医疗袜（也称为hose，尤其是在历史背景下）是近距离的，多样的弹性服装从脚到膝盖或可能的一部分或全部大腿。Stockings vary in color, design, and透明度。如今，长袜主要用于时尚和美学，通常与中长skirts。

类比，“库存”一词也用于描述一种类型horse marking其中白色从马的蹄延伸到膝盖上方。

长袜有时仍然更喜欢pantyhose出于多种原因。这些可能包括对长袜的看法以及相关的使用garters，，，，蕾丝， 高端时尚，贴花and the exposure of the thigh, are more aesthetically pleasing, or sexually attractive and alluring than pantyhose.

Both nylon stockings and pantyhose in being sheer share the advantage of being quick-drying compared to pants. Spare pairs are also easy to carry if they are ruined. If laddered they can be replaced ‘one at a time’ which provides a cost advantage over tights.

但是，长袜确实在寒冷的天气中有缺点，因为与连裤袜相比，皮肤更多的皮肤暴露于寒冷。另外，连裤袜不需要吊袜带和吊袜带，也不需要进行太多调整form-fitting clothing。