Article: The Serata guide to classic legwear
The Serata guide to classic legwear
Everything in a nutshell
This guide summarizes what is covered in more detail in the other articles. Useful if you want to make a quick choice or help someone else find their way.
1. Choose the type first
| Type | Stays up with | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic stockings | Garter belt | Evening, classic look, Fully Fashioned |
| Hold-ups | Silicone band | Everyday use, quick to put on |
| Tights | The panty section | Work, cold weather, versatility |
2. Determine the thickness
Denier is the weight of 9,000 meters of yarn. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn and the greater the coverage.
- 8 to 15 den: very sheer, evening
- 20 to 30 den: lightly opaque, the most versatile category
- 40 to 60 den: opaque, autumn
- 70 den and higher: warm and fully opaque
3. Take sizing seriously
Hosiery is sized by height and weight, not clothing size. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. A stocking that is stretched less is less sheer, more comfortable, and lasts longer.
The size calculator is available on every product page.
4. Pay attention to these details
- Matte or shiny. Matte during the day, shine in the evening.
- The band on hold-ups. A wider band distributes pressure better and is less likely to slip.
- The heel finish. Cuban heel is the most distinctive, point heel more subtle, and reinforced heel and toe the most practical.
- Material. One hundred percent nylon gives the classic shine but does not stretch. A blend with elastane is more forgiving.
5. Care, in brief
- Remove rings and check your nails before putting them on
- Gather and roll up the stocking, rather than pulling it upward
- Hand wash or use a laundry bag at thirty degrees
- Never use fabric softener and never tumble dry
- Store separately from hooks and zippers
What Serata chooses
Our collection is built around classic hosiery: seamed stockings, Fully Fashioned styles with Cuban heel or point heel, hold-ups, and tights from brands that have been perfecting this craft for decades. We also create under our own name the classics you rarely find anymore, such as one-hundred-percent nylon stockings with reinforced heel and toe.
Unsure about a size or which option to choose? Use the size calculator on the product page or contact us. We would rather help you decide than handle a return.
