Ladies' stockings can be some of the sexiest lingerie you wear, but pulling off thigh high stockings over 40 requires some technique.
What exactly is thigh high hosiery?
According to the founder of stocking maker VienneMilano.com, Vienne Cheung, a thigh high is "a piece of hosiery with a silicone band sewn on the top." She said "The band holds the hosiery in place on the woman's upper leg, without the need of garter belts."
Ready to try a fabulous pair of thigh highs? Here are Vienne's suggestions for wearing them over 40:
Q. What's the best way to wear thigh high stockings if you have heavier legs?
A. First of all, with thigh highs there are no uncomfortable waistbands that cut into your waistline, like you have with pantyhose or tights. In addition, thigh highs will not flatten your curves under fitted skirts, dresses or pants. If you have heavier legs, the best way to wear thigh highs is to go with dark colors, such as black, navy blue, gray or dark brown as it it looks more flattering, yet allowing you to make a statement for yourself.
Q. What should I do if the band is too tight?
A. If the band is too tight or you're getting that unflattering "muffin top" effect, you may be wearing your stockings too high. Try pulling them down a bit, so that the band rests lower on your thigh. If that doesn't help, try a larger size.
Q. What if they only go up just above my knee?
A. Unless you are over seven feet tall, thigh highs are meant to come up to your mid thigh. The materials we use for our premium hosiery (such as Lycra) stretch to many times their length at rest, so the stockings will come up, we assure you. Try pulling them up further, but be careful when doing so: don't tug too hard, or they may rip! You may also try starting over, taking your stockings off and then putting them on again, this time pulling a little more.
Q. Is there a trick to picking a style that will stay up with or without garters?
A. High quality thigh highs have one or more silicone bands holding the stocking in place, no matter where the day or night takes you. But if you're trying to create an alluring, intimate style, you can certainly further enhance your outfit for that special occasion by adding a garter belt to your stockings.
Q. What's the best way to care for delicate hosiery like this?
A. Like any of your delicates, you always want to handle your premium Italian hosiery from Vienne Milano with extra care.
Wearing care: Always be gentle when putting on your thigh highs and when taking them off. Removing your jewelry and making sure fingernails and toenails are clipped (go get that mani/pedi, it's time!) will also protect your thigh highs from runs and holes.
Storage: Our pretty purple boxes are the result of careful design consideration, and we are totally in love with them. They are a glamorous and intelligent way to organize your thigh high collection. Fact is, storing your VienneMilano thigh highs in our purple boxes (or, if your cat ate the box, in any clean, cool, dry container) will ensure that they last longer.
Q. What fashion colors do you recommend for Valentine's Day?
A. Stockings can be a powerful aphrodisiac. Black thigh highs pair well with everything, from nightgowns ... to nothing.
Q. Any fashion tips for carrying off thigh high hosiery over 40?
A. Thigh high stockings are great for women over 40. Whether you are working in the office or dancing the night away, high quality thigh highs include silicone bands that will ensure that your thigh highs stay up as long as you do (or longer!) High quality thigh highs like VienneMilano stockings give legs a flawless finish and a more shapely look. You don't have to show the band as it can stay as your little secret. Bottom line: thigh highs provide you with a great opportunity to kick your outfit up a notch, play with color and texture and reveal your sassy personality and confidence.
Thigh highs are your little secret and there are unlimited ways you can customize your outfit with them, including wearing them with pants. Thigh highs under pants will keep you warmer in the winter, and can make for a nice surprise for your significant other at the end of the day! They also will not flatten your shapely (ahem) assets, like traditional pantyhose would do.
Generally, we recommend pairing your thigh highs with closed-toed shoes. Because of the toe seam, which may be visible in sandals and open-toed shoes, we think that closed toed shoes will give a more elegant and stylish look to your ensemble. However, some of our VienneMilano hosiery is designed with an invisible toe, which means no toe seam is showing. You can pair these thigh-highs with your favorite open-toe shoes with no fear of committing a fashion faux pas.
Shop for Vienne Milano thigh high stockings at VienneMilano.com.
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