Hidden Assets: Stockings, Holdups, Tights and Lingerie

Sizing hosiery is notoriously difficult.

Sizes change from one manufacturer to another, and sometimes from one product to another from the same manufacturer.

So wherever possible, sizing charts are included with individual products on our site.  Where a size chart isn't available then we give as much sizing information as possible in the description of the product.

If you aren't sure what size you need, then check against each of the measurements included in the size chart to get the best match for height, weight, hips size, shoe size, depending on what is included in that particular chart.

We want you to be able to find the perfect product for you - so if you still aren't sure having consulted the size charts then please email hidden-assets@vailaspiration.com and we'll do our best to advise you.

Nylons are shaped to fit the contours of the leg which makes them extremely flattering.  But they have little to no stretch in them - which is why they look so long compared to their lycra blend counterparts when you take them out of the packaging.

It's important to take all measurements into account with nylons, as they will not stretch further up your leg if they're too small.  Often the sizing for nylons is numbered - and in general this number will be bigger than your shoe size by around two sizes. 

As you pull up nylons, the length gives way to volume as your leg fills them out.  If you have a very slim leg, then you should consider going down a size, because your leg might not fill out the stocking. 

If you have a wider leg, then you should consider going up a size, because the nylon might not stretch high enough up the thigh for a comfortable fit.  It's unlikely that you would need to go up two sizes - this would probably give you a wrinkled around the ankle look, which is best avoided!

Lycra blends offer a little more 'flexibility'.  They look shorter coming out of the packaging than a nylon does because they are not shaped to the leg contours and are made to stretch over the length of the leg.

But once again - remember that even though they have a lot more stretch than nylon, length will give way to volume when you are putting them on, so ensure that you have a size big enough to stretch over your leg.  And if your legs are very slender consider a smaller size.