Is It OK to Show Your Stocking Tops in the UK?

Is it OK to show your stocking tops in the UK?

If a little stocking top, stocking band or lace welt peeps out occasionally, is it provocative? Is it sexy? Is it slutty? Is it a fashion statement? Or is it just harmless cheeky fun?

Is flashing your stocking tops on purpose the same as accidentally letting a little of them be seen?

What about wearing your skirt above your stocking tops? Let’s discuss.

A point of language clarity for US and non-British readers: in British English when we refer to stockings, we mean either stockings that are held up with a garter (suspender) belt or hold-up stockings (what are often called thigh highs or stay-ups overseas). Many in the US incorrectly refer to ‘stockings’ as a catch-all term that includes tights. Tights cover the legs, hips, and bottom as a single garment and are often called pantyhose overseas. The term ‘nylons’ tends to be used to refer to both sheer tights and stockings depending on the writer.

The article specifically refers to UK society and social norms. But before we go into it, let’s look at other places in the world for comparison.

The US tends to be somewhat more puritanical than the UK and dressing feminine doesn’t seem to be high on most women’s agenda. So stockings are not terribly popular there.

Let’s take a look at China, South Korea or Japan. Bare legs are not really done there, so all women will be wearing nylon of some description. In big cities in China, stockings tops can sometimes be a fashion statement.

In Russia and mainland Europe, women are often more relaxed about it. This is a look you can occasionally see in Europe, this from Belgium.

In the rest of Europe, a stocking top is no more remarkable than a visible bra strap. You are more likely to see stocking tops in social settings. This shot is from Romania.

And this shot from Russia.

For guys dating in Russia or Ukraine, it’s not unusual to see stocking tops in photos on dating profiles there.

But anyway, back to the UK……

Hold-ups and stockings have been popular lingerie items in the UK for many years. While their popularity has fluctuated over time, they remain a staple in many women’s wardrobes.

One of the reasons for their popularity is that they can be seen as both practical and sexy. Hold-ups, in particular, are designed to stay in place without the need for garters or suspenders, making them more comfortable and convenient than traditional stockings for some women.

Stockings, on the other hand, require garters or suspenders to keep them in place, which can add a touch of vintage or retro glamour to an outfit. With the huge interest in retro and vintage fashion in the UK now, not to mention an increasing interest in rock and roll dancing and jiving, stockings of all types are enjoying a quiet renaissance. Showing stocking tops while dancing may be seen as a playful and flirtatious way to do it.

Overall, hold-ups and stockings continue to be popular lingerie items in the UK.

The acceptability of showing your stocking tops in public in the UK is something British women are often less sure about.

The days when all women wore stockings every day ended in the early 70s as women then mostly moved over to tights, so relatively few remember the ‘heyday’ of stockings today. Here’s an interesting comment from an American lady we found online who does remember.

I never show my tops on purpose, but it occurred to me that around 1968, visible stocking tops were a common sight and were almost as acceptable as visible bra straps are today. This was right before pantyhose took over in a big way. Hemlines had risen quite high and most of us were still “toughing it out” with gartered stockings.

It was not unusual at that time to see a girl’s shadow welt when she was standing. The whole welt was often on display when they walked, and when they sat down…well, that’s best left to the imagination.

The boys must have loved it but it was a fleeting situation. By the fall of 1968, many girls started switching to pantyhose, and by the spring of 1969, the transition was all but complete. I held out a bit longer but finally made the switch in the fall of 1969.

In formal or conservative settings, such as workplaces or religious institutions, it is generally not acceptable to show your stocking tops. However, in more social settings, such as restaurants, nightclubs or private parties, showing stocking tops may be more acceptable.

In professional settings, it is especially important to ensure that clothing is modest and not too distracting. However, in a more casual setting, such as a night out with friends, some people may feel comfortable with more revealing clothing. Ultimately, what is considered acceptable can vary depending on the context and social norms. It is important to consider the occasion and the expectations of the environment when choosing what to wear.

The lingerie site Vienne Milano says this on the subject:

Chances are your weekends are spent relaxing and having a good time with friends and family. In the presence of people you are comfortable with there are no rules. Reveal the band, or don’t – do whatever pleases you. It’s also important to know how to select appropriate thigh highs for band-flashing. We recommend steering clear of fishnet stockings (combining these with the band in sight will appear trashy). And flirting doesn’t have to involve wearing a tiny skirt: how you show off your band can be as subtle as a smouldering look.

Try pairing your thigh-high stockings with an oversized sweater or a long dress with a slit up the thigh. Now the simple act of walking, sitting, or crossing your legs can be a treat for your companion.

So, when done right, showing the band of your hosiery can be to your advantage, so don’t be shy. Seriously, let the world know what you’re in the mood for…However, there are certainly occasions when it is not appropriate to show your band, so it is important to always be mindful of your environment.

Women in the UK often tend to be a little more discreet than women in other parts of Europe. Here, women sometimes like to wear them in such a way that an attentive passerby might get a little peek as a woman gets out of the car for example.

Done properly, it can be far more classy than trashy. if you decide to show your stocking tops, it need not be done in an overtly sexual way, either. It can be more ‘blink and you will miss it’ matter-of-fact glimpses like you see above.

A little peek of stocking tops at the top of a split in a skirt occasionally, or when a skirt rides up a little when sitting is a nice accidental way to do it.

Always wear what you are comfortable with, you do not want to be one of those women who spend the evening constantly hem-tugging to avoid showing your stocking tops.

Make no mistake, men always appreciate an “accidental” glimpse, it puts a smile on our faces for the rest of the day. We still appreciate it when it’s not so accidental and it’s done for our benefit as below.

Not everyone is brave enough to adjust their suspender belt in a pub like that. But however you choose to show your stocking tops, nobody is going to object. Nobody is going to shout, “Hey love, put those stockings away”.

As long as you are in a safe environment, whether you just intend to flirt a little or are a little bit more exhibitionist, the rules of fashion are so fluid nowadays that nothing really is out of bounds anymore.

If this article resonates with you or if you enjoyed it, we want to know. Continue the conversation in the comment box below with your thoughts, opinions and own experiences.