About Plus Size Garters and Stockings
Garters and stockings have been around since the days of King Arthur and plus size women should not be left out of feeling sexy in them. There are a few tricks to measuring your body to obtain the perfect fit when purchasing stockings and garters, but it is simple and you will end up feeling comfortable and looking great.
Garters
Traditional style stockings or thigh-high stockings will not stay up without a garter belt. As one of the most popular pieces of lingerie, a garter belt can be the smallest accessory, but make the biggest impact.
Garter belts are made of a variety of materials including cotton, leather and lace. They may seem a bit complicated to someone who has never worn them, but they are simply to put on and hook to various stockings for a dramatic, sexy look.
Measurements for a garter belt should be taken at the waist, directly above the belly button. Then this number should be rounded up to the next whole size. For example if your waist measurement is a 35 you will want to purchase a 38 to insure fit and comfort. Garter belts are stretchy and tight to begin with so one size up will help to insure comfort and still look amazing.
If wearing panties with a garter belt, they should be put on first. Then the garter belt goes over the panties and the stockings are put on last. There are different types of hooks at the bottom of the garter's belts, which help to hold up the stockings.
Stockings
Many of the stockings found in the United States are marked "One Size Fits Most" which means for sizes up to 160 pounds. These marked "Queensize" will fit women 160 to 190 pounds. Other stockings are marked S/M for Small to Medium size; M/L for Medium to large size, and L/XL for Large to Extra Large. Very few stocking manufacturers will use number sizes.
Most of the time, what the stockings is constructed of is more important than the sizes. Some percentage of Lycra yarn can be found in the majority of the more expensive stockings. Lycra yarn helps the stockings have a "memory" and allows the stocking to return to its original shape and therefore, they stay in place better.
Stretch stockings could be made of Lycra yarn or a specially designed nylon stretch yarn. The nylon stretch yarn is forgiving and is better than plain hosiery for staying put. Many of these styles of hose also come in a style called Hold Ups. They have a wide band at the top with a kind of rubbery, non-slip side that helps the hose stay in place on the thighs. This style does not need a garter, but can be worn with one.