At present, stockings and hosiery can make a big difference in complementing your wardrobe, whether for the office, for big events, for a night out, or for any casual day with family and friends. There are a wide array of choices of hosiery stockings that will suit all your fashion and practical needs. You’ll find them in socks, in knee-highs, in thigh highs, in anklets, in tights, and even in body stockings.

With that in mind, it is imperative to know the basics when choosing stockings and hosiery.

Look elegant and sheer in hosiery. Image courtesy of Flickr

Keep hosiery essentials.

You can’t go wrong with black and nude stockings and hosiery; they are flexible to use for all occasions. Have black opaque tights to keep you warm during autumn. Keep some leggings handy to pair with your long tops and cute dresses that are too short. You’ll find dark and neutral colored socks that are handy for dress pants, too. It is advisable to have them in two pairs so that you have an extra available in the event of snags and when you’re unable to do the laundry on your hosiery stocking pieces.

Flatter your legs with hosiery.

If you have slim legs, flatter them with stockings and hosiery that have appealing designs and patterns such as animal prints, lace embellishments, shimmery ornaments, and geometric patterns. Hide any leg imperfections with the use of semi-opaque to opaque, sheer finish hosiery stockings. You can also create an illusion of longer legs with hosiery that is in the same shade as your shoes or with full-length hosiery leggings.

Know hosiery fabrics to suit your needs.

• Nylon is a synthetic but durable fabric that allows a degree of elasticity, resistance, stability as well as easy washing and drying.
• Silk allows your skin to breathe. It is perfect for warm days, and it also helps to make your legs look smoother and more sheen.
• Lycra is extremely comfortable. It is made of fibers of excellent quality that gives tights and leggings a wonderful fit and finish.

Make hosiery more exciting.

You can take your hosiery collection up a notch by including eye-popping hosiery stocking pieces in bold colors and interesting prints. Do make sure you mix and match it well with your desired outfit and accessories without compromising style.

After going through these helpful tips, you are now ready to shop for all your stockings and hosiery needs.

Some people get mixed up between the two. The difference between tights and stockings lie between their thickness and how you appropriately wear them with your chosen outfit.

Black stockings and pumps for an elegant look. Image via Flickr.

Tights and Stockings: The Difference Revealed

Tights and stockings will always be fun to wear. However, there is a difference between tights and stockings, from construction to how you ought to wear these.

Stockings reach up the thigh.  The material is made of nylon. They are lighter in weight and appear more sheer. These usually remain thigh-high because of the accessories used like a suspender belt or garter. They may also come in full length such as the panty hose. Wearing stockings make you appear more professional, polished, and dressier. They usually come in neutral colors such as black, gray, and skin tone.

Tights, on the other hand, are worn from the feet to the waist, fully covering the legs similar to a panty hose. However, the material is thicker than stockings but thinner than leggings. They are wonderful to wear during wintertime because they keep you warm. Tights are meant to be paired with other pieces of clothing and appear more casual when worn.

Ways of Wearing Tights and Stockings

Here are some suggested ways of wearing your tights and stockings to make sure everything is in the right place: 

• Use your stockings with a garter belt that comes in multiple straps to have a smooth appearance and for your stockings to stay up. Adjust accordingly so that the straps are not too tight or too lose so that when you sit, stand, bend over, or walk, it stays in place and does not show.
• It is advisable to wear your underwear last when you put on a pair of stockings so that you wouldn’t have a difficult time when you use the restroom. Having said that, you are ready to wear your eye-popping dresses, skirts, and tops.
• When wearing tights, it is good to consider the time of the year in which you’ll wear them, most especially if you’re opting for bright colors. The key is to balance the outfit. Generally, you are safe and practical with tights that come in neutrals, gray, brown, beige, and black because you can easily pair it with a colorful top. Slip them on like you’re putting some pants then match them with flats, boots, or pumps.

The difference between tights and stockings do not matter. In the end, what really matters is how you will wear them. Tights and stockings do not only provide you the warmth you need during chilly weather. They also contour your shape and amplify your style. With that in mind, confidently wear them and make a fashion statement.

More than adding ornaments to the stockings you have, you just might consider learning how to knit a stocking for a change. You are at a liberty to choose your own yarns, colors, and patterns. If your knitting skills are more advanced, you can even design your own and knit the embellishments as well.

Learn to make your own knit stockings. Image via flickr

Making your own knit stockings presents you with endless possibilities in making it to a size that stretches well and holds a capacity for all your stocking fillers. Furthermore, knowing how to knit a stocking gives you an advantage economically. It is definitely less expensive to make your personalized knit stockings.

To get started, here are the easy steps to making knit stockings:

Materials needed:

(2) 10.5 Circular or double-pointed needles

Yarn needle

Scissors

160 yards of yarn

Directions for the Stocking Leg:

1. Start with 35 stitches and Garter stitch, work flatly 3 inches.
2. Distribute uniformly on the needles.
3. Work 9 inches using Stockinette stitch.

Making the Heel:

1. Start with 16 stitches, then knit flatly 16 rows using Garter stitch.
2. Begin next row knitting. Slip, slip knit; then after knit one, turn.
3. Slip one; knit six; slip, slip knit; knit one, turn.
4. Slip one; knit seven; knit two together; knit one, turn.
5. Slip one; knit eight; slip, slip knit; knit one, turn.
6. Slip one; knit eight; knit two together.
7. On the next row, knit straight. Do eight stitches on heel flap then knit transversely on leg stitch and make eight stitches on heel sides.

