Frequently Asked Questions
About Berkshire
What is Berkshire Hosiery?
Berkshire is a moderately priced national department store hosiery brand offering ultra sheer, all-day sheer, and support pantyhose, tights, stockings, thigh highs, knee highs, anklets, and trouser socks . Berkshire is best known for our extremely clear ultra sheer styles, and our extensive sizing from small all the way up to 7X.
How old is the Berkshire brand?
Berkshire's story dates back to 1942, when Cyrus and Sylvia Mayer founded the Mayer Hosiery Company in New York. The brand was originally sold from a Manhattan showroom and grew from a favorite among New York women into a nationally recognized hosiery brand.
Where is Berkshire based?
Berkshire is based in New Jersey. Customer service order processing are handled through Mayer Berkshire Hosiery at 25 Edison Drive in Wayne, New Jersey.
Where is Berkshire made?
Many Berkshire hosiery styles are made in the USA including our top selling ultra sheer styles.
What types of hosiery does Berkshire offer?
Berkshire offers a broad assortment of women's legwear, including ultra-sheer pantyhose with control tops and non control tops, light and full support pantyhose, graduated compression hosiery, stockings, beautiful lace top thigh highs, ultra sheer and support knee highs, and anklets. We also offer basic 40 denier tights, full coverage 80 denier tights, thermal tights, fleece tights, shaping tights, and shimmer tights. And, if you're looking for a little fashion, the Berkshire brand offers a fishnet, a classy backseam, and a stylish small dot pattern.
Choosing Your Hosiery
How do I choose the right size Berkshire hosiery?
Use the Size Guide provided on the back of all of our packages. Hosiery sizing can differ from traditional clothing sizes and may be based on a combination of height, weight and body proportions. Berkshire offers styles specifically knit to fit Plus sizes up to 7X with no bagging at the ankles.
What if I'm a petite plus size woman?
Berkshire is the only hosiery brand to offer a Queen Petite size for the shorter plus size woman.
What should I do if I am between hosiery sizes?
For silky sheer styles, size up one size. For ultra sheer styles, size down one size for a better, no bagging at the ankles fit.
What does "denier" mean in hosiery?
Denier refers to the weight and thickness of the fibers used to make hosiery. Generally, a lower denier produces a more transparent, sheer appearance, while a higher denier creates a more opaque look. For example, Berkshire offers ultra sheer styles at approximately 15 denier for a lightweight, ultra-clear appearance. We also offer tights that go all the way up to 200 denier for total leg coverage and warmth in those colder months.
What is ultra sheer hosiery?
Ultra sheer hosiery uses very fine fibers to provide a lightweight, transparent appearance. It can add a subtle hint of color and help create a smoother, more polished bare-leg look. Ultra-sheer hosiery smooths out the imperfections on your legs while allowing your natural skin tone to show through. Think "cosmetics for the legs".
What is a control top?
A control top incorporates a firmer knit panty designed to provide additional smoothing and support around the waist, tummy and hips. Berkshire offers both control-top and non-control-top options so you can select the fit and level of comfort and support you prefer.
What is the difference between a sandalfoot toe and a reinforced toe?
A sandalfoot toe has a sheer appearance, making it a popular choice with open-toe shoes. A reinforced toe has additional construction around the toe area for increased durability and is generally better suited to closed-toe shoes.
Does Berkshire make toeless pantyhose?
Yes. Berkshire offers toeless hosiery designed to provide the polished appearance of ultra-sheer pantyhose while leaving the toes exposed. This makes toeless styles a useful option with open-toe shoes or when you want to show your pedicure.
What are thigh highs?
Thigh highs are sheer hosiery that only go up to the mid-thigh. They typically feature a lace top or an elastic band at the top to keep the hosiery in place. Berkshire offers thigh highs with both beautiful lace tops and with elastic banded tops.
What is a knee-high?
A knee high can be either ultra sheer or opaque and only goes up to the knee. Berkshire offers knee-high hosiery in a variety of styles including ultra sheers, support, opaque, sheer toes and reinforced toes. Knee highs are a great choice when you want hosiery coverage beneath pants, slacks or longer garments without wearing full pantyhose.
Support & Comfort
Does Berkshire offer support hosiery?
Yes. Berkshire offers a selection of support hosiery, including styles with graduated compression through the legs. These products are designed for women looking for additional leg support compared with traditional sheer hosiery. These styles are perfect for ladies who are on their feet most of the day.
What is graduated compression hosiery?
Graduated-compression hosiery is constructed to provide varying levels of support throughout the leg. There is more support at the ankles and less support as you move up the leg. This allows the blood in your legs to be pushed back up towards the heart. This can help prevent blood clots and also just make your legs feel better after being on your feet all day.
Is Berkshire support hosiery the same as medical compression stockings?
Not necessarily. Berkshire offers support and graduated-compression hosiery, but you should check the specifications of the individual product if you require a particular compression level. If compression garments have been recommended or prescribed for a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate compression level and garment.
Wearing & Caring for Hosiery
How should I put on pantyhose without damaging them?
Remove rings or other jewelry that could snag delicate hosiery. Gather one leg of the hosiery down toward the toe, carefully position your foot inside and gradually ease the fabric up the leg. Repeat with the other leg and then gently pull the hosiery into position. Avoid pulling forcefully from the waistband.
How can I make my hosiery last longer?
Handle hosiery gently when putting it on and taking it off, avoid contact with rough fingernails or jewelry and follow the care instructions provided with your particular style. Proper washing and drying can help preserve elasticity, fit and appearance.
How should Berkshire hosiery be washed?
Care instructions can vary by product, so always check the label or product page. Many Berkshire hosiery styles recommend hand washing separately in warm water, avoiding bleach and allowing the hosiery to drip dry.
Can Berkshire hosiery be put in the dryer?
Most Berkshire hosiery products recommend drip drying rather than machine drying. Heat and tumbling can be hard on delicate hosiery fibers and elasticity. Follow the care instructions provided for your specific Berkshire product.
Ordering & Shipping
Where can I buy Berkshire Hosiery?
You can shop Berkshire's current selection directly online at eberkshire.com, where you can browse by product type, size, style and other features.
Does Berkshire offer free shipping?
Yes. Orders over $60 qualify for free ground shipping to destinations within the continental United States.
How much is shipping on orders under $60?
Continental U.S. orders under $60 ship for a flat rate of $4.99.
How quickly will my Berkshire order ship?
Most orders ship within one to two business days. Next Day Shipping orders will generally ship the same day when received by 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Which carriers does Berkshire use?
Berkshire ships orders using the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS. The carrier used for an individual order can depend on the destination and shipping service.
Returns & Customer Service
What is Berkshire's return policy?
Berkshire accepts returns of unworn, unopened products within 60 days of delivery. Opened packages and worn hosiery cannot be accepted for return.
How can I contact Berkshire customer service?
Berkshire Customer Service can be reached by phone at (800) 245-6789 Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, or by email at cs@eberkshire.com. You can also submit a message through the Contact Us page on the Berkshire website.
How do I find the best Berkshire hosiery for me?
Start by deciding how much coverage and support you want. Choose sheers or ultra sheers for a lightweight look, tights for more coverage, control-top styles for additional smoothing, support hosiery for a firmer feel, thigh highs when you prefer not to wear a waistband, or knee highs for coverage primarily below the knee. Then use the product's Size Guide to select the appropriate fit.