Everything You Need to Know About Tights, Stockings & Suspender Belts
What is a Suspender Belt?
Think of a suspender belt (sometimes called a garter belt) as that elegant frame that holds up your stockings. It’s got four adjustable straps, two at the front and two at the back, with clips to keep everything in place. Easy to use, and they bring that perfect vintage-inspired vibe to any outfit, especially if you’re styling the best tights for boudoir photography.
Choosing Stockings to Pair with Your Suspender Belt
You don’t need a fully matching set to make an impact. For instance, a white suspender belt pairs beautifully with white or nude stockings, creating a seamless, classy look. And there are options for every style – like those iconic back seams that add a hint of retro glam! The best tights for boudoir often include these vintage-inspired details.
Other Options
Why Choose Hold-Ups Over Suspenders?
Hold-ups are a stylish, fuss-free alternative to suspenders. Unlike traditional suspender belts, which require clips to keep stockings in place, hold-ups come with built-in silicone bands that grip your thigh securely. This design offers a smooth, seamless look and easy wear without extra accessories. Perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions, hold-ups provide comfort, style, and durability all in one.
Suspender Tights: The All-in-One Option
If you’re after ease and a bit of daring style, suspender tights combine the look of stockings and suspenders in one piece. No clips, no fuss, just slip them on and you’re ready.
Fishnet Stockings
Fishnets can be a showstopper all on their own. I love to style them with heels and nothing else – to let the pattern speak for itself. We place your hands strategically for modesty.
How Do I Choose Stockings and Tights?
Choosing the Right Tights: Shiny, Sheer, Satin, or Matt?
Your choice of tights can transform your entire look. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Shiny Tights: Ideal for a glamorous, high-gloss finish that catches the light beautifully. Opt for sheer shiny tights for a radiant glow or opaque shiny tights for a bolder gloss effect.
- Matt Tights: Perfect for a subtle, natural look. Matte tights have a smooth finish that offers an airbrushed effect, creating a “barely-there” appearance on the legs.
- Satin Tights: For those who want something in between, satin tights provide a soft shimmer. They add a hint of glow without the full gloss of shiny tights, offering a more realistic finish than matt.
- Sheer Matt Tights: A popular choice among clients for a natural, understated finish that flatters the legs. They’re versatile and pair effortlessly with almost any outfit!
Understanding Denier
Denier tells you how thick or sheer your tights will be. Lower denier (like 10–20) is lighter and see-through, perfect for delicate looks. Higher denier (40+) gives more coverage, great for cooler weather or when you want a little more opacity.
For me, the best tights for boudoir land somewhere between 6-30 denier.
Toes & Gussets: Little Details that Make a Big Difference
The choice of toe and gusset styles in tights can subtly enhance your look, especially for boudoir photography.
- Reinforced or Closed Toes: These offer extra durability, ideal for closed-toe shoes. However, they might not give the delicate, seamless look often desired for boudoir. If you want something more discreet, consider “Sandal Toe” or “Shadow Toe” options.
- Sandal Toe: This style has no reinforced seam, giving a nearly invisible look – perfect if you don’t want it to show that you’re wearing tights. There is a light seam at the toe, which can be tucked under during a photoshoot for a flawless finish.
- Shadow Toe: This option provides subtle, lightweight coverage over the toes, allowing the natural outline of your toes to show through. It’s a great choice for achieving the illusion of bare feet while still enjoying the comfort of closed-toe tights.
- Gusset: The gusset, located in the crotch area of tights, adds comfort but may interrupt a seamless look in photographs. If you’re investing in new tights, consider gusset-free options with a non-reinforced toe for an ultra-streamlined appearance.
Where to Buy the Best Tights for Boudoir?
Finding Your Fit
When you’re ready to shop, brands like What Katie Did, UK Tights, and The Tight Spot offer size guides and even height-based sizes, so finding your perfect fit is easy.
With these basics, you’ll be ready to try on different styles and discover what makes you feel fabulous. And if you need help with styling, just reach out – I’m here to help make this fun and stress-free!
If you’re looking for the best tights for boudoir, remember that fit and comfort go hand-in-hand with style. A well-fitting pair not only enhances your confidence but also adds that extra touch of elegance, making your boudoir photoshoot feel effortlessly chic. Embrace the process of finding your ideal pair, and don’t hesitate to experiment with various textures and designs to create the perfect look.
If you want to know even more about tights, I found this Blog helpful: The Ultimate Hosiery Glossary
Need More Inspiration?
My Wardrobe Guide with recommended shops from my clients and Facebook Group is below!
Learn more about the Boudoir Experience at my webpage > London Boudoir Photography
Here you’ll find more examples of my boudoir styles and prices.