Stocking

A stocking is a close-fitting, variously elastic garment covering the foot and lower part of the leg, but usually not intended to conceal the leg. The popularity of stockings increases and decreases with fashion. It was formerly made of woven cloth but now of knitted wool, silk, cotton or nylon (see hosiery). The word stock used to refer to the bottom “stump” part of the body, and by analogy the word was used to refer to the one-piece covering of the lower trunk and limbs of the 1400s—essentially tights consisting of the upper-stocks (later to be worn separately as knee breeches) and nether-stocks (later to be worn separately as stockings). (See Hose.)

Half-stockings, covering the foot and part of the calf only, are commonly called socks. This word is an adaptation of Latin soccus, a slipper or light shoe. It was the shoe worn by the actors in Roman comedy—and so was used symbolically of comedy, as buskin, the high boot, was of tragedy.

In modern usage, stocking specifically refers to the form of women’s hosiery configured as two pieces, one for each leg. The term hold-ups 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 suspender belt, and are quite distinct from tights or pantyhose (Am English). Thigh highs are often perceived as preferable to pantyhose for various reasons, such as:

  • Aesthetics — garters, lace, top fashion, applique, exposure of the thigh, complexity (though it is possible to make tights with fake stocking tops near the top of the legs)
  • Easier and quicker access to the genital area — enhances sexual spontaneity
  • Message — as more detail is involved, a perception of erotic intent is raised
  • Health and cleanliness — less sweat, more ventilation; reduction of fungal and bacterial challenge
  • Personal convenience — it is considerably easier and quicker to go to the toilet while wearing stockings

As a garment designed for and worn primarily for women, stockings and hosiery are also sometimes worn by cross-dressing transvestite men.

Stockings are typically supported in one of three ways. The most common way is to wear a garter belt (known as a suspender belt in Britain) that goes around the waist and drops extensions (known as suspenders or sussies in England) that are clipped to the tops of the stockings.

The second most common means of support is via ’stay-up’ technology, where the inside of the top of the stockings has added to it a band (typically silicone) of elastic but highly tractive material that resists slipping down the thigh. This is considerably less reliable in the sense of assuring that the stockings do not fall down, and depends a great deal on the geometry of the actual leg. Further, 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 the stocking by essentially clamping it to the leg. These are the garters typically seen at weddings. They have much the same disadvantages as ’stay-ups’.

In circumstances where the tops of the stockings are visible, some people prefer the look of suspenders. Others feel that hold-ups (aka stay-ups) have less distortion of the top band, an important aesthetic consideration if this band is lacy.

The most convenient (and presently fashionable) way to wear stockings is to wear panties over the stockings and garters. If the panties are reasonably full, this pins the garters to the body, which makes it less obvious exactly what is being worn. (This may be desirable to imbue a sense of mystery.) It also enhances convenience, as going to the bathroom or getting involved in erotic play simply involves pulling down the panties rather than going through all the steps required to detach the garters and re-attach them after the moment has passed. Some do choose to wear panties underneath instead, and it is ultimately a matter of choice.

Modern stockings come in a broad variety of colors and styles. Santa (or the family members) aren’t confused about which stocking belongs to which family member.

See Stocking Golossary