In modern usage, stocking specifically refers to the type of women’s hosiery configured as two pieces, one for each leg, with a skintight fit. The term hold-ups and thigh highs refers to stockings that stay up on their own, while the word stockings is the general term or refers to the kind of stockings that need a garter belt and are quite distinct from tights or pantyhose.

Advantages of Thigh-Highs

Especially when considered as lingerie, where the visual appeal while disrobing is as important as the visual appeal while you’re wearing stockings with clothing, thigh highs are regarded by many as preferable to pantyhose for various reasons, including aesthetics, quicker and easier access to the naughty bits, thus enhancing sexual spontaneity, they send a message of erotic intent, they are far less likely to induce sweating than panty hose and have better ventilation, they reduce the chances of fungal and bacterial infections, and it’s considerably easier to use the toilet while wearing them, as compared to panty hose.

How Stockings Are Supported

Stockings are typically supported in one of three ways. Most commonly, a a garter belt is worn A garter belt is a piece of lingerie that goes around the waist like a belt and has suspenders or ‘stays’ that clip to the tops of the stockings to hold them in place. The second most common means of support is a band (typically silicone) of elastic material that resists slipping down the thigh. This is considerably less reliable for ensuring that the stockings don’t fall down, and depends a great deal on the geometry your leg. Also, the elastic can be uncomfortably tight, leaving red marks and possibly aggravating varicose veins. The least common means of support is the circular elastic garter that is slipped up over the top of the stocking and which is intended to hold it in place by clamping it to the leg. This is what you see at weddings. They have much the same disadvantages as ‘stay-ups’.

Many people prefer the look of garter belt. They feel that stay-up stockings may tend to ‘squeeze’ the thigh, giving an undesirable sausage-like appearance.

Traditionally, panties are worn underneath garters. Lingerie is still advertised and photographed this way as featured in catalogues and on sites for lingerie by specialty companies. However, there is a new fashion trend wherein some people wear panties over the stockings and garters. If the panties are reasonably full, this pins the garters to the body, making the naughty bits more accessible for going to the bathroom and… other things.

The Advent of Pantyhose

Allen Grant, Sr. invented pantyhose In 1959. These prototype pantyhose consisted of leg coverings woven together with a panty or girdle upper section that eliminates the need for garters and garter belts. The main benefit of pantyhose is the convenience of not having to adjust them as much. They also leave a smoother line under close-fitting clothing. I

Most women find pantyhose or tights far more convenient than stockings, but there’s no denying the erotic appeal of stockings.