Complete Guide to Tights and Stockings: Choice and Style

Differences between stockings and tights

First of all, it is essential to understand the difference between these two trendy clothes:

• tights are items of clothing that completely cover the legs and are worn like underwear. They can be with or without feet.

• The stockings only cover the lower leg. They usually stop mid-thigh or above the knee and leave part of the skin uncovered.

Although similar in appearance, tights and stockings therefore do not fulfill quite the same function. Let us now examine the various existing types in more detail.

Types of tights and stockings

Tights

Classic tights

Classic or opaque tights are the most common. Comfortable and practical, they impress with their versatility and their practical side.

Suspender or garter tights

More sexy, they attach to the belt with garters. Ideal for retro outfits and special occasions.

Fleece Lined Tights thicket

Designed for winter, the polar tights warm the legs thanks to their fleece interior lining. Perfect when it's cold.

Thermal tights

In warming synthetic fibers, they keep warm without irritating the skin. The alternative to fleece tights for winter.

Traditional stockings

Classic stockings stop above the knee and are secured with a suspender belt. Very elegant, they enhance the silhouette with style.

Tights and self-fastening stockings

Equipped with silicone strips inside, they adhere to the skin and do not require a suspender belt. Easy and quick to put on.

Also read: Where to buy the best Fleece Lined Tights transparent ?

Choose between tights and stockings

Selection criteria

To know if stockings or tights are best, consider:

• The length of the skirt or dress
• The desired style (casual, elegant, sexy...)
• The season (winter or summer)
• The desired comfort

Advantages of tights

• More comfortable
• Suitable for all seasons
• Keep warm in winter
• Versatile and practical
• Easy to wear

Assets of stockings

• Very sexy and sensual
• Add a touch of elegance
• Highlights the legs nicely
• Perfect for dressy and evening outfits
• Feeling of wearing something exceptional

Stockings, tights or hold-ups: When and how to wear them ?

Understanding the effect of denier on transparency

The higher the denier (unit of measurement), the more opaque the tights or stocking will be . For transparency, choose a denier of 10 to 30. Beyond 50 denier, the result is more covering.

The opacity of tights: from transparent to opaque

• Ultra transparent: ideal for creating a bare or almost
effect
• Semi-transparent: subtle fishnet effect
• Opaque: covering and comfortable for every day

How to choose the size for optimal comfort

Opt for S/M if you are less than 1m65, M/L between 1m65 and 1m75, and L/XL beyond . For more support, take a size smaller.

Also read: How to tell if tights are right side up ?

Styling and care tips

How to match tights and stockings with your outfit

• Tights chair or black: casual or classic outfits
• Coloring lively: for a pep's note
• Patterns and effects original: trendy or eccentric outfits
• Black with suspender belt: for evenings and special occasions

Maintenance and durability

Hand wash in cold water, line dry air dry, avoid tumble drying. Choose models in quality nylon or polyamide for better longevity.

Tips for wearing stockings elegantly

• Adjust the length of the suspender belt
• Match the color to the rest of the outfit
• Wear heels to enhance the silhouette
• Practiceat home before a first outing

Tips to know if a woman is wearing stockings or pantyhose

Note the elasticity on the upper thigh, the absence of seams on the side, or the transparency of the feet.

Wash your tights without damaging them

To wash tights or stockings, turn them inside out and wash them on a delicate cycle in cold water. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, and do not tumble dry. Instead, hang them to dry.

Compression stockings during pregnancy: advantages and precautions

Recommended to relieve the feeling of heavy legs. Be careful, however: seek advice from your doctor, avoid tight models and only wear them during the daytime.

Also read: Which way to wear tights ?

Conclusion

Whether to seduce or feel comfortable, traditional or self-fixing tights and stockings can meet all expectations. All that remains is to find the right balance between style, comfort and sensuality!

• Don't hesitate to vary the cuts, patterns and materials such as mesh or even prints to explore new looks. Your femininity will only be more radiant.
• For a retro style, dare to wear stockings with garters which beautifully highlight the beautiful legs.
• Pregnant, choose maternity stockings for more comfort.
• And for an ultra-soft feel directly on the skin, the flesh-colored models are perfect under mini-skirts. Made from quality polyamide or nylon, your stockings and tights will last longer.

In short, with all these assets, know how to mix lingerie and elegance to display dream legs!

Product Type	Features	Used/Used	Maintenance Tips
Tights	Comfortable, versatile, available in several opacities and styles.	All seasons, suitable for different styles and occasions.	Hand wash in cold water, line dry.
Low	Sensual, elegant, worn with a suspender belt.	Evenings, special occasions, formal outfits.	Gentle wash, air dry.
Hold-up stockings	Practical, with silicone strips for grip.	Practical for everyday use, easy to put on.	Clean the silicone bands regularly, delicate wash.
Fleece tights	Warm for winter, fleece lining.	Ideal in winter to stay warm.	Hand wash, avoid tumble drying.
Pregnancy support stockings	Comfortable, relieves the feeling of heavy legs.	Recommended during pregnancy.	Gentle wash, wear only during the day.

Also read: How to Wear Tights for a Man ?

FAQ

How to tell if a woman is wearing stockings or pantyhose ?

Note the elasticity on the upper thigh, the absence of seams on the side, or the transparency of the feet.

Why it is advisable to wear tights ?

Tights provide warmth and comfort. They smooth the silhouette, can slim the waist and camouflage imperfections. Certain models are also recommended in the event of circulatory problems.

Why my hold-up stockings don't hold ?

Several reasons can explain this:

• The silicone bands which provide adhesion are damaged or dirty: you must then change your stockings.

• The size chosen is not adapted to the body shape. Take a size smaller for more support.

• The skin was not properly cleaned before application, there remain traces of cream or fatty substances.

• The stockings slip because they are not tight enough during installation. Pull the fabric upwards when putting it on.

• The fabric lacks elasticity due to wear. Choose a newer model.

With these tips, your self-fastening stockings will stay in place perfectly all day!

When to wear hold-up stockings ?

Self-fastening stockings are suitable for many occasions:

• office outfits: for a glamorous touch under the pencil skirt or suit

• Evening outings: combined with a short or midi dress for a sexy look

• Sport or dance: support and absorption of perspiration

• Wedding: to enhance the wedding dress

• Every day: casual look, with cigarette pants or pleated skirt

Ultra-practical, they can be worn in all seasons!

How high to wear stockings ?

It depends on the style you are looking for:

• Mid-thigh: very sensual, ideal for evenings

• Knees: classic etf elegant, for work or formal wear

• Mid-calf: retro style, for pencil skirts or pin-up dresses

The shorter the stockings, the more skin they reveal and create a sexy effect. Prefer long stockings for a distinguished look. The height of traditional stockings can be adjusted using the suspender belt.

Sources

[1] "Say goodbye to classic leggings, this new take on the trend is everywhere right now", Vogue France

[2] "15 Best Tights for Women of 2022", Good Housekeeping