Do you know that stockings and hose go hand in hand in meaning and function?. Both are knitted and cover the feet way up to the legs and to bring protection. Way back in history, stockings were used principally by men. And when men's trousers became longer, the women considered to this leg covering. As the hemlines went briefer, the need for stockings increased, particularly after the Second World War. By the 1960's when skirts became shorter, the need for stockings became less. By 1990's there was a steady fall in the sales of stockings because of the bare-legged fashion.

Fabrics used for stockings are silk, nylon, spandex and microfibers. There are different types of stockings and some of these are the demi-toe, fishnet, matte, nude heel, opaque, reinforced heel and toe, sandal foot, seamless, thigh high, sheer and ultra sheer. Average colors range from white to nude to brown to black. Bold colors are generally for tights, which have high denier than stockings.

Garters or suspender belts help hold up the stockings in place. Stockings earlier did not have the elastic band knitted on the top band and suspender belts or garters were used. Nowadays, one can select from a non-elastic top to stay-ups.

Aside from functionality, stockings today are used for treatment and prevention of medical conditions for the feet and legs like edema and varicose veins. Stockings for these are called support stockings or compression stockings and they are elastic to cut down the stress of the blood vessels of the legs. They are designed to improve the wellness of the legs and feet.

Stockings are said to flatter women's legs because of the work of light. It makes the legs appear sleeker and silkier. One rule of thumb: it is only the wearer who knows that she is donning stockings. The onlookers will wonder if she is wearing one or non.

Looking to buy stockings? Find out more on Burlington Phils.