How do you choose the right stocking size?
Size determines almost everything
Are your hold-ups slipping down? Is the pantyhose pulling at the crotch? Do you keep getting a run in the same spot? In most cases, it isn’t the product’s fault, but the size.
Stockings are sized differently from clothing. Your clothing size tells you little here, because a stocking has to fit the length of your leg and follow its circumference. That’s why most brands use a combination of height and weight.
How to read a size chart
A hosiery size chart is usually a grid. Your height is shown along one side and your weight along the other. Where the two intersect, you’ll find your size.
- Measure your height without shoes. Stand upright against a wall.
- Use your current weight. Not your target weight—that won’t help here.
- Exactly on the borderline? Choose the larger size. A slightly roomier stocking stretches less, making it less transparent and helping it last longer.
You’ll find the size calculator on every Serata product page. If you’re unsure between two sizes, use it. It could save you a return.
What goes wrong when the size is too small
- The fabric stretches too far. The stocking becomes more transparent than intended and the color appears lighter.
- The tension increases. A stretched thread breaks more easily, so you’ll get runs sooner.
- With pantyhose, the crotch drops. This pulls the entire pantyhose down and creates folds around the ankle.
- With hold-ups, the silicone band digs in. It should support, not pinch.
And when the size is too large
Less uncomfortable, but still noticeable. You’ll get folds around the ankle and knee, and hold-ups will have less grip because the band doesn’t fit tightly enough.
Three situations that require extra attention
Long legs
If you’re tall, leg length is more often the limiting factor than weight. If you’re at the top of the chart, go up a size, even if your weight doesn’t directly call for it.
Difference between your upper and lower leg
If you have fuller thighs in proportion to your lower leg, hold-ups with a wide silicone band are more comfortable than those with a narrow one. The pressure is distributed over a larger area.
Stockings with a suspender belt
Classic stockings are attached to the clips and don’t need to stay up on their own. The size can therefore be slightly roomier, as long as the stocking reaches above the thigh.
Practical: how to tell if the size is right
A well-fitting stocking sits smoothly, without folds at the ankle and without the color becoming visibly lighter around the thigh. The top or band should support without leaving a deep mark. You should be able to wear the stocking without constantly pulling at it throughout the day.
