Hosiery Glossary A-Z
Your complete reference guide to hosiery terminology. From basic terms to technical specifications, find definitions for everything related to nylons, stockings, and legwear.
A
Ankle Highs
Short hosiery that covers only the foot and ankle
Anti-Embolism Stockings
Medical compression hosiery for circulation
B
Back Seam
Vertical line running up the back of stockings
Bikini Brief
Low-cut pantyhose waistband style
Body Shaper
Control-top hosiery with shaping panels
C
Compression Stockings
Graduated pressure hosiery for leg health
Control Top
Pantyhose with built-in tummy control
Cotton Gusset
Breathable cotton panel in pantyhose
Cuban Heel
Rectangular reinforced heel design
D
Denier
Unit measuring hosiery thickness and opacity
Dance Tights
Durable tights designed for performers
E
F
Fashion Tights
Decorative tights with patterns or textures
Fishnet
Open-weave diamond pattern hosiery
Fully Fashioned
Traditional flat-knit construction method
French Heel
Elegant curved heel reinforcement style
G
Garter Belt
Waist garment with clips to hold stockings
Garter Stockings
Stockings designed to wear with garter belts
Gauge
Needle count measuring knit fineness
H
K
L
Lace Top
Decorative lace band at stocking top
Ladder
Vertical run in knitted hosiery
Lycra
DuPont brand name for elastane fiber
M
N
O
P
R
Reinforced Toe
Extra-durable toe construction
RHT
Reinforced Heel and Toe abbreviation
Run Resistant
Hosiery designed to prevent laddering
S
Sandal Toe
Sheer toe for open-toe shoes
Seamed Stockings
Stockings with visible back seam
Sheer
Semi-transparent thin hosiery
Silk Stockings
Luxury hosiery made from silk fiber
Spandex
Elastic synthetic fiber for stretch
Stay-Ups
Self-supporting stockings (UK term)
Stockings
Individual leg hosiery ending at thigh
Suspender Belt
British term for garter belt
T
Thigh Highs
Stockings reaching mid-thigh
Tights
Opaque one-piece legwear (UK: pantyhose)
Toe Reinforcement
Extra-strong toe area construction