There are actually 4 types of hosiery that you can wear. Still can't tell the difference between hold ups and pantyhose or garters and suspenders? We decode these confusing hosiery and suspender terms for your boudoir dressing pleasure.
From the ritual of rolling stockings on to the sensuality of the slow striptease, there is something super sexy about wearing beautiful hosiery with a set of elegant lingerie.
It may look complicated and overwhelming but there are actually so many options and short cuts to get the same effect with less effort. Still, we totally get it. It can be difficult to even search exactly what you want because there are so many terms to differentiate. And it can get even more confusing when trying to figure out the right pair that will attach (or not) to your favorite garters or suspenders.
To sort this all out once and for all, here is Avec Amour’s guide to the different types of hosiery available.
HOSIERY
Hosiery is the general term for all garments worn on the legs and/or feet from tights to socks for men, women and children. When it comes to pairing with lingerie, it is sub-categorized to stockings, pantyhose and tights. See before for more detail;
Stockings
Stockings are sheer hosiery that covers the feet up to the mid-thigh. They come in many different colors, designs and levels of opaqueness. Opaqueness can range from 20 deniers, which is quite sheer to 100 deniers which is totally opaque.
Stockings cannot stay up on your legs by themselves so you will need to pair them up with a suspender or garters (more on this later!) to hold them in place. This prevents them from sliding down your legs as you move around.
TIP: if you like the sexy look of the stockings but not the hassle of a garter or suspender belt then Hold Up Stockings are for you.
Hold up stockings
Also called hold-ups, these are stockings which have an elastic or rubber lining so that they can grip firmly to your legs and stay in place, without needing to use additional clips. (This rubber lining is similar to the clear rubber linings you see on the lining of strapless bras and some swimwear to hold them in place)
Hold ups can also be paired with garters and suspender belts if you like this look, however they can be slightly more difficult to clip on as they are thicker with the additional elastic layer.
Pantyhose
These sheer or see-through hosiery will cover your entire lower body, from the waist to the toes. They used to be worn mostly with formal wear and skirts but these days, come in many designs and styles for you to pair with your outfits and lingerie as you wish.
Tights
Tights are sometimes used interchangeably with pantyhose but in general, tights are a thicker and more opaque version of pantyhose. In colder weather, tights are a good choice for staying warm when you wear skirts.
Fancy options for hosiery
Today, there are many creative designs in hosiery, such as fishnets, rhinestone-encrusted and printed designs, all in an array of colors to choose from. Some are made in interesting materials like latex or a gloss finish and the most popular style are stockings or pantyhose with back seams. If you are curious about experimenting with ultra-seductive styles, look out for open crotch or crotchless designs which will allow for…. very efficient bedroom play.
What to wear with stockings?
While hold-ups, pantyhose and tights can stay on your legs by themself, that is not the case for stockings. Stockings need to be paired with suspenders or garters so that they will stay firmly in place - until it is time to take them off. Here is what you need to know:
Garters
Garters are elastic bands that are worn around the upper thighs. They can be fastened over stockings to keep them from slipping down your legs. Some garters also come with clips which you can fasten to your stockings for even more security.
You might know of garters from a time honored wedding tradition where the bride will wear a white lacy garter (without the stocking straps or clips), which her husband will remove for her, using his teeth!
Classic Suspenders
Also known as garter belts or suspender belts, these are worn around the waist or hips like a belt. They come with suspender straps that you can fasten your stockings to.
Pro tip: Attach your stockings to your suspenders before you wear your thong or preferred choice of underwear. This means your lingerie goes on top of the garter straps. You will appreciate this when you need… convenient access!
Innovative designs
Today, there has also been an explosion in innovative and trendy options for suspenders. For example, you can wear suspenders for the look, without needing to pair them with stockings. There are also body suspender harnesses, brief suspenders and suspenders with cuffs or harnesses. The possibilities are endless so experiment away to find the style that you feel sexy and confident in. Have fun!
Now that you know how to tell your hosiery apart, it is time to add a dash of seductive style to your boudoir wardrobe. Check out the full range of sexy and chic options available on Avec Amour now!
