What exactly makes a pair of Alain pantyhose different from a $5 pack from a pharmacy? It comes down to a trifecta of engineering, materials, and design philosophy.

While you might occasionally find Alain pantyhose in drugstores, the best selection is online. Major retailers include Amazon (look for the official Golden Lady store), specialized hosiery sites like HosieryBox.com, and European import boutiques. Be wary of counterfeits—authentic Alain hosiery always comes in a distinct oval-shaped cardboard package with the signature "Alain" script logo.

How does Alain stack up against the giants?