Extending the Life of Your Hosiery -- Savings Experiment

Hosiery isn't the kind of thing that's meant to last, but buying new pairs of pantyhose can add up over time. The key to saving on hosiery is extending its life, and we have a few great ways you can achieve that.

Start with buying the right type. Steer clear of nylon, and go for pairs that are at least 15 percent Lycra or spandex -- they're the most durable.

Runs are the ultimate enemy when it comes to hosiery. Everyone knows the old clear nail polish trick, but that only keeps existing runs from getting worse. The best way to get the most out of your stockings is to prevent those pesky tears from happening. How do you do that? Try freezing your pantyhose. Sure, it sounds weird, but it works.

Simply run your new hosiery under the faucet, place in a freezer bag and ... freeze! Freezing actually strengthens the fibers, allowing the material to last more than a couple of wears. After 24 hours, remove the pantyhose from the freezer and let it thaw naturally. With just a little bit of effort, they'll come out stronger.

Now that you know how to prolong the life of your hosiery, you can, in a way, get your damaged stockings to last, too. Instead of throwing them in the trash, donate them to a recycling program like the one No Nonsense has started. Your old pantyhose (of any color or brand) can be reused to make park benches, playground equipment, carpets, ropes and even toys. Talk about making your hosiery last for a lifetime!