Celebrating National Legwear Day With L’eggs Tights

An ode to the ever-evolving L'eggs tights.

With the turn of each season, comes the best part: a wardrobe update! Now that we’re in the first week of autumn, I’m looking forward to bringing on the layers…cue the jackets, sweaters, pants, and endless collection of L’eggs tights.

Autumn is the most nostalgic season I know. The thought of back-to-school days always comes up when the leaves change to golden hues and the weather chills.

On my nightstand is a calendar flipped to September with a photo of my sister and I in the ‘90s. We were waiting for the school bus while decked out in printed dresses, headbands, moccasins, and white tights.

From big events to small ones, I’ve worn tights throughout many occasions and it has a profound spot in my heart.

Wendy Sy wearing red tights, a purple dress, and brown bag crossing the street in New York City.

L’eggs Tights History

During a preview for the Hanes fall collection, I learned that this year (2019) marks the 50th anniversary of their L’eggs tights line. It’s a milestone for the brand that once sold their Sheer Elegance hosiery in plastic egg-shaped packaging. Those were designed by Roger Ferriter of the ad firm Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample.

It’s said that the design was an impromptu idea which turned into a multibillion-dollar business. These tights represented hosiery in a creative way. It symbolized something new, fresh, and compact. The L’eggs egg design even went on to display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

L’eggs was the first company that introduced the world to non-support hosiery made with stretchy spandex. Before 1959, women wore garter belts clipped to stockings and I can’t imagine that was comfortable!

With fabric innovations constantly evolving, there are so many styles of hosiery today that merges both fashion and function.

Recently, I caught up with Cathleen Moxham, design and merchandising lead at HanesBrands, Inc. to talk about National Legwear Day and all things legwear.

“Personal connections are so important with everyday life and we know our consumers are seeking products that provide multiple benefits,” says Moxham. One aspect of her job is to travel globally to source cutting-edge yarns.

For Fall 2019, Hanes launched the Leg Boost collection. It’s with ultra soft micro denier yarns and I was shocked to feel just how soft it is! The material is finished with technology that helps for glide on wear, and has graduated compression.

This can improve circulation while energizing legs when you’re on the go. The yarn is also infused with ginseng root and vitamins B3, B6, and C for a natural pick-me-up.

National Legwear Day with red tights in New York City.

Besides the technical benefits of hosiery, it also ranges in size. There’s also a Curves line that comes in 1X-4X. The styles and the colors are equally as exciting. Sheer, opaque, lace, fishnets, chevron net, herringbone, the list goes on and on…hence the ever-growing collection overfilling my drawers.

Wendy Sy wearing red tights, a purple dress, and brown bag in New York City.

“We also do extensive research on the shoe market to come up with legwear solutions to fit,” says Moxham. She notes their sock collection can be worn with all shoes, whether it’s a pair of ballet flats or boots. As for color, there’s plenty. In addition to black and nude, it comes deep rich tones for fall including Cherry Pie Red (my favorite), Navy Ink blue, and Divine Grey.

National Legwear Day

September 22 marked the third annual National Legwear Day, in tandem with the 50th anniversary of L’eggs tights.

L’eggs also celebrated by partnering with the American Business Women’s Association. “Both have core values embracing diversity, strength, independence, inclusivity and celebrating all women,” says Moxham.

Along with the holiday is the push for the #LeggsGetItDone and #MyStyleKick social media campaign. It was created to encourage snapshots to be shared of L’eggs tights styled in different ways.

Their goal is to empower women of all ages to accomplish their goals and break barriers.

Whether it’s the first day of school, the first day of work, the first day of autumn, or any day, there’s nothing better than putting on a pair of comfortable tights.

National Legwear Day in red L'egg tights, a purple dress, and brown bag outside in New York City.
Red tights, a purple dress, and brown bag.
Wendy Sy wearing red tights, a purple dress, and brown bag outside in New York City.
National Legwear Day with red tights and a purple dress outside in New York City.

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Wendy Sy

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Comments

  1. 10.6.21
    Lucimay said:

    I love the colour of these tights against the purple sweater dress.