The Best Stockings for Women
Stockings are an essential staple of every woman's wardrobe, and for good reason. Not only do they give your legs a smooth, unblemished look, but they can keep your legs warm on cold days and reduce unpleasant chafing on hot ones. Whether you're looking to cover up with a pair of opaque tights for a business formal outfit or to show off a bit more skin with some lacey thigh highs on date night, the right pair of stockings will do the trick. But while different styles serve different purposes, they still need to be designed to be durable. That's why we've done the research to select our favorite selection of stockings available today. Any of these will keep you feeling right and tight from day to night.
Dreamgirl Women’s Sheer Lace Top Thigh Highs
Style that stays up
When it comes to pantyhose and stockings, few styles are as sexy as thigh highs. But did you know that thigh highs are also more hygienic than their waistline-reaching counterparts? That’s because they help cut down on the microbial growth that can happen around the bikini area in waistline-reaching tights and pantyhose. Plus, if you’re wearing a bodycon dress, you won’t see any tight lines anywhere since these babies end on your thighs. This pair is a classic example of what thigh highs should be: functional, easy to wear, and above all, sexy. With an elegant lace top that’s reinforced with silicone to hug the thigh, your legs will look the part with or without the support of garters.
Pros:
- White or black color option
- Available in a plus size
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Silicone may loosen after several wears
Hanes Women’s Silk Reflections Panty Hose
More tones to choose from
Unless we’re dressing up for a costume party or a sexy evening in with our partners, we usually wear stockings to cover up our legs. But just because we want to keep our thighs warm and cover up any skin imperfections we have doesn’t mean we want to hide our natural skin color. That’s why natural-tone stockings like the Silk Reflections pair by Hanes come in so many different tints. Whether you’re looking to match your skin tone or to play up a bit of sheer intrigue with your outfit, you can select from 15 different shades including Barely Black, Cafe Au Lait, Gentle Brown, Quick Silver, and more. And no matter what color you choose, every pair is super sheer and silky-soft to fit your curves without being too restrictive.
Pros:
- Seamless design
- Gentle control top
- Roll-resistant waist
Cons:
- Delicate stockings get runs and rips easily
L’eggs Women’s Sheer Energy Panty Hose (3-Pack)
Energize your every day
Though most fashion stockings look good when you first put them on, the real test happens after you’ve worn them a few times. From small runs that quickly turn drastic to bunching up around curves, there’s a lot that can go wrong on a day or night when you really need things right. So if you find a pair of tights that can keep up with you, you’d better buy in bulk, and that’s exactly why we love this three-pack of L’eggs Sheer Energy pantyhose. A medium support stocking, these babies give you more elasticity and thickness than your standard pantyhose, meaning you can move around more while also getting fewer rips. The microtoning design helps your legs look fit while still being elegant enough to pair with an evening look. And the best thing is you get three of these super pairs for less than other brands.
Pros:
- Four colors to choose from
- Durable reinforced toe
- Control top shorts aren’t visible under most dresses
Cons:
- Sizes tend to run small so not for plus size wear
Hoveox Fishnet Floral Stockings (6 Pairs)
Vibrant and versatile
Ok ladies, let’s be honest: we love our legs. That’s why we feel so sexy when we get to show them off with a short skirt or dress. So why not emphasize them even more with some alluring designs? Flattering on all body types, patterned stockings like this six-pair set of fishnet florals by Hoveox are the perfect statement legging for any occasion. Pair the fun designs with a casual block color dress, let them poke out of your favorite pair of hollow jeans, or have them stand out as the statement piece of a sexy costume. However you wear them, these stylish stockings will fit you comfortably without knotting or sagging and will let your skin breathe in the process.
Pros:
- One size stretches up to 45 inches
- Won’t ride down
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Perforated design makes them easily snaggable
Mila Marutti Back Seamed Stockings
Dress like a diva
These days, women on the go tend to prefer standard waistline tights because they’re durable and can keep up with those busy schedules. But while many of us might prefer those tights for our daily grind, sometimes we want to feel a bit more classy and delicate, which is precisely where thigh-high stockings come in. And if you’re really looking to feel like an early Hollywood diva, then go all-in by donning a pair of thigh highs with a classic back seam like this elegant pair by Mila Marutti. A back seam is a great way to subtly draw attention to your legs while also making them look longer and slimmer. Choose from 14 different designs and color combinations in red, white, and black to suit your outfit and your mood.
Pros:
- Available in three sizes
- Super soft feel
- Premium look
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Bands don’t have elastic to stay on your legs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wash my stockings?
We generally recommend washing stockings by hand, especially if they’re super thin or delicate. But depending on how thick your pantyhose material is, you may be able to machine-wash your stockings on a delicate cycle. Just keep in mind that if you do so, you might want to put them in a mesh garment bag to prevent them from getting snagged by any other clothes in the washer.
Do I need to throw out my stockings if they have runs in them?
That totally depends on you. If you’re going for an alternative look, then runs in your pantyhose aren’t a big deal. On the other hand, if you’re wearing tights at work, you’ll probably want to keep them relatively rip-free. A quick trick if you’ve got a run on the go is to apply nail polish to the tear to stop it from getting bigger throughout the day.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.