Choose Berkshire maternity hosiery by the fit you need now, with room for your bump and enough length through the legs. A comfortable waistband matters as much as a beautiful finish, especially when your favorite dress is ready for another outing!
Your shape and comfort preferences can change during pregnancy, so the size you wore before may feel different. Start with comfortable room, then choose the coverage and construction that suit your day.
First, let's look at the details that make our two maternity styles different.
Compare Berkshire maternity hosiery by construction
Our maternity pantyhose and maternity tights both feature an expanding lace tummy panel. But, the leg coverage, toe finish, and waistband details give you two different options.
Style 5700: Light-support legs and a reinforced toe
Our Maternity Light Support Pantyhose, style 5700, have a 30-denier leg, light leg support, and a reinforced toe. The lace tummy panel expands with you and provides moderate control.
This is the pair to consider when you prefer a lighter-looking leg with a supported feel. The reinforced toe also works well with closed shoes, where the darker toe section stays out of sight.
That combination makes style 5700 a practical option for dresses, skirts, and polished everyday outfits. Plus, you can choose leg support without choosing an opaque finish.
Style 5701: Opaque coverage and a wide waistband
Our Maternity Opaque Tight, style 5701, has a 60-denier opaque leg and a sandalfoot toe. It also features an extra-wide waistband that rests gently against the body, along with an expanding lace tummy panel with control.
Choose this style when you want fuller coverage beneath a sweater dress, skirt, or longer tunic. The wide waistband is another detail to consider if the way a waistband rests against your bump matters to you.
The difference is practical: style 5700 offers light-support legs, while style 5701 offers opaque coverage and an extra-wide waistband.
Start with the maternity size chart
Your usual dress size doesn't tell the whole story. Our hosiery sizing guidance explains that hosiery fit can depend on height, weight, and body proportions.
Read height and weight together
Use your current height and weight with the Size Guide for your chosen maternity style. Both 5700 and 5701 list these ranges.
| Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5'0" to 5'5" | 110 to 170 lb |
| B | 5'0" to 5'5" | 140 to 220 lb |
| C | 5'5" to 5'11" | 140 to 200 lb |
| D | 5'5" to 5'11" | 170 to 230 lb |
These ranges overlap, so more than one size may include your measurements. The letters aren't a sequence of pregnancy stages. They describe different height-and-weight combinations for these particular styles.
Allow for your proportions, too
When two ranges include you, consider where you need room. Leg length, the rise through the panty, and comfort around the hips all matter.
Don't automatically choose the smaller option when your height and weight suggest different ranges. Too little length can pull the panty downward, even when the leg feels close-fitting.
And, don't borrow a size label from another Berkshire collection. Selected styles elsewhere in our range use different charts. The maternity chart above belongs to styles 5700 and 5701, rather than every pair we make.
Let comfort guide you as your bump grows
Pregnancy doesn't come with a hosiery timetable. Your waistband may start feeling snug before your bump looks much different, while another pair may remain comfortable longer.
Earlier on, notice changes around the waist
A familiar waistband can feel less comfortable even when your skirts and dresses still fit. Pay attention to how it feels while seated, rather than judging only in front of the mirror.
The expanding lace panel in our maternity styles gives your changing belly room within the garment's design. That matters more than trying to stretch a familiar pair beyond a comfortable fit.
You may still want the same polished appearance for work or dinner. Maternity hosiery lets you keep that styling preference while choosing a construction intended for pregnancy.
Later on, consider sitting and dressing comfort
As your bump becomes fuller, the way hosiery feels while sitting can matter more than its appearance while standing. A waistband shouldn't require constant pulling or repositioning to feel tolerable.
Your preferred leg feel may change, too. You might enjoy the light-support legs of style 5700, or prefer the coverage and wide waistband of style 5701.
Choose according to comfort rather than assuming that a larger bump calls for a firmer garment. Give yourself an unhurried moment to dress, especially when reaching your feet becomes less convenient.
Notice pulling, rolling, and extra fabric
A comfortable pair should let you concentrate on your day. Constant adjusting is a reason to reassess the fit, even if the size label looks familiar.
