What are Thigh Highs?

"Thigh-High Stockings", "Thigh Socks", "Stocking Thighs", "Long Thigh Socks" or simply "Thigh Highs", and for those across the pond simply "Stockings" or sometimes "Stay Ups" and "Hold Ups", are hosiery pieces held in place by a band. The band holds the hosiery in place on the woman's upper leg without the need of garter belts.

Why are thigh highs better than pantyhose?

Unlike grandma's pantyhose, thigh highs are very comfortable, fitted, sanitary, playful, and obviously very sexy. First of all, with thigh highs, there are no uncomfortable waistbands that cut into your waistline, like you have with pantyhose or tights. In addition, thigh highs will not flatten your curves under fitted skirts, dresses, or pants. And whether you are working in the office or dancing the night away, all VienneMilano thigh highs include silicone bands that will ensure that your thigh highs stay up as long as you do (or longer!) High quality thigh highs like VienneMilano stockings give legs a flawless finish and a more shapely look. You can show the band, or you can keep it a secret. Bottom line: thigh highs provide you with a fabulous opportunity to kick your outfit up a notch, play with color and texture and reveal your sassy personality and confidence.

Why the silicone band?

Lower quality thigh highs use elastic straps to attempt to stay in place. High quality products, instead, use silicone bands. Silicone works best because it gently but firmly adheres to your skin, does not pinch or squeeze uncomfortably, and does not create that unflattering "muffin top" effect. Most importantly, silicone doesn't let go unexpectedly, thus you do not need to worry about potential wardrobe malfunctions like you would with elastics. VienneMilano hosiery features double or triple silicone bands for maximum comfort and reliability. Whether you are jet-setting around the world or working in the office, your premium Italian thigh-highs will stay in place.

Do thigh highs need a garter belt?

No, they do not. Premium thigh highs have one or more silicone bands holding the stocking in place, no matter where the day or night takes you. But if you're trying to create an alluring, intimate style, you can certainly further enhance your outfit for that special occasion by adding a garter belt to your VienneMilano stockings.

Italian hold ups

What is the "denier"?

Denier is a unit of measure of the thickness and weight of a thread. In hosiery, the higher the denier, the thicker and heavier the thread used to make the product. Low denier (20 or less) thigh highs are sheer and light, suitable for every occasion, including late spring and early fall (see ISABELLA, for example). High denier (50 or more) thigh highs are thicker and warmer (see CLAUDIA, for example). VienneMilano offers a variety of deniers for all sorts of occasions and seasons.

What are VienneMilano stockings made of?

VienneMilano thigh highs are made from the most selected and exquisite materials used in the hosiery industry. All our products are manufactured in Italy by top-quality suppliers, and we monitor the production very closely to ensure your complete satisfaction.

How are thigh highs different from nylons?

The term "nylon" came about because pantyhose used to be made with nylon. In some cases, they're still made with nylon today. VienneMilano thigh highs are from a blend of nylon and spandex. Some of our products are also made with premium microfiber for a smooth, soft feel. Our microfiber gives you a luxurious experience compared to the more coarse and potentially scratchy nylon traditionally used in pantyhose.

SIZE AND FIT

Do thigh highs have sizes? What size am I?

Most quality hosiery products have two sizes or more. One size does not fit all. Our Best Sellers come in five sizes, ranging from small to 3XLarge. Most of our styles come in two sizes, Small and Large. But do not let the word "Large" fool you: it is mostly about the length of the thigh, therefore about your height. Also, VienneMilano stockings are marked with Italian sizes, and they all run a bit smaller than you'd think. For more information on which size may suit you, see our Size & Fit Guide.

How do I put thigh highs on?

Roll up the thigh high all the way down to the toe, and then gently place your foot into the garment. Gingerly roll the thigh high up your leg, bringing it very high. Ideally, the band should end about one inch from your inseam. Be careful not to tug or pull on the product, as it might rip. Also, if you get a "muffin top", it means you have gone too high. Just lower the stockings a bit, and it will look better. Finally, make sure the band is not rolled up or crumpled. If it is, just straighten it up. Silicone can stick to itself, but it's easy to pull apart.

Put on the second stocking in the same way as the first. Stand with your legs parallel, possibly in front of a mirror. The two stockings should go equally high, and the two bands should be horizontal and level. You look so sassy now!

What should I do if the band is too tight?

If the band is too tight or you're getting that unflattering "muffin top" effect, you may be wearing your VienneMilano stockings too high. Try pulling them down a bit so that the band rests lower on your thigh. If that doesn't help, try a larger size.

What if they only go up just above my knee?

Unless you are over seven feet tall, thigh highs are meant to come up to your mid-thigh. The materials we use for our premium VienneMilano hosiery (such as Lycra) stretch to many times their length at rest so that the stockings will come up, we assure you. Try pulling them up further, but be careful when doing so: don't tug too hard, or they may rip! You may also try starting over, taking your stockings off, and then putting them on again, this time pulling a little more.

STYLE

What do I wear thigh highs with?

You can wear VienneMilano hosiery with just about anything. With nothing, too! (That will make your significant other happy.) For some ideas, visit The Ultimate Guide for Tights & Stockings also known as the VienneMilano blog and our Shop Her Style page as we provide style tips on how to accentuate your fashion-forward attitude.

Can I wear thigh highs with pants?

Of course you can! Thigh highs are your little secret, and there are unlimited ways you can customize your outfit with them, including wearing them with pants. Thigh highs underpants will keep you warmer in the winter and can make for a pleasant surprise for your significant other at the end of the day! They also will not flatten your shapely (ahem) assets, as traditional pantyhose would do.

What shoes go with thigh highs?

Generally, we recommend pairing your thigh highs with closed-toed shoes. Because of the toe seam, which may be visible in sandals and open-toed shoes, we think that closed-toed shoes will give a more elegant and stylish look to your ensemble. However, some of our VienneMilano hosiery is designed with an invisible toe, which means no toe seam is showing. You can pair these thigh highs with your favorite open-toe shoes with no fear of committing a fashion faux pas. Be sure to check out our blog post on this hot topic.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

How to Take Care of Thigh Highs?

Always be gentle when putting on or taking off your thigh highs. Removing any jewelry which can get in the way and making sure your finger and toenails are smooth (treat yourself to that mani/pedi...) will also protect your thigh high stockings from runs and holes. You can also increase the life of your hosiery by storing it properly (for example, VienneMilano's Fab Gift Box).

Learn more about how to care, wash, fold, and store your stockings in our Stockings Care Guide.

How to Wash Thigh Highs?

Cheap hosiery is a disposable, one-night-stand affair. Bad for the environment, bad for your legs. Instead, VienneMilano stockings are durable and can be washed and reused many times.

Gently wash your VienneMilano hosiery either by hand (recommended) or in the washing machine in a garment bag. If by hand, soak in mild soap or a delicate washing solution, lukewarm water, then rinse until you have removed any soap. If with the washing machine, use the delicate setting with cold water only.

After washing, lay thigh highs flat (on a towel, for example) to air dry. Do not hang your thigh highs, and whatever you do, never tumble dry, ever. Oh! They Ripped. Now What? Only true love can last forever, but VienneMilano thigh highs can last a very long time, especially if cared for properly. That said, bad luck happens, and all thigh highs may rip. When it's time, it's time: buy another pair or two!

Did we miss something you would like to learn about thigh high stockings? Get in touch! Grazie (that means thank you in Italian)!