Phantom Industries' SILKS SPA PANTYHOSE

Well-dressed winter legs are Phantom Industries' current focus.

They've come up with three hosiery innovations they hope will turn the industry on its heel.

In an effort to truly compare these gam-enhancers, I wore all three over the course of a day -- not all at once.

First up were Phantom's Silks Spa Massaging Pantyhose ($12). With a woven-ridged panty that extends down the thigh much like cycling shorts, the hose are a substantial item. Hold them up and you'll remember mom's girdle drying on the line. Wiggle into them and you'll feel totally under control. No butt or upper-thigh jiggle in these babies. Nor are they hot, considering the rubbery texture.

But what about the tummy spillover at the top? And those massaging ridges shouldn't sneak down below the hem of a skirt. After a few hours, the grip was too much.

The next pair were Silks Spa Aromatherapy Lavender ($7.50), an aroma that's supposed to last up to four washings. They're offered in Silky Sheer Control Top and the hose are quite silky and sheer. But what smelled nice in the package got stronger with natural body heat -- a bit like wearing an air freshener. Next!

Silks Spa Moisturizing Pantyhose ($10), with aloe vera, seems a perfect solution for dry, flaky winter legs. Sure enough, they leave a supple film on the skin, and those moisturizing ingredients are supposed to endure three to four hand washings.

The 76% nylon/24% lycra blend gives them a smooth texture, and they became my favourites after a few hours of marching around in them.

Until I looked down and saw a very obvious run -- after just three hours!

Which brings me to the most-asked question about hose: When will they stop running?