Suspenders or Stay-Ups? Two Very Good Reasons to Leave Your Stockings On

There's a strip of bare skin between the top of a stocking and whatever comes next. It's about four fingers wide, and it does things to people. They'll spot it when you cross your legs at dinner, and you'll watch them lose the thread of what they're saying. Then their hand finds it under the table, and that's dinner over.

So do you love the look of straps and clips, or would you rather not spend your evening fastening yourself together? Once you separate the look from the fastening, it's an easy choice. Suspender stockings clip on. Stay-ups just stay up.

Suspenders: for the straps on show

A suspender belt sits around your waist or hips, with adjustable straps running down to your stockings. Those lines across bare skin are a big part of the appeal. A narrow belt leaves more of you showing, and it's a lot of fun having someone unclip you, one strap at a time, with their teeth if they're talented. A basque with attached suspenders gives you a longer fitted look with no separate belt.

Stay-ups: lace at your thighs, no belt needed

Stay-ups, also called hold-ups, use a fitted band, often with silicone grip inside. They're great under a dress when you don't want another waistband, and they add something to your favourite set with no extra fuss. The Kix'ies Keila Fringe Thigh Highs are semi-opaque, tasselled and very flirty. And the Lapdance Fishnet Thigh Highs are the classic. "Thigh-high" describes the length, by the way. It doesn't promise that they'll stay up by themselves, so check for a grip band.

Get a fit that stays comfortable

With suspenders, fit the belt securely before you adjust the straps. It should sit where it won't slide. Stay-ups need an even fit around your thigh. A band that digs in's too tight, and one that slides down's too loose. Length matters for both, as stockings that are too short will have you stretching the straps to breaking. Have a walk around and sit down once you're dressed, because you want to know now if something's going to give way.

How to fasten suspender clips

The common button-and-loop clip's much less fiddly once you can see what goes where.

Open the clip and place the small button behind the stocking band.

Bring the loop over the fabric-covered button.

Slide the button into the loop's narrower end, then adjust the strap.

Do the front clips first, so you can see what you're doing, then work your way around. And here's a very useful trick: put your knickers on over the straps. That makes bathroom breaks easier, and it means they can come off while everything else stays on. Which is really the entire point.

Which pair do you want?

Choose suspenders if you love the straps and the connected look. Choose stay-ups if you want the same bare thigh with none of the hardware. Browse our lingerie collection and build around what you love. And to keep it all looking great, read how to choose lingerie and wash and care for it.