How to Attach and Wear Stockings

If it is your first time wearing stockings it can seem pretty difficult to know where to start. However, it doesn't take long to get used to wearing stockings and a suspender belt. 

First and foremost, wear a good suspender belt. for all day wear I recommend the deeper varieties with six metal clasps, as they hold your stockings in place more securely. However, for shorter period, say a night out, then any belt with four or more straps would be sufficient. Make sure that the belt sits on your waist and not your hips, so that it gives the best support and won't slip. Most people wear their suspender belts under their underwear, but you may have seen in photos that models wear them over the top, this is done to simply show what the belt looks like. 

When you get the stockings out of the packet, Fully Fashioned and 100% Nylons will look longer than stockings containing lycra (or other stretchy materials). Lycra stockings are designed to stretch so will look smaller. Nylons will look long, but when you put them on, your leg will take up the fabric. 

I highly recommend that you wear hosiery gloves when you are putting on your stockings, to help prevent snagging. Gather up the stocking ready to put it on, a bit like you do with a sock. Place your foot inside the stocking and gently pull it up your leg. If you are wearing seams then use your finger to feel if it is straight. If it isn't, simply roll the stocking back down and pull them up again. Don't try and straighten the seam with your fingers, you may cause a snag. It sounds trickier than it is, and it does get easier the more you wear them. Fully fashioned stockings are easier to get the seams straight, as the seam is slightly raised. 

Finish pulling the stocking to the top of your leg. Where your stocking sits is your choice, everyone has their own style. Saying that, each country also tends to have their own way of wearing stockings - for example, French and English tend to prefer a stocking top higher up the leg, but the US seem to wear them a little lower. One of the most popular ways to wear stockings is to have the welt at 3/4 of the way up the thigh. This works well with knee length skirts or dresses, long skirts or even trousers. If you wear short skirts or dresses then you will need to choose a larger stocking size so that the welt reaches further up the thigh (or try welt free stockings). In all cases your stockings should fit firmly. If not, it will mean that your stockings are too big or the suspender straps are too long. 

Finally, to attach the stocking to the suspender belt. Separate the metal clip from the rubber and slip the rubber under the welt, not the leg part of the stocking, and the metal clip on the outside of the stocking. Pull the rubber piece into place within the clasp, effectively trapping the welt of the stocking between the rubber and the metal of the clasp. Do this for each strap.

You can adjust the straps on the suspender belt so the stockings sit in the right place for you. If you are wearing a belt with metal clasps the nylons should remain in place all day long.

Once you have done this a few times, it will become second nature. I hope that helps, but you can always get in touch for help and advice. Lucy x

You can also view our stockings and suspender belts. 
The Maison Close stockings at the top of the page are available here.