Stockings
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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

Not sure what you're looking for? Perhaps these images can help.

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 

Watch this guide 
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Hosiery And Socks
Article started by 
acidburn
last updated by 
lauren