To Knit the Foot:

1. On one needle, place all heel and gusset stitches, if using double-pointed.  The end of heel stitches is the latest end of round. It is advisable to put a marker for the stitch as a guide.
2. Knit crossways first of the gusset stitches to the final three stitches. Knit two together. Knit crosswise leg stitches. Knit one; slip, slip knit; then knit to end of round and at the beginning of the gusset portion.
3. On the row thereafter, knit, no decreases. Do again for two rows until you see 35 stitches left.
4. Knit 7 inches from the heel using Stockinette stitch.
5. Knit one; slip, slip knit to finish, and begin next round.
6. Repeat two rounds until you see 15 stitches are left.
7. Use yam needle to thread stitches and tightly pull, then weave ends.

You’ll come up with a 21-inch finished stocking with a cuff portion with a leg that is 10 inches in diameter.

Learning how to knit a stocking with patience and diligence will leave you fulfilled.

A lady wearing thigh high stockings. Image courtesy of Flickr

Thigh high stockings are worn from the toe to the middle of the thigh. They come with an elastic band to prevent them from sliding down the thigh and leg. Some wears them with garter straps and clips for added security and for a more feminine appeal as well. When the days are warm, it is a good idea to wear them instead of tights or a full panty hose.

Thigh high stockings do not only enhance and complement your ensemble; they also attract attention. They are easy to wear. There are also different styles available to choose from and you’ll be able to choose and select the best pairs you need. They come in a wide array of colors, sizes and prints. The sizes fit every body type as well. You may also choose special compression stockings if you have varicose veins.

So, how to wear thigh high stockings? Below are great tips to consider when choosing and wearing thigh high stockings.

Tip #1: Wear garter belt.

It is advisable to wear a garter belt with your thigh high stockings. It is best to have six straps to secure the stockings and keep it smooth as well. Just make sure it is not too tight nor too lose. You wouldn’t want the straps exposed when you move around.

Tip #2: Choose stockings with silicon bands.

To keep your stockings snug on your thigh, you can choose stockings that have silicon bands on the inner seam to hold them up and hug the leg. However, the bands might cause skin irritation and could be uncomfortable after wearing them for long hours.

Tip #3: Opt for reinforced toe stockings.

You can choose thigh high stockings with heel and toe reinforcements so they won’t easily run. They are much sturdier than your ordinary stockings, but do be extra careful when wearing them with footwear that exposes your heel or toe. This wouldn’t look attractive at all.

Tip #4: Keep an extra pair of stockings in your bag.

Always have a few pairs of stockings handy in your purse because you’ll never know when you’ll need it. It could get snagged while you’re at the office attending an important meeting with clients or at a party. In both situations, you don’t have the time to be running out to a store to purchase another pair.

Tip #5: Handle stockings with extra care.

Just like any piece of hosiery you have, handle them with care. Just like your delicates, wash them with mild soap and water, then air dry. Make sure your nails are trimmed and your hands are clean if you’re planning to wear them because they are very delicate and can run easily. Just imagine how unkempt it is to wear thigh high stockings with holes.

Making sure you have the perfect fit is the best way to learn how to wear thigh high stockings effectively. Try them on. Do not rely on the size. Rely on the fit that is best for you.

The Benefits of Stockings

Technology has given us a number of different things to enjoy – cell phones, laptops, and even stockings. The good news is that having stockings on your body can help you to look and to feel thinner than you already do. With slimming fibers and compression, you can push in those dimples and love handles, and no one needs to know it. From brands like Spanx to other common companies, you can choose a pair of stockings that slims your stomach, your thighs, your buttocks, and even your calves. That’s right, you don’t have to enjoy wearing stockings, but you can enjoy the compliments you get when you do wear them.

Choosing the Right Size and Color Stockings

When you look at the many different kinds of stockings that are available to buy, the choices can seem overwhelming. Ideally, it’s best to choose neutral stockings first before you delve into anything more fun or colorful. Choose a nice opaque black and translucent black since these stockings will go with nearly anything. If you tend to wear brown, look for nude or taupe stockings to help you showcase a clean leg, without making a fashion faux pas. You will also want to look at the sizing charts on the stockings to make sure that you’ll fit into the size. If you’re on the border between sizes, it’s best to choose the next size up so that you can breathe when you wear your pair.

Caring for Your Stockings

Once you wear your stockings, you want to take them off as quickly as possible. To prevent snags and tears, moisturize your hands first and slowly roll them off your legs. Once they’re off, then you should soak them in delicate detergent or baby shampoo to get them clean again. Rinse them out with cold water and hang them to dry. This will ensure they retain their shape and their elasticity. While you can put them in a delicate cycle in the wash, they can get tangled with other pieces of clothing, so you might not want to do that. If you must use the washer, then get a delicates bag in which you can place your stockings to keep them safe. And hang them to dry.

Stockings can make your legs look thinner, even if they’re a pain to get on and off. Definitely created by a man, stockings are a pain in the behind, but they certainly make you look stunning. Well, pain is beauty, isn’t it?