Stockings- help!

[blobby10]

I prefer to wear garter stockings rather than tights in the colder months and for years have bought multi packs of Tudor Rose stockings in Warm Mink and Nearly Black from Amazon. But they aren't available any more and i can't find anywhere that sells basic stockings - everything is either garish colours or horrible prints or 'sexy' Can anyone else recommend a source? John Lewis and M&S only do single packs of expensive ones (I can't afford £5 a pack!)

I'm a stocking wearer. I find the John Lewis singles last a lot longer than a lot of the multipacks that used to be available which were often false economy. So I would suggest given the JL ones a go.

Thanks @StarlightLady - I think we are very much in a minority these days! Will give JL a go x

OP, l’m sure we are in a minority. Brought about in part by bad quality suspender belts designed for the bedroom, the sleaze factor (yet my grandmother wore them!) and women who have never worn them saying they are not comfy.

To add. Another option can be Ebay and charity shops. l recently picked up several pairs of Aristoc Harmony stockings with seam and traditional cuban heel in an Oxfam shop for a bargain price. More for an evening out than the JL ones l wear for work though but elegant.

Starlight they are a damn sight more comfortable than tights where the crotch end halfway down your thighs - I have long legs and rarely found inexpensive tights that didn't do this which is why I use stockings. Thanks for the tips about ebay and charity shops - I frequent my local shops most weekends and it never occurred to me to look for stockings there!

Hi I’m a long term stockings wearer too. I find StockingsHQ online has biggest range cheap everyday to luxury. I agree we are in the minority now ! I usually wear opaque ones in the winter they last ages. Definitely look on eBay for cheap “vintage” M and S stockings etc

Couldn’t agree more. Most women who say they are uncomfortable have only tried Ann Summers type “ boudoir” suspenders belts! Nothing like the very wide ones I have for daily wear that also flatten tummy a bit too. I never wear tights I find them uncomfortable

For me, tights have their place in the really cold weather, but l prefer stockings in spring and autumn (bare legs in summer) generally.

Can you recommend decent suspender belts?

I use hold ups as I can't near anything tight on my waist but am very slim hipped so not a good combination

This is such an intriguing thread!

I too hate tights, and struggle with hold ups. I've only ever come across the (supposedly) sexy stockings/suspender belts, and hadn't even contemplated there would be a more robust (is that the right word? 😂) option. Would be really interested in hearing recommendations from you all... I think I want to be in your gang 😂

For anyone wishing to be in the gang, I’ve worn Fantasie suspenders for years at the ripe old age of 40 something.

Avoid anything that merely pulls on, it won’t stop in place or defy gravity. Likewise, don’t go anywhere near a belt that has single hook and eye fastening at the back. It will cut in and not sit flat.

l find the Fantasie Bronte very good for non-fussy day to day wear. I would say a medium is a god fit for 12-14. You should be able to work out the rest from there.

www.fantasie.com/row/en/lingerie/accessories/suspenders/bronte-suspender-belt/p/fl2069blk/

I wear WhatKatieDid Liz suspender these are 6 strap which give you a more secure fit.
www.whatkatiedid.com/products/suspender-belt-6-strap-black-liz

or another favourite which is a pull on but meant to be worn fairly firmly as it’s light shape wear is Rago pull on 6 strap. This may be helpful if you’re not a classic hour glass shape which I’m not anymore due to age. I’m in my 50s so am more apple shaped now than I was.
There is also the option of an open bottom girdle if you want much firmer control for an occasion etc. These were standard foundation wear in the 1950s.
@StarlightLady that Fantasie belt looks so beautiful do you wear this for everyday wear ?

Meant to also say 6 strap suspender belt is essential if you want to wear seams as it keeps them in place. I literally wear stockings every day, the Liz one by What Katie Did is very stretchy and so comfy.

You could try one of the Rago pull on ones. I would also suggest speaking to someone at What Katie Did as they will advise you which style would suit you best. Also StockingsHQ have a forum and there are a lot of very knowledgeable people on there who may suggest something ideal. Be aware that there are let’s say, people who “appreciate” stockings on there as well as people who wear them, but there is a product forum where you can just go and ask advice of other wearers.

www.stockingshq.com/stockings-c3

Oops wrong link that was just to the online shop for some reason it’s not letting me post the link to the forum if you Google StockingsHQforum you should find it

I’ve just looked on JL they don’t have any stockings, are they only in store ?

@667TheNeighbourOfTheBeast - I stocked up on JL a while back. If out of stock look for Charnos. Importantly avoid anything allegedly “one size” as with tights too, there is no such thing.

I’ve worn Fantasie belts fairly regularly for years, including for work. Comfortable and reliable. Never felt the need for anything more robust such as 6 straps etc. I’m old school practical.

I just looked at WhatKatieDid - you can see them digging into their tummies on the photos!

I agree about the one size stockings. I’m about 5ft 7 and they are never long enough there is nothing worse! I used to wear less industrial (lol )belts but as I have put on weight round the tummy, the wider belts don’t give me another roll if you know what I mean, and smooth it out a bit. I also am into vintage fashion so I love the style of the retro ones. I draw the line at pointed 50s bras though! 😀

Which styles were you looking at ? Yes the models aren’t always wearing things that are most comfortable, honestly mine doesn’t dig in as I couldn’t bear it. Some of the styles on there have boning in them and I wouldn’t recommend that if you want something comfortable for everyday wear. Mine is a very stretchy fabric and nothing digs in at waist

I looked at all of them?

I can't emphasise enough that I'm apple shaped and very short the fantasie ones seem to sit on the hips which is probably what I need.

I don’t look like those ladies on WhatKatie did either ! I’m definitely apple shaped. All or most of their models seem to have hour glass figures but don’t let that put you off.
This one I agree looks like it’s digging in at the back and it’s too tight
www.whatkatiedid.com/collections/suspender-belts/products/marilyn-cotton-suspender-belt-black
Hope you find something you like 😊 I agree the Fantasie one is very pretty definitely worth a try

Am I the only woman in the world that doesn't understand how to wear these things with knickers and how do you go for a wee? On the pics the knickers look under the belt? Serious confusion here I promise I'm not joking!

I don’t know why they do that and show knickers under belt , it’s belt under knickers lol otherwise you’ll be in a right pickle trying to have a wee 😊

@RandomMess Fantasie one is on sale now

www.fantasie.com/uk/en/ukoutlet/lingerie/accessories/suspenders/bronte-suspender-belt/p/fl2069blk/