Hosiery terminology is one of those subjects where everyone assumes they know what everyone else means — while quite often meaning something entirely different.
The simplest way to tell stockings, tights and hold-ups apart is not by whether they are sheer, opaque or seamed. It is by looking at where they finish and what keeps them up.
- Stockings are two separate garments which finish on the thigh and require a suspender belt.
- Tights are one garment which covers both legs and continues up to the waist.
- Hold-ups, also known as stay-ups, finish on the thigh but have silicone grips inside the welt, allowing them to stay up without suspenders.
A seam does not automatically make something a stocking: stockings, tights and hold-ups can all be made with seams.
What Are Stockings?
Stockings are worn separately on each leg and finish at the upper thigh. They do not stay up by themselves and must be attached to a suspender belt, girdle or another lingerie garment with suspender straps. All What Katie Did stockings require suspenders.
If you are new to wearing them, our guide explains how to put on stockings and attach a suspender belt — including tips on getting your seams straight and finding the right fit.
What Are Tights?
Tights cover both legs and continue upwards into a body section with a waistband. They are held in place at the waist, so no suspender belt is required.
Although tights are often associated with practical opaque hosiery, they can also be sheer, glossy, fishnet, patterned or seamed. Seamed tights provide the appearance of stockings while remaining a single garment — a useful choice when you want a vintage look without suspenders.
In the United States, sheer tights are generally called pantyhose. You can browse our complete collection of sheer, opaque and seamed tights.
What Are Hold-Ups or Stay-Ups?
Hold-ups look similar to stockings because they are also worn separately and finish on the thigh. The important difference is inside the welt: hold-ups have silicone strips which hold them against the leg, so no suspender belt is needed.
Hold-ups are also called stay-ups, and in the US are frequently described as thigh-highs. At What Katie Did, we make stockings and tights but do not currently make hold-ups.
Which Type of Hosiery Should You Choose?
Choose stockings if:
- You want the most authentic foundation for a 1940s or 1950s look.
- You enjoy wearing vintage-style lingerie and suspender belts.
- You prefer separate legwear rather than hosiery extending to the waist.
Choose tights if:
- You want the simplest all-in-one option.
- You prefer the security and coverage of a waistband.
- You want the appearance of seams without wearing a suspender belt.
Choose hold-ups if:
- You want hosiery which finishes at the thigh without wearing suspenders.
- You dislike the body section and waistband of tights.
None of these choices is inherently better. The right one depends on the outfit, the weather and which style you find most comfortable.
UK and US Hosiery Terms
- A UK suspender belt is usually called a garter belt in the US.
- UK tights are generally called pantyhose in the US, particularly when sheer.
- Hold-ups may be described as stay-ups or thigh-highs.
- Traditional stockings may be described as garter stockings to make clear that they require a belt.
Because retailers do not always use these terms consistently, the most reliable question is: what holds them up?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stockings and hold-ups the same thing?
No. Both finish on the thigh, but stockings require a suspender belt while hold-ups have silicone grips which allow them to stay up independently.
Do all stockings need a suspender belt?
True stockings do. They may alternatively be attached to a girdle, corselette or another garment with suspender straps, but they require some form of support.
Are all seamed hosiery styles stockings?
No. You can buy seamed stockings, seamed tights and seamed hold-ups. Check whether the hosiery finishes at the thigh or waist and whether it requires suspenders.
What is the best option for a vintage look?
Stockings with a well-fitting suspender belt provide the most authentic 1940s and 1950s foundation. Seamed tights offer an easier alternative when practicality or colder weather takes priority.