How to Hook Stockings

Stockings come in a variety of styles, with the most common being sheer black with a lacy top.

Stockings are a comfortable and fashionable way to cover up your legs under an outfit, or to impress in lingerie. Some stockings come with elastic tops, which cling to your legs to stay up; unfortunately, these are not usually flattering, due to the squeeze. Traditional stockings need to be hooked onto a garter belt, which can look complicated but is actually very easy.

Instructions

1. Put your underwear on, if you like to wear it under your stockings, and your garter belt. Adjust this at the back until it fits comfortably.

2. Open all of your garter hooks. Hold the clip between your fingers, so that the back of the "button" is against your thumb and the clip side is close to your finger. Slide your thumb upward, so that the button goes to the top of the clip. Move your fingers and thumb apart, and the button should fall out of the clip. If it does not, gently pull it out.

3. Put your stockings on carefully, ensuring you do not snag them against anything sharp, such as your nails---this will leave a puck mark or a ladder.

4. Start with the opposite leg to your dominant hand. For example, if you are right handed, start with the front of your left leg.

5. Place the button underneath the top of the stocking. Position the clip on top, and gently tug downward to secure the button into the clip. Repeat with the side clip, and the two clips on the other leg.

6. Stand up, and check that your stockings are straight and not twisted. If you haven't put your underwear on, put it on over the top of the stockings now.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting your underwear on over the top of your stockings can make it easier to use the facilities---if you have your underwear on underneath, you will need to carefully roll down the garter belt and stockings.

References

• Corsetiere: Stockings
• "The Stocking Book"; Victor Arwas; 2010
• "Vintage Lingerie: Historical Patterns and Techniques"; Jill Salen; 2011