Bodystockings: Covered Shoulder to Ankle and Still Basically Naked

A bodystocking can cover you from shoulder to ankle and still leave very little to the imagination. It's a single piece of stretchy net, clinging to everything you've got. You can see all of you through it. And it's a very strange thing to have someone run their hands over you through fishnet, feeling every little square.

Usually made of stretchy net, mesh or lace, it brings the top and legs together in one go, with no clips or straps to fight. It looks incredible, takes up almost no room in a drawer, and makes a hell of an entrance. So where do you start?

Fishnet, lace or both?

Open fishnet makes your bare skin part of the pattern, and larger gaps give a bolder look. A plain black net can be stunning, with very little else going on. A mix of dense and sheer sections draws the eye right where you want it. You don't need the most revealing one to make an entrance, as sometimes a bit of hiding's what does it.

The Lapdance Keyhole Suspender Hose Bodystocking is a daring one-piece with a built-in suspender look and a keyhole detail. For something softer, the Lapdance Mirage has an ombré effect.

Plunge, halter or high neck?

A plunge neckline puts your bust front and centre, while a high neckline makes the whole thing feel like a very indecent evening dress. Long sleeves can make a sheer piece look like a complete outfit. Most stretchy net doesn't give you the support of a bra or a bustier, so wear one underneath if you like, or enjoy it without.

The look, with fewer clips

Some bodystockings use cut-outs and woven bands to suggest separate stockings, suspenders and straps. You get all of the look and none of the fiddling. The trade-off is that the sections move together, so you can't lengthen a "stocking" on its own. Footless styles leave your feet bare and make shoes easy to change, whereas enclosed feet need a careful toenail check first.

Open crotch or full coverage?

An open-crotch bodystocking means it can stay on for everything that follows, which is a very good reason to buy one. The position and shape of the opening affect how the garment sits, and you want it where you want it. Our crotchless lingerie guide has more. And if there's no opening, a small careful snip's been known to happen. Fishnet will run, though, so it's your call.

Get the fit right, then get it on

"One size" still covers a size range, so check it. Torso length matters along with bust and hips. Net openings spread as they stretch, so the pattern looks a bit different on you than on the hanger. Ease your legs in first, gathering the fabric as you would with tights, then bring it up over your hips and shoulders. Take your rings off, and check your nails. One snag's all it takes.

Add a robe, or wear it alone

A robe gives you something easy to take off, and it means you can answer the door, if you've got a very particular plan for who's on the other side. Browse the lingerie range for your look, and read how to choose lingerie you'll love and wash it without wrecking it. Then put it on and stand in the doorway. You won't need to say anything.