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I hope this doesn't seem like an insult because it isn't: get a larger size. I don't know who comes up with the size suggestions for hosiery but I swear they are on some type of mind altering drugs. I should fit into a size Medium Tall in one brand according to height and weight charts, but I find if I take the suggested size they rip, run and wear out very fast. Going up one size gives me tights that fit well and last longer -even though I am not anywhere near 200 pounds.

PS: for hot weather I go to work bare legged and put on the hated hose once I get there. And then I take them off the second I need to go outside. I overheat easily and hose in summer equals headaches and heat stroke.

For me, its Wolford or nothing

Wash your nylon stockings by hand with a very mild liquid detergent, roll them gently in a towel to blot away excess moisture, and dry them on a rack or plastic hanger where they won't be disturbed. Be careful not to snag them with your fingernails, or against furniture. I think that those mesh "wash bags" can be too rough on nylons.

I'm sorry but I don't have enough experience with today's nylon hose brands to give you any advice.

If you buy several pairs of the same kind of pantyhose, it's possible to get a little longer life from them. If only one of the legs is torn, cut it off, saving the entire panty and a bit of the leg part. After you have two of these, you can wear both legs, and both of the panties, one over the other. This is more for everyday than for dress-up, but it works in an emergency.