Hosiery in the USA

What is erotic hosiery?

These are stockings made to be seen rather than to keep you warm, and the piece that transforms a pair of legs with the least effort: they lengthen, smooth the skin and add a layer of mystery that trousers can't. Most reach the thigh and finish in a lace or silicone band, or they attach to a garter belt. If you want something that covers you from waist to toes, see tights.

Types of hosiery and when to wear each

They differ by how they stay up and by the pattern of the fabric.

• Hold-ups: a silicone band on the inside grips the thigh, no garter belt needed. They are the most practical and the best sellers.
• Garter belt stockings: plain at the top and without silicone, they clip onto the garter belt. It's the classic pin-up look.
• Attached garter belt: stockings and garter belt in one piece, almost always with lace at the top.
• Fishnet: the erotic design par excellence, in fine diamond or micro-fishnet for a more elegant look, or in large or industrial net for a bolder one.
• Back seam: the vertical line lengthens the leg and gives a retro feel.
• Full-length: they cover you from waist to toes and many have an open crotch; see tights.

Denier: what DEN means

Denier (DEN) measures the thickness of the thread and so how much skin shows through. From 5 to 15 DEN the stocking is ultra-sheer: it shows the skin and is the most delicate. 20 DEN is the ideal middle point, because it smooths without hiding. From 40 to 60 DEN it is semi-opaque, and from 80 DEN upwards, fully opaque. With fishnet, what counts is the size of the hole.

Care

Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water with a mild soap and air dry. Lace and fishnet snag easily, and the heat of a tumble dryer can damage the silicone band.

How to choose

• Hold: to wear them on their own, look for a non-slip silicone band; for a garter belt, check the product page says “for garter belt” or no silicone.
• Denier: if the product page gives the DEN, go by that; if not, see whether it says sheer, opaque or fishnet.
• Size: check whether it is one size (adjustable) or plus size, and compare with your measurements when the page gives them.
• Fabric: nylon or polyamide with some elastane or spandex stretches more and keeps its shape.
• Pattern and colour: fishnet, lace, polka dots or back seam, in a colour that goes with the lingerie you'll be wearing.

Hosiery: frequently asked questions

How do I stop stockings from slipping down?

Choose hold-ups with a wide silicone band, 5 cm or more, which grip best. Put them on with dry thigh skin and no cream, because cream makes them slide. If you wear a garter belt, adjust the straps so they hold taut without pulling too much.

Which erotic stockings flatter the legs most?

Those in 20 DEN in black or nude: they smooth the skin and lengthen the leg without being noticeable. A back seam makes the leg look longer, and hold-ups with a lace band on the thigh create the “endless legs” effect by breaking the line at just the right height.

Hold-ups or garter belt stockings?

For a first purchase, hold-ups: they are more practical, take 30 seconds to put on and work for everyday wear. Garter belt stockings look more striking, and the set of garter belt, stockings and matching briefs has more impact, though it needs more pieces.

Which sexy stockings go with a garter belt?

Those without a silicone band that end plain or with a lace trim for the clips to attach to. If you don't want to mix pieces, there are stockings with the garter belt already attached.

Will one-size stockings fit me?

Yes, if you have an average size, because the fabric stretches quite a lot. If you have wide thighs, look at the plus-size models or plus size, with a wider band, so they don't dig in or roll down.

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