The Ultimate Nylon Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Fine Stockings

Nylons are true leg flatterers: they have a slight shaping effect and make the legs look slimmer and longer. especially in combination with high heels. As chic as we nylons are, they have one major drawback, and that is their sensitivity. This is even more true the finer the fabric. Until the 1960s (in the GDR even until the fall of the Berlin Wall), it was possible to have running stitches repaired. With the help of an electric crochet hook, the stitches were picked up again and fastened so that the running stitch was no longer visible except for the anchoring. The technical term for this activity was "repassing". Today, fine nylons have unfortunately become disposable.

Fine stockings can last longer than you think with a bit of care and the right tips and tricks. Here you can find out everything you need to know about choosing the right density and size and how to handle the leg charmers from purchase to storage so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.

The Right DEN Number:

Nylons are classified according to their material thickness in the French unit of measurement denier, or DEN for short. The DEN number quantifies the weight of the yarn per 9000 meters in grams. So: the higher the number, the denser and more robust the fabric:

• There are also extremely fine stockings with less than 8 DEN, but usually, you can find in stores fine stockings from 8 to 10 DEN. Nylons in this thickness make the legs look a little more flawless and can even cause a slight cooling effect when worn. However, nylons with 10 DEN and less usually break after wearing them a maximum of three times.
• 12 to 20 DEN are perfect for the office on warm days - especially in nude shades that make legs look flawless except for moles and leg hair. Even tattoos can still be seen through, black stockings allow the skin to shimmer through up to 30 DEN.
• 40 to 50 DEN is considered semi-opaque. Nude shades are no longer recommended at this denier number, as they look quite "alike".
• From 60 DEN nylons are considered opaque. These models can also hide moles and hair. Pantyhose and stockings from 70 DEN are no longer made of nylon, but mostly of cotton.

Besides DEN number and color, you can also choose the so-called finish. Matte nylons look particularly natural and make your legs look slimmer, especially with dark colors. With shiny models, you draw attention to your legs. They emphasize your curves and erotic charisma. A middle ground between the two variants is the satin finish.

The Right Fit

The size specification for stockings refers to the length, not the width. In addition, manufacturers do not use uniform specifications. The right size can therefore only be found by trying them on. If in doubt, order one size larger. The stockings should always end just below the buttocks. The stocking fits correctly when you can pull it about 5 cm away from the skin. Stockings made of 100% nylon are hardly elastic and wrinkle easily. Fabric blends with elastane fit better. If the stocking slips when you move or curls up at the top, it means it is too tight.

The Right Way To Put Them on

Life hack: Before wearing the stockings for the first time, place them packed in the freezer overnight. This increases stability.

Make sure your hands, feet, and legs are well-groomed. Before unpacking, check hands, fingers, and nails for rough or torn areas. Fingernails that are too sharp or toenails that are badly cut can also damage the delicate material. If you want to be absolutely sure: there are even special gloves to buy for this purpose. The legs should also be smooth, ideally freshly depilated, exfoliated, and creamed. But wait until the cream is completely absorbed because this can affect, for example, the slip resistance of hold-ups.

Overstretching nylons easily creates runny stitches, so don't pull on them too hard. Some stockings have a heel built in that must face backward when you put them on. With others, it doesn't matter which way you wear them. Take the waistband over both thumbs and work your index fingers forward until you reach the tip of the toe and the stocking is completely bunched up on your thumb. Then place the tip of your foot inside and slowly and carefully pull the stocking over your leg with your hands. By the way, this "move" can also be very well included in foreplay.

The Right Way To Wear

• Wear nylons only with high-quality, well-made shoes! Protruding yarns, poorly finished (artificial) leather edges, and buckles or straps that are not underlaid are sources of danger. When crossing your legs, be careful not to catch the heel of your shoe on your socks.
• Coarse fabrics can also cause the nylons to pull threads. So it's best to wear the finest, smoothest fabrics possible with them, such as satin.
• Wooden furniture, such as beer benches, can have small splinters sticking out. Check the seat before you sit down and try to always keep your legs apart.
• In general, don't get too close to walls, hedges or similar environments even when walking around.
• If despite all your caution, you do end up with a hole or even the beginning of a running stitch in your stockings, you can quickly fix it with clear nail polish or hairspray. This will at least prevent the run from eating its way down.

Right Way to Wash Your Nylon

Manufacturers recommend washing nylons after each wear, but of course, the material is also stressed with each wash. In the case of hold-up stockings, cleaning also restores the adhesive properties. It depends on the sensitivity of the material and how much effort you want to put into washing your stockings. The more gently you wash them, the longer they will last, of course. If you want to have something from your favorite pieces for as long as possible, hand washing is always preferable.

The following applies to both methods:

• Wash laundry sorted by color.
• Do not soak nylons beforehand.
• Use a special mild detergent. (For hand washing you can use baby shampoo instead).

Machine Wash:

• Use a laundry net.
• Do not wash nylon stockings together with heavy laundry such as towels. Also, do not wash with items that contain zippers, buttons, hooks, rhinestone applications, or other hard elements. Velcro fasteners are also dangerous for nylon.
• Do not overload the machine.
• If possible, wash on the gentle cycle, "hand wash" setting, as a cold wash or at 30 degrees maximum.
• Use the lowest spin cycle or, preferably, do not spin at all.
• Nylons should never be put in the dryer!

Hand Wash:

• Use lukewarm water
• Pull nylons through the water mixed with detergent, do not rub or knead them
• Then leave in the water for 15 minutes or longer, depending on the degree of soiling
• Rinse stockings under lukewarm water
• Allow to drip off, do not wring out
• Do not use clothespins
• Best to lay it on a towel and let dry

The correct way to store Nylon

Put your stockings in pairs in individual bags or boxes made of plastic or fabric (e.g. organza) or in special lingerie bags. This is also a good way to take them with you when traveling. A drawer divider is also recommended (upcycling tip: if you still have one of those old cardboard boxes that used to hold Christmas tree baubles, you can reuse it for this). The wicker material is unsuitable for storing nylons.

By the way: In our store, you can also find fashion for patent leather and latex fetishes.