Abstract: The body bulge controlling portion of the panty hose has elastic yarn incorporated therein to provide a medium amount of compressive force against the body of the wearer and is positioned between portions of the panty hose having a relatively great amount of compressive force and a relatively small amount of compressive force. The compressive force against the body is thereby varied in a stepped or gradual manner so as to eliminate or minimize the abrupt outward bulging of the underlying portion of the body of the wearer. In one embodiment of the panty hose, the body bulge controlling portion is positioned between a panty girdle portion with a great amount of compressive force and the sheer legs which include very little if any compressive force. In another embodiment, the bulge controlling portion is positioned between the elastic waistband and the upper portion of the panty of the panty hose.