Stockings

As traditional stockings (held up by garters) have gone the way of black and white movies, some people view them mainly as a fetish item reserved for wedding nights, Halloween parties, and the lairs of dominatrices. According to Wikipedia, however, stockings (as opposed to pantyhose) are making a gradual comeback as women begin favoring their more "open-air" structure to the stuffiness of pantyhose. They cover your legs without constricting your middle (except for the garter belt, unless you use hold-ups) and give you a little bit of classic style. They're also super sexy!

Denier Denier is a measure of sheerness of a stocking. A lower denier is more sheer; higher denier means more opaque.  Sheer stockings usually have a denier between 10 and 20; ballistic nylon has a denier of about 840. Sheer  stockings may be more appealing, but a higher denier will make a stocking stronger. This model is wearing sheer stockings.	Fishnets Fishnet  stockings have an open, diamond-shaped weave. They come in black,  nude,  and many other colors (like the red  ones above). Usually an opaque fabric. Nude fishnets are fashionable and fun, and can really add a little fun to an outfit. Fencenet  (sometimes "large fishnet") is a much larger weave -- generally worn over a contrasting color stocking.	Seams and Heels A cuban heel  (pictured, with a seam) is a particular type of reinforced heel -- very vintage. A "full fashioned " stocking, also known as a seamed  stocking, has a seam up the back -- also very vintage! A reinforced toe  or heel  are just that -- thicker yarn in high-wear areas. A sandal toe  means that the stocking is sheer all the way down.	Fun and Festive Some stockings are enhanced with bows  (above), patterns,  rhinestones,  and all kinds of other decorations. Bows may look like a strange bulge in your skirt -- use common sense before wearing these on a day-to-day basis. Subtle patterning and rhinestones may give you a hint of glamour without too much unwanted staring; it all depends on what's right for you.

Staying Power

Garter Belts  The "old-fashioned" way of holding up your stockings  is to do it with a garter. Generally work best with thigh-high stockings that are meant to be worn with a garter belt  -- stockings with elasticized tops may not work well with the garter clasp. The English call them suspenders; for example, in the Lumberjack song.	"Stay-ups"  or "Hold-ups" Modern technology has created garterless stockings.  Held up by an elasticized band with a silicone lining. Requires no additional garter belt. Sometimes have fun, lacy tops.  The band may dig into your leg, causing discomfort and leaving red marks.	Garter  AKA circular garter, wedding garter, tossing garter. The least popular of all methods of holding up stockings; this one is basically a do-it-yourself version of a stay-up. The constricting band is not that comfortable -- it basically clamps the stocking to the leg. You'll see these at weddings because they're the only kind that can easily be removed and thrown, but they're not usually used.	Faux Garter  There are some stockings available that have a waistband, built-in "garters" of fabric, and a normal stocking. Get the look without investing in the equipment. On the other hand, these tend to be more expensive than any other kind of stocking. Good for special occasions, but probably not a good choice for regular use.

Shopping Suggestions

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Patterns

Fishnets	Fencenets	Striped	Floral	Two-Tone

Thickness

Ultra-Sheer	Sheer	Opaque

Special Stitching

Reinforced Toes	Cuban Heel	Back Seam	Lace Top

Equipment

Garter Belt	Corset with Garter Belt	Garter Belt and Underwear Sets