The Best Stockings For Women
When it comes to ladies' hosiery designs, few items are as flattering as classic stockings. These thigh-high nylons contour your legs while protecting you from the elements. All the while, they're less hot and cloying than full-top tights for convenient use all year round. Whether you like the look of stockings with a garter belt or prefer an adhesive top instead, we've got a pair of sexy thigh highs on our list for you.
What to Look For
We took design, ease of use, and durability into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list to make sure you’re totally happy with your hosiery. If you’re looking for a pair of sexy stockings that will last for many wears, for example, it’s hard to go wrong with the sheer nylon thigh highs by Dorallure, which also feature silicone to help them stay up on their own. But if you want to glam up your gams in a hurry, then opt for the fishnet stockings with attached garter belt by Leg Avenue instead. Check out the rest of our favorite picks below.
Dorallure Stay-Up Nylon Stockings
All grip, no slip
Few things are sexier than seeing a bit of lace peeking out from under your dress. But that lace doesn’t always stay where it needs to. That’s why we love these nylon thigh highs by Dorallure. With a silica gel grip subtly sewn into the lace cuff, these stockings stay up without you having to pull them up. Best of all, the top of the stocking retains its tension and elasticity, even after repeated washes.
Pros:
- Available in a range of neutral tones, these stockings are as sheer as they are soft for a sultry look.
- Though they come in two different size ranges, these babies will stretch and contour over most leg shapes.
Cons:
- The stockings may have a slight odor right out of the package, but once they’ve aired out for a few hours, this will dissipate.
Mila Marutti Sheer Stockings
For vintage vixens
Garter belts and stockings may seem like a blast from the past, but they’re making a big comeback these days. If you want to channel some vintage feminine fashion, you can’t beat the look and feel of these sheer stockings by Mila Marutti. These classic thigh highs add a bit of timeless sex appeal to any outfit, and they’re available in a range of different colors to work with both casual looks and themed costumes.
Pros:
- The plain opaque top on these stockings is designed to work with any garter belt for a secure grip every time.
- Made of polyamide for a super sheer look, these thigh highs feel lightweight for a full day’s wear.
Cons:
- These stockings run small, so they’re not recommended for taller ladies.
Leg Avenue Fishnet Stockings With Garter Belt
Sexy and supportive
If you love the strappy look of garter belts and thigh highs but don’t want to go through the hassle of clipping and unclipping them every time, then attached garter thigh highs will be your best friend. These fishnet stockings by Leg Avenue look as sexy as the real thing with their varying lace designs, but they feel comfier and will save you time when getting dressed. Simply pull them on and you’ll be ready to go.
Pros:
- The attached garter belt isn’t just easy to wear — it also hides bumps and lumps when you’re wearing a form-fitting outfit on top.
- Thanks to their durable yet stretchy nylon material, these tights fit true to size in both their “one-size” and “1X” options.
Cons:
- You’ll have to hand-wash these bad boys so that they don’t lose their elasticity.
Geyoga Fishnet Stockings, 6-Pack
More for less
Though nylon stockings aren’t sold on the black market anymore as they were after World War II, a good pair of thigh highs can still set you back a pretty penny. Fortunately, though, the designers at Geyoga made a super saver set of stockings with your wallet in mind. Each pack has six unique pairs of fishnets with different patterns, including polka dots and floral ones. But no matter if you prefer the attached garter stockings or the traditional tights, you’ll be sure to be comfy at less cost.
Pros:
- Unlike other garter-attached stockings, these thigh highs are high enough to be worn without showing too much skin.
- Despite the fishnet design on these stockings, they’re made to resist tears and rips for snag-free wear every time.
Cons:
- These stockings may stretch out as you wear them, especially if you have slimmer legs.
Hanes Curves Lace Thigh High Stockings
Flirtation that fits
Thigh-high stockings are flattering on everyone, but finding them in your size if you have bigger thighs can be a challenge. Thankfully, though, Hanes’ “Curves” lace stockings are here to help. Available in a range of sizes from 1X to 4X, these stretchy stockings are made to flatter and fit every curvy women’s body type. Most importantly, you can glide the soft fabric on and off with ease without worrying about runs or tears as you do so.
Pros:
- With cool comfort-wicking technology built into the nylon, these stockings hold you in while still letting your skin breathe.
- The feminine lace detail atop the tights will help your legs stand out while also keeping the stockings in place.
Cons:
- The elastic band at the top of the stockings can start to slip off when you sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between tights, stockings, and pantyhose?
Though all three refer to different types of hosiery, there are some key differences. Firstly, stockings generally refer to nylons that run up to the knee or thigh, held up by elastic bands or a traditional garter belt. Tights and pantyhose, on the other hand, run from the foot to the waist. And between the two, tights are usually thicker, with a denier thickness of above 40.
How do I prevent getting runs in my stockings?
Stocking runs may seem like an inevitable by-product of owning tights, but there are a few things you can do to prevent the problem from getting out of hand. Firstly, when you first get your nylons, we recommend running them underwater and letting them freeze overnight in a plastic bag. While it sounds like a strange solution, this can actually strengthen the fiber of the stockings. And if you do eventually get a run, then simply spray some hairspray over the hole to keep it from getting any bigger.
About the Author
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