If you've ever worn old-fashioned stockings and garters, you know why our mothers thought pantyhose were such a vast improvement.

But you're a plus sized, modern women on the go, with ample thighs and little time for nylon or the chafing that it causes. That doesn't mean plus size divas like you can't wear cute dresses or skirts. It just means full figured women need to find a way to live without pantyhose. Here are seven tips to help you do just that.

1. Ditch the Nylons.

You never liked wearing them anyway. They were tight, sweaty, and painful. Even on the off chance that you found a truly plus sized pair that didn't bond to your skin like sausage casing, they'd only bag around your ankles by the end of the night. Thankfully, pantyhose are going out of style and there are a whole host of options on how to go without.

2. Buy a pair of thin bike shorts. Bike shorts can be a plus size gal's best friend. The cloth should ideally be a knit jersey or a mix of spandex, lycra and cotton. The key is for them to be thin, and to mold to your thighs without riding up or showing up under your clothes. Throw on these shorts under a skirt, and your thighs will stay dry, cool, and comfortable all day. Danskin carries the best plus sized clothing when it comes to activewear and their bike shorts are no exception. But in a pinch, a cheap pair from Roamans or the Lane Bryant Catalog will do.

3. Remove the hair and go bare. Shaving your legs on a daily, or even weekly, basis, can be a pain. And when you're a plus sized woman, there's more leg to shave. One trick is to do one leg at a time. Before or after your shower, shave only one leg. The next day, do the other leg. It makes the task less irritating, and makes you more likely to include it in your daily routine.

But if you can't stand shaving, and chemical removers are not for you, consider investing in an epilator. I won't lie to you"the first time you epilate your legs, you'll need an aspirin. But the hair won't grow back for weeks, sometimes months, and every time you epilate thereafter will be a piece of cake.

4. Moisturize. One benefit of pantyhose is that they give your full figured legs a smooth appearance and hide dry spots. Keep your legs moisturized and you won't need pantyhose to hide the flaws. If you make moisturizing your legs part of your morning or bed-time ritual, you'll see noticeable improvement on your skin's tone and texture.

Several companies now market shave minimizing moisturizing lotions which not only smooth your legs, but keep you from having to shave as often. Check out Aveeno's Positively Smooth Moisturizing Lotion or Jergen's Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer.

5. Tanning Lotion. Getting a tan the natural way is far too dangerous these days, and unless you live in Florida, kind of hard to fit into a busy schedule. But due to several innovations by cosmetic companies, you can get the sun-kissed look without going to the beach. There are a number of lotions being sold now that allow you to build up a slow tan on your legs, obviating the need for pantyhose altogether. However, even the best of these tend to build up pigment on your skin which can rub off, especially at the ankles, at the end of a long day.

6. Spray on Pantyhose. If tanning lotions aren't for you, spraying on your pantyhose when you need them may be the option for you. Alright, so these products don't literally spray pantyhose onto your legs, but they do mimic them very well, with a silky-smooth pigment that stays on your legs all day long until you wash it off. Consider it foundation makeup for your legs. Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs is one of the best products of this type on the market and holds up under pretty extreme conditions, including rain.

7. Wear Sandals. One of the reasons women feel that they can't wear skirts is because they feel that they can't wear dressy shoes without pantyhose. Too many of them have tried, finding themselves with sore and sticky feet by the end of the night.

Well, I can't promise that you'll find a shoe for every occasion that can be worn without nylons, but sandals are a versatile option. Sandals are meant to be worn without pantyhose, and a dressy enough sandal will suffice for most of your dressy skirts.

Moreover, Shoemakers like Aerosols are wising up these days, and lining their shoes with suede or other absorbent fabrics that cushion your feet, prevent sliding, and minimize perspiration. White Mountain Shoes are also moving that direction, even if their collection is more casual.

So, yes, Ladies, ditch those pantyhose. If you follow these tips, you too can comfortably wear skirts and look fabulous, no matter what size you are.