A low-hanging gusset, pulling through the thighs, or a waistband that keeps moving can mean the hosiery hasn't been distributed evenly. They can also mean you need a different size or construction.
Extra fabric at the ankle doesn't automatically mean the entire pair is too large. Some of that fabric may need to be eased upward through the leg.
Smooth the hosiery gently, then sit, stand, and walk in your complete outfit. Notice whether your shoes pull at the toes or your dress catches against the panty section.
If the pair still pinches, rolls, or pulls after adjustment, choose a more comfortable fit. There's no reason to spend the afternoon negotiating with your waistband!
Our advice on hosiery rise and fit can help you distinguish insufficient length from fabric that simply hasn't reached the right place.
Choose coverage for your outfit and shoes
Once the fit feels right, consider the finish. The 30-denier leg of style 5700 gives a lighter appearance, while style 5701's 60-denier leg offers a more covered look.
Black opaque hosiery pairs beautifully with a dark skirt and black shoes. It gives the outfit a continuous line without requiring lots of accessories. A simple dress and a favorite cardigan can look wonderfully put together.
Think about the toe finish before choosing footwear. Style 5700's reinforced toe suits closed shoes, while style 5701's sandalfoot construction doesn't have that reinforced toe section.
Still, sandalfoot hosiery covers your toes. It isn't an open-toe design, so consider how the covered foot looks with your chosen sandals or peep-toe shoes. Small detail, big difference!
Put hosiery on gently and care for the stretch
Both maternity styles combine nylon and spandex. The panty is 83% nylon and 17% spandex; the leg is 76% nylon and 24% spandex.
Ease the fabric upward in sections
Start seated, with smooth nails and any snag-prone jewelry removed. Gather one hosiery leg down toward the toe, ease your foot inside, and settle the fabric around your foot.
Work upward gradually, then repeat with the other leg. Use your fingertips to guide the fabric rather than grabbing and tugging.
Finish by settling the panty and waistband comfortably around your bump. Avoid using the waistband to pull the entire garment into place. Gentle handling is kinder to both the fabric and your morning routine.
Wash gently and let the pair drip dry
For styles 5700 and 5701, our care directions are straightforward: hand wash separately in warm water, don't bleach, and drip dry.
Keep the movement gentle, and avoid twisting or wringing the hosiery. Allow each pair to dry completely before putting it away.
A drawer section or soft fabric pouch keeps delicate hosiery away from exposed zippers, hooks, and jewelry. Plus, keeping pairs together makes getting dressed easier when you're deciding between two outfits and running short on time!
Key Takeaways
- Use current height and weight with the size chart for your chosen maternity style.
- Choose style 5700 for light-support legs and a reinforced toe, or style 5701 for opaque coverage and an extra-wide waistband.
- Reassess pulling, rolling, or bunching after gently distributing the fabric.
- Hand wash both styles separately in warm water, avoid bleach, and drip dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose maternity hosiery by my pre-pregnancy size?
Use your current height and weight with the maternity style's chart instead. Your previous size can be a useful reference, but it doesn't account for changes in your body or differences between products. Comfortable leg length and room through the panty matter more than keeping the same size label.
Does the expanding tummy panel guarantee one size throughout pregnancy?
The lace panel expands with you, but that doesn't promise that one size will remain comfortable throughout pregnancy. Your overall proportions and preferred fit can change. Treat comfort while sitting and walking as part of the decision, rather than relying on the panel alone.
Can I wear maternity tights under a fitted dress?
Yes, if the complete outfit feels comfortable. Style 5701 offers opaque coverage, but the lace panel and waistband still have their own texture and shape. Try the dress over the tights while seated and standing to see how the fabric falls. A smooth-looking outfit shouldn't require a restrictive fit.
A comfortable fit for your changing bump
Berkshire maternity hosiery should suit the body you have today, with comfort first and a finish that makes your outfit feel complete. Start with the maternity size chart, then choose the leg coverage, toe finish, and waistband details you prefer.
Give your hosiery gentle care and yourself room to feel comfortable. A growing bump can share the wardrobe with beautiful dresses and polished legwear!
