Stockings Stockings are a form of leg wear that is held up by suspenders or garters. It's a tight, knitted covering made from materials such as nylon, silk, cotton, wool or other yarns.
They are called stockings because they fit over the bottom part of the body, which is known as the stock. In the past, stockings were worn in two sections. The upper stock section went from the knee upwards, and the nether stock section covered the other half. Later, stockings became a one piece form of leg ware instead as fashion changed.
Stockings are also called hose or tights. They are usually worn by women, but in the past have been worn by men. Stockings come in many different colors and transparencies. They are sometimes combined with panties and made into a combo called pantyhose, which were created in the 1950s.
Stockings are usually kept up with a garter belt or separate garters. The belt has suspenders on it that the stockings are attached to so they don't fall down. Another method of wear is when the top of the stocking ends in a sort of elastic silicone band that keeps it from falling down. This method isn't always very good, as women with large legs may find them too snug and they can mess up their blood circulation, while thinner legged women discover that they tend to fall down and won't stay up.
And then there are regular garters. These are similar to the elastic silicone band but instead of being sewn into the stockings, they are worn separately and the stockings are attached to them with suspenders. They have some of the same problems as the elastic band style of stockings in either falling down or cutting off a woman's circulation in their legs.
Women usually put on stockings to help make their legs look smoother and sexier. They can also help reduce fungus or bacteria and keep the legs clean. A form of compression stocking can be used to assist with circulation and is often worn by diabetics.
Prior to the 1590s, stockings were made of woven material and used fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, and silk. In the 1920s when ladies hemlines rose, sheer stockings came out made of silk and rayon. In 1940, nylon stockings were added to the mix.
Stockings are seen as a perfect way to complete a sexy outfit and can be found in many different colours, patterns, and styles.
Technology and fashion changes over the years have seen many different kinds of stocking including fishnet, tummy control, maternity, and peep toe varieties.
