Practical alternatives to tights

Whilst tights are often seen as the most practical form of hosiery, there are some situations where they just won’t do. Perhaps you are wearing a tight-fitting dress and you don’t want the tell-tale ‘muffin-top’, or perhaps it’s just a hot day and you don’t want to walk around for hours feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. In these and other situations, there are alternatives which can allow you to cover up your legs without some of the associated drawbacks.

Stockings will always be great, classic look. They are good for clothes that are very fitted at the waist as they don’t dig in there, and can also come in a wide range of styles to suit whatever colour or particular look you are going for. For example, they can be seamless, toe seamed or, for a sexy look, they can come with a seam down the back. They also come in many colours, from black and nude to more eye-catching colours or even printed patterns such as spots and stripes.

Because they are fixed in place with garters rather than with an elasticated waist and gusset, they also allow your skin to breathe which makes them, some would say, the more hygienic choice on a hot day. Many women who suffer from bladder infections such as cystitis also find that tights irritate the problem and so prefer to find an alternative for that reason alone.

It is also widely accepted that tights, whilst useful on many occasions, are just not a particularly sexy look when compared to stockings and suspenders, which look stunning when teamed with a flattering, fitted basque. When going for sex appeal I’m afraid it has to be stockings all the way.

If you find that you don’t have the time to fiddle about with garter belts every day then an alternative option is holdups, which offer most of the benefits of stockings but take much less time to put on. Holdups are held in place at the top of the leg by an elastic strap, so like suspenders are perfect for the summer or for avoiding an unsightly line around the waist. However, bear in mind that whilst they are certainly more convenient than stockings, if you wear them for very long periods of time they can start to chafe slightly.

Tights, stockings and holdups are all made from similar materials such as lycra or silk and come in different deniers, so it is very easy to find a form of hosiery to replace your trusty tights on occasions when they won’t suit your outfit or mood. 

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Hold Up Stockings Bring Out Your Inner Vamp

Perhaps we should all blame Lady Gaga for the latest trend in fetish wear.  PVC ankle boots, slashed dresses and hold up stockings have encouraged the rest of us to unveil our inner vamp, even the squeaky clean Katie Holmes has revealed another side to her character (for evidence check out the September issue of Spanish Vogue.)

At Louis Vuitton in Paris earlier this year models including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell  strutted the catwalk in rubber wellies, sheer dresses and hold up stockings for Marc Jacobs theme-based collection, which he explained was based on  "hookers, chambermaids, wives, mistresses and other exquisite creatures"  he has encountered during his many trips to London.

But unlike Lady Gaga and our catwalk models, you don’t have to opt for an overtly sexual look to make  hold up stockings work for you. Hold up stockings make for practical every day wear, teamed with a short dress or tunic and knee-high boots, or even ankle boots. Hold up stockings are the most versatile fashion accessory – the must have item – that complements just about anything in your wardrobe.

Sexy and sassy, hold up stockings are one of the hottest trends right now. Whether you fancy fishnets or funky, seamed or patterned, you’re sure to make heads turn when you strut your stuff in the latest styles.

Holdups are available in a variety of deniers and finishes, so there’s bound to be a version you love. If you’re looking to play down the vamp look, then there’s a great range of classic styles available to purchase online now. Chic and flattering, you’ll feel totally gorgeous whatever the occasion.

So whether you’re looking to bring out your inner vamp Lady Gaga-esque, or opting for something a little bit more subtle, hold up stockings are always in fashion. This season’s hold up stockings are designed to turn heads, just make sure you don’t hold up the traffic!

You Haven’t Tried Hold-ups Yet? You’re Missing A Trick

Holdups are the perfect alternative to stockings and tights; cool, comfortable and easy to wear every day. Fabulous, fun and stylish, holdups are great for festivals, parties and also for smarter occasions when you need to look your very best.

With so many styles to choose from, you will be able to create a new look for your outfits every time you hit the town.

There’s a style of hold-ups that’s perfect for every occasion, so what type of holdups should you go for?


Cable Knit

Cosy and snug, like an elongated sock, your cable knit holdups will look great teamed with a suede or leather-look skirt. It’ll bring out your inner rock chick!

Herringbone Holdups

Want to dress to impress? Sassy and sexy, herringbone hold ups are a perfect addition to any smart outfit. You’ll look and feel sophisticatedly sensational.

Fishnet Hold-ups

You love the sex appeal of stockings, but without the hassle, right? Then fishnet hold-ups are the perfect alternative for you. Glamorous and gorgeous in a striking cerise colour, if you’re wearing fishnets, you’re sure to turn heads.


Multi-colour Hold-ups

Available in a variety of hues such as: blue, red and yellow, multi-colour hold-ups are the height of fashion. Perfect for interchanging with every outfit, your legs will definitely be the star turn in these beauties.

Sheer Lace Top Hold-ups

The epitome of femininity, soft and sensual – guaranteed to make you feel fabulous every time you put them on.

Tulle Seamed Hold-ups

Tulle Seamed Hold-ups really do have the wow factor. Elegant, sexy and stylish, they’re just right for that first date . . . and the one after . . .and the one after that.

Tulle Lace Top Hold-ups

If you’re a fan of lace stockings, you’ll love the elegant simplicity of Tulle Lace Top Hold-ups. These are perfect for that special night out, or weekend away. Wearing these you’ll feel supremely glamorous and sophisticated. Go on, spoil yourself!

Lace and Bow Overknee

Cute and endearing, these lace and bow over-knee hold-ups are sure to appeal to your sweet nature. They may imply ‘girl-next-door’ innocence, but they also suggest an underlying more daring side . . .


Fairisle Overknee Socks

These are the ‘must have’ accompaniment to your wardrobe this autumn. Fairisle overknee socks will keep you warm and snug while out and about on cooler days. You’ll look a trendy treat too.



If you haven’t tried hold-ups yet as an alternative to stockings or tights, then maybe you’re missing out. Hold-ups are comfy, fashionable and easy to care for and with so many styles, fabrics and colours to choose from, you can create an individual look that’s just right for you, whatever you’re up to!