It's hard to find an item of clothing that gives a more feminine, sexy and attractive look than a pair of stockings. It is for this reason that stockings are indispensable in a woman's wardrobe. However, most women have a complete collection of stockings of all types, styles and colors. These women know that the right stockings can transform the simplest outfit into a feminine, chic and elegant look. What does it mean to choose the right stockings? Of course, they must be of high quality, match your style and, above all, they must be the right size.
When buying stockings, size is the most important detail! Trying to put on stockings that are too small is a sure way to rip them before you even leave the house (sound familiar?), but even if you succeed, you will feel uncomfortable in them. Larger stockings than necessary will inevitably lead to the appearance of unsightly folds and wrinkles. But the great Coco Chanel said that two wrinkles on your face are better than one on your stockings.
If you ever come across a pair of stockings that claim they are “one size fits all,” they are most likely low-quality stockings.
Size
The first thing you should know about yourself when choosing any item of clothing is your size. Stocking sizes are indicated on the packaging in the upper right corner.
Sizes are designated according to a system from 1 to 6 or according to the standard European system: S (small) - small, M (middle) - medium, L (large) - large, XL (extra large) - very large.
If you are in doubt about choosing a size, see the table on the back of the package: the vertical column is height, the horizontal column is weight. Your size is indicated at the intersection of the two values.
If your legs are quite plump or very thin for your build, buy two adjacent sizes to try: stockings that are too long will rest on the most tender spots, and stockings that are too short will slide down when walking.
Options for choosing compression stockings
What to pay attention to
1. Compression class
This parameter shows the total pressure exerted on the surface of the skin. You need to choose based on the purpose of wearing compression stockings - prevention or treatment of venous disorders. In the latter case, a phlebologist will help assess the degree of pathology, who will determine the required compression class and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
The range of compression garments includes products for men and women. The former often have a sporty style. The latter can have a classic appearance or be complemented with elegant lace elastic bands. In addition, stockings are available in various colors, which will allow you to wear them with any clothing.
Fabric for compression knitwear is produced using special technology. It contains synthetics, which provides elasticity and a compression effect. The material does not heat, it is not hot in it, it stretches with difficulty. Hypoallergenicity of the product is also an important parameter. If the packaging is marked Oeko-Tex Standard 100, this means that the product meets the European environmental safety standard.
4. Texture of the material
This parameter displays the fabric density (DEN), i.e. the ratio of the length of the threads to their mass. This characteristic does not affect the compression properties of the product, so if only this parameter is indicated on the stockings without the compression class, then the product is a fake.
5. Place of purchase
There are a huge number of counterfeit compression garments on sale, so you need to purchase products only at specialized retail outlets.
How to choose a size
In order to determine the size of stockings, you need to measure the following leg parameters:
1. Circumference of the narrowest part of the lower leg (a).
2. Circumference around the widest part of the shin (b).
3. Thigh circumference 5 cm below the crotch (c).
4. Leg length (measure from the heel to the hip circumference (d)).
The measurement results must be compared with the following table, which will help you find out your size:
| Size | a | b | c | d |
| S | 18-21 | 27-30 | 42-45 | 65-68 |
| M | 22-25 | 30-34 | 46-51 | 69-72 |
| L | 26-28 | 34-38 | 52-56 | 73-75 |
| XL | 29-31 | 38-40 | 57-61 | 76-77 |
| XXL | 32-34 | 40-42 | 62-66 | 78-79 |
| XXXL | 35-37 | 42-46 | 66-69 | 80-82 |
Compound
The nylon tights and stockings were left in grandma's chest. Now the basis of hosiery is polyamide with the addition of other synthetic fibers.
Lycra in the composition gives the stockings a tight fit. Attention: the lycra content should not be more than 10%, otherwise the stockings will begin to shine, giving unnecessary volume to the legs.
Keep in mind: Depending on the manufacturer, Lycra may be called spandex or elastane. It's the same material.
Microfiber in the composition gives the effect of matte and softness.
Which compression stockings to choose
1. If compression underwear is purchased to prevent varicose veins of the legs, for sports or to reduce fatigue and heaviness in the legs, then you should choose preventive stockings with compression up to 18 mm Hg.
2. If the first manifestations of varicose veins are noticeable: small spider veins, vascular mesh, dilated veins, heaviness and pain in the legs, then it is better to purchase class 1 compression garments.
3. If the disease is in a progressive form - stars on the legs become more noticeable, swelling is present, venous blue nodes appear, which increase with prolonged walking or sitting, then class 2 compression stockings are needed.
Density
The density of stockings is expressed in den. Look for information about density on the packaging next to the word “den”: the thinnest and most transparent models have a density of 5–15 den. These stockings are good for warm weather from +15°C and will pass even the strictest dress code. These stockings go with any shoe - from basic pumps to trendy vinyl ankle boots.
Denser products - from 20 to 100 den - are more suitable for the off-season.
Length and other features
In addition to size, when purchasing a model, attention is paid to other characteristics. One of the last is length. Letters are also used for designation: S - short (short - just above the knee), M - medium (medium - average (8-10 cm above the knee) and L - long (long - to the middle of the thigh).
Another important characteristic is the density of the material used to sew the model. It is measured in “dens”. Manufacturers offer four types of “thickness”.
The first is ultra-thin. Up to 10 days Very thin, almost invisible on the skin. Suitable for summer or occasions when the leg - in accordance with the dress code - should not be exposed. The second is thin. From 10 to 40 days. Transparent, can be thinner or denser. Compared to ultra-thin ones, they are more practical.
Third - average. Density indicator – 40…70 den. The fabric is almost opaque. Suitable for cool weather as they retain heat. The fourth is dense. More than 70 denier. Often the composition contains cotton or wool. Well suited for the cold season. They heat well.
Author:
Anastasia Kukushkina
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