Silk Stockings: More Than a Pantyhose
By: Charlena Stadelman | Posted: 08th August 2006
Silk stockings is another type of stocking that 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 has increased year after year in favor over the naked leg look as men find it more appealing on a woman. It was formerly made of woven cloth but now of kitted wool, silk, cotton, or nylon. 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. Silk stockings also come in half-stockings, covering the foot and part of the calf only, are commonly called socks.
In modern usage, silk 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. Thigh highs are often perceived as preferable to pantyhose for various reasons such as aesthetics, easier and quicker access to the genital area, message, health and cleanliness, personal convenience. Silk stockings are typically supported in one of three ways. The most common way is to wear a garter belt that goes around the waist and drops extensions that are clipped to the top 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 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 shape 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 you typically see at weddings. The most convenient way to wear silk 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. It also enhances convenience, as going to the bathroom or getting involved in sexual play , by simply 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.
Modern silk stockings comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Some of the many styles include sandalfoot, demi-toe, knee-highs, ultra sheer and many more.
About The Author:
Charlena has over 10 years of experience in the silk apparel department for a large retailer of clothing. She enjoys helping customers with their gift selections and giving them insights on the latest trends and styles. Charlena shares views and comments on http://www.silkfacts.com which includes silk draperies as well as a buying guide.
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Tags: ups, analogy, two pieces, aesthetics, three ways, varicose veins, tights, hosiery, silk cotton