There is no more sexy accompaniment to a pair of high heels than a pair of stockings. Even a standard pair of black, closed toe work pumps can become positively dynamite bedroom shoes when teamed with the right hosiery.
And there are no limits or boundaries any more when it comes to heels and hose. Simple mules can be paired with hold up tights, and strappy sandals with fishnets.
See-through or transparent stockings are even a popular combination with clear heels, which were traditionally worn with bare legs.
The hosiery adds to the leg-lengthening illusion but it also has a practical impact: these so-called “stripper shoes” are much easier to slip on through their PVC straps if you’re wearing hose.
Everyday pantyhose can be regularly obtained from the local supermarket or mega-chain. But for a truly special and sexy pair of stockings, internet retailers offer a range and selection that is impossible to match.
Shopping for hosiery on the web has never been easier or better. Here are the best online stocking retailers – and our reasons why.
Please know that some of these links are affiliate links. If you purchase through a link we may get a small commission on the sale. It will not cost you any extra.
1. Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve is an American institution. The retailer has been in business over 50 years.
During that time they have sold over an incredible 125,000 pairs of these extra-durable nylon lace-top stockings.
The thigh-high stockings are trimmed in scalloped elastic lace along the tops, meaning that they will stay up even without garters.
The old sayings that there’s safety in numbers and that, if in doubt go with the crowd, make Adam and Eve a very easy recommendation for hosiery.
2. Amazon
Charmnight’s high-waisted fishnet stockings are both practical and popular on Amazon.
While garter-less “hold up” stockings have become very popular in the last two decades, the high-waist of these fishnets removes any anxiety that you might suffer a wrinkle or even a full collapse when you least need it.
This two-pack of the Charmnight fishnets from Amazon has over 35,000 reviews making it a tried and tested product. But if you’d prefer something a little different, Amazon has a vast range of women’s tights to choose from.
3. Light in the Box
It’s hard to go past sparkly fishnet stockings if you’re looking for attention.
Light in the Box are known for their online bargains, but with these sparkly rhinestone stockings they also have a product that is difficult to find elsewhere. The fishnets are very popular sellers and they look great with heels – as the picture shows.
4. Zappos
It’s easy to think of Zappos as just a shoe retailer, but they also have a very good curated range of pantyhose and stockings (and clothing and accessories while we are at it).
Wolford are the “top of the line” brand when it comes to hose, and the Wolford Satin Touch 20 Stay-Up Thigh Highs are our pick of the bunch.
The 20 in the item name refers to the density of the nylon – here 20 denier, which is slightly more towards the sheer than opaque.
Finally, the scalloped floral lace leg band has “Wolford” on it – for those lucky enough to see that high up!
5. AMI Clubwear
Our last suggestion for a great place to buy stockings and hosiery online is AMI Clubwear.
We love AMI because its founder actually invented the word “clubwear” to describe wearing sexy and “taboo” clothing in public – clothing that might be more associated with more intimate settings.
And what could be more “clubwear” than thigh-high fishnet stockings? These and many other pairs are available at AMI, together with details and more product pictures.