Did you Know?

Pantyhose or tights

Hold ups (also called stay-ups or thigh highs)

Stockings

Knee highs

Footless tights and Leggings

Over knees

Footsies

Pantyhose
Tights that extend to the waist, forming a one-piece garment. It is particularly comfortable to wear and for this reason it is a very popular choice.
When looking at pantyhose, the sheerness or opaqueness is the first thing to decide on. This is expressed in deniers. Deniers define the transparency of the hose, therefore the look that the tights will have on the leg.

Ultra sheer: 5-15 den
Sheer: 15-20 den
Half sheer: 20-40 den
Opaque: 50 den and over

The panty (upper part) can be:

Reinforced: The panty is heavier than the leg. The reinforcing can be bikini shaped or shorts shaped
All sheer: The panty is constructed with the same yarn as the leg. The pantyhose has only a light reinforcing under the waistband and the T band. Very elegant version of pantyhose.
Seams and gusset: Sewing can be automatic or manual, with flat seams which are smooth and thin, an important sign of quality pantyhose. The gusset gives a better comfort to the pantyhose and is usually made in cotton, which is more hygienic.
A back panel with double sewing is used on bigger sizes, for better fit without tightening (generally indicated on the product description). 

Hold ups

Hold ups or thigh highs are stockings with an elastic silicone band that adheres to the leg. The band can be in lace or smooth fabric. 

Stockings
Stockings have to be worn with a garter (or suspender) belt, as they don't have a silicone band. See our easy to follow guide on how to wear stockings and garter belt.

Knee highs
Knee highs have an elastic band that keeps them under the knee. Comfortable to wear under trousers.

Leggings
Leggings are footless tights. They can be sheer or opaque. They are a great fashion accessory and come in full length or three quarter (generally called Capri).

Over knees
Over knees are long socks that stop over the knee and are ideal to wear with mini skirts and short. 

Footsies
Footsies are socks that are invisible inside the shoes. Usually made in microfiber, cotton or even lace.

How to put your tights on..                    

Getting a ladder while you are putting your new tights on can be very disappointing. We have put together some basic little steps which will help you looking after your most-loved hosiery.

Always check your hands and feet for rough skin or broken nails. Apply some moisturizing lotion on your feet and legs. Never pull your tights, but gently stretch them up over your leg.

How to wash your hosiery..

Hosiery can be washed in washing machine, using a wash bag that protects the yarns and texture. Wash with cold water or max 30°C, using neutral detergent for delicate garments.

However if you want your hosiery longer, and in particular with stockings and hold ups, we advise to hand wash it. A few tricks to do the job quickly...
Put the stockings in a basin with enough water to cover them and wash them with mild soap or shampoo. Alternatively, you can add about a table-spoon of baking soda and let the stockings soak for about an hour. When washing hold ups, do not exceed with the use of softeners, or it will damage the silicone band.
Rinse out and place all of the wet hose inside a dry thick bath towel and roll up tightly to wring out the water. Lay them flat to dry, avoiding direct sunlight and heaters.

How to store your hosiery..

To make your hosiery last longer, use this simple method. Fold your tights or stockings and protect them by using its original transparent plastic envelope or by storing it all together in a silk or satin garment bag.

 
What are Fully Fashioned stockings..

How do you wear a garter belt..

Wearing a garter belt and stockings effortlessly requires practice, but luckily it is not difficult to learn.
First of all make sure to choose the right size garter belt for your body. Too tight and it won't be comfortable, too loose and you will worry about the garter belt falling off. Most garter belt will contain elastane, and so will be slightly stretchy. Satin, silk and lace garter belts will not stretch, so make sure to get your measurements right before selecting your size. The best thing is to measure around you waist, just below the navel, as this is where the belt will sit.
Decide how many straps you want. Generally garter belts have between four and twelve straps;the more straps you have, the more supported you will feel. Six straps tend to be a popular choice for comfort and look.

Wear the garter belt on top of your panties and hook it at the back. Once fastened, the garter belt should sit comfortably just below your navel, with the straps hanging loose.
Now gently put your stockings on. Attach each clasp to the welt of your stocking, by placing the round part of the clasp under the stocking and then pressing the part with the loop over it, to lock it.
Once the clasp are all attached, adjust their lengths, lifting your legs to make sure that the back clasps will not snap.

Check our blog for videos and more tips on how to wear stockings!

What is the meaning of.. A quick Hosiery Glossary