Patterns
Gone are the days when pantyhose was limited to neutral tones. This year, bold colors are making a splash, with fashion-forward individuals embracing striking hues like red, cobalt blue, and emerald green. These statement pieces add a pop of color to any outfit, allowing wearers to showcase their personality through their choice of hosiery.
In addition to solid colors, playful patterns are taking over runways and street style. Polka dots, florals, abstract graphics, and geometric designs are all the rage, offering a fun and stylish way to enhance simple ensembles. Whether paired with a minimalistic dress or layered under a structured blazer, patterned pantyhose can transform an outfit into a fashion-forward masterpiece.
2. Sheer Elegance
While bold colors and patterns dominate the trend cycle, classic sheer pantyhose remains a timeless favorite. Nude and black sheer tights continue to be wardrobe staples, offering a polished and sophisticated finish to both casual and formal outfits.
Sheer pantyhose is especially popular for those who want to enhance their look without making a bold statement. They provide a refined touch, smoothing the legs and adding an air of elegance. Whether styled with an office-appropriate pencil skirt or a chic evening dress, sheer hosiery ensures a flawless, put-together aesthetic.
3. Pastel Shades
For those who prefer a softer approach, pastel-colored pantyhose is a must-try trend in 2025. Delicate hues like mint green, baby blue, and blush pink offer a subtle yet stylish alternative to bolder colors. These shades work beautifully with spring and summer outfits, adding a light, airy feel to the overall look.
To achieve a refined and sophisticated ensemble, pair pastel pantyhose with neutral or monochromatic clothing. A soft pink tight under a white dress or mint green hosiery with a beige skirt creates a harmonious and effortlessly chic outfit.
4. Animal Prints
Animal prints continue to dominate the fashion scene, and pantyhose is no exception. Leopard, zebra, and snake patterns bring a daring edge to any outfit, allowing wearers to make a bold fashion statement.
For those who want a more subtle take on the trend, pairing animal-print tights with an all-black ensemble ensures a balanced, chic look. On the other hand, fashion risk-takers can embrace the full trend by mixing animal-print hosiery with complementary textures and colors for a head-turning outfit.
Styling Tips: How to Wear Pantyhose in 2025
With the variety of pantyhose styles available, knowing how to incorporate them into outfits is key to mastering this trend. Here are some expert styling tips to keep your looks fresh and fashionable:
- Pair colorful tights with neutral outfits – Let bold pantyhose be the star of your look by keeping the rest of your outfit simple. A black or beige dress paired with red or green tights makes for an eye-catching combination.
- Use patterns to enhance monochromatic outfits – If your outfit consists of a single color, opt for patterned pantyhose to add depth and interest without overpowering the look.
- Experiment with sheer polka dot tights – For a subtle yet playful touch, sheer tights with small polka dots offer a vintage-inspired charm that works beautifully with both casual and formal wear.
- Create cozy winter looks with opaque tights and boots – Layering thick, opaque pantyhose with oversized sweaters, skirts, and knee-high boots is a foolproof way to stay stylish and warm in colder months.
As we embrace this trend in 2025, the message is clear: pantyhose is back, and it’s here to stay. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement with colorful tights or add a touch of elegance with sheer hosiery, now is the perfect time to experiment with this timeless accessory.
How do you wear your pantyhose? I’d love to hear your favorite styles, nostalgic memories, or modern pairings that make you feel polished and chic.
Photographs from Unsplash, Pexels
