Sexy Leg Wear Taking Off

Considering that it was just 2007 when tights outsold stockings by a 40 per cent margin, the trend is reversing quickly!

The Daily Mail has pictures of three celebrities - Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lily Allen - all decked out in stockings and garters. Apparently, sales of the 1950’s staples have skyrocketed in just the last few weeks after both Dita Von Teese and Katy Perry were photographed in outfits featuring stockings and suspenders showing.

Of course, Von Teese now has her own burlesque-inspired collection in partnership with Wonderbra. Photographs of Von Teese wearing her fall collection show her in black stockings, suspenders and lace bra. (Of course, with Von Teese’s incredibly pale skin, the black ensemble is quite a striking contrast.)

The move from tights to stockings is a move from practical to sexual. From stockings with seams to fishnets and hold ups, stockings are all about confidence. Tights may hide but stockings accentuate and reveal - albeit selectively.

Many of the new garter belts and suspenders are experimenting with new fabrics and finishes. Suspenders can be seen in materials like rubber - deliberately made to provoke. In fact, showing the suspenders at the top of the stockings seems to be part of the effect.

Retailers are benefiting. Online vendor Figleaves says they’ve had a 35 per cent increase in year-on-year stocking sales, including “thigh highs” or “hold ups”. Agent Provocateur has had an almost 15 per cent rise in stocking sales.

You aren’t limited to a garter belt in order to wear stockings and suspenders. According to Denise Fraser, a lingerie buyer for Figleaves, “Ladies’ briefs with built-in, detachable suspender belts are proving particularly popular.” This says that women like a bit of classic glamour and sexuality - but still like practical features!

Stockings were a definite symbol of Hollywood-style glamour throughout the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s - although you never would have seen the suspenders (unless the wearer wanted you to). Whatever the reasons, the attraction of this look is back, seducing a whole new generation of men.

Source: Mail Online