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How to figure out your Size: it is impossible to put up a simple size chart as we offer and number of different types of stockings, Ultra Sheer non-stretch stockings, sheer stretch stockings, smooth leg stockings and Stay-put Stay-ups. Another major reason is because we have stockings from several manufacturers from several countries. To create a standard sizing system is not possible. We have included the sizing charts from the our suppliers for your convenience.

Your weight is very important when sizing stockings. Even ultra-sheer stockings will stretch longer, but are like any unstructured knitted clothing, similar to a sweater getting shorter as it is stretched wider. A good rule is to add a size for every 20 lbs. over the suggested weight. In other words, if your legs are very slim, go down a size; if your legs are heavier, go up a size. If you are unsure of your size, it would be a good idea to fill in the detailed sizing form, we will contact you after receiving your information. By filling this out we can determine if you have ordered the wrong size and email you if we feel that size will not work. You may also email us with questions at customerservice@bettys.ca.

Ultra-Sheer 100% nylon non-stretch stockings: generally agreed upon as being the most attractive looking stockings on the leg, are also the most difficult to wear and fit properly. Because they contain no Lycra or stretch nylon, as in pantyhose. they must be fitted exactly to the wearer. Keep in mind that “lace-top" does not mean stay-up. Although some ultra sheer stockings may come with lace-tops they are not the same as the "lace-top stay-put stay-up", which stays up on its own.

Ultra Sheer stockings also always require a garter belt or garters attached to some other undergarment to hold them up. It is for this reason, that you must consider the garters and the stocking as a team. If you are wearing a garter belt and it is too big, or too flimsy, it will cause your stockings to sag, even if they are properly fit. A garter belt should fit comfortably loose at the waist. As the stockings pull on the straps, it will then move down slightly on the hips where it will stop, as the average woman's hips are about 10 inches larger than the waist. For example, let's say you usually wear your stockings at mid thigh and they stay up fine with no wrinkles, but you want to wear them longer with a shorter skirt. You would then go up a size in the stockings, but you need to have shorter garters or they will bag because the garters are too long to keep tension on the longer stockings. All our foundation wear gives firm stay-in-place support.

There may be a difference in the leg shape of different brand stockings. If one brand does not seem to fit comfortably, try a different brand. We offer many ways to help you find the perfect fit and you are able to contact our customer service reps to assist you with any sizing questions you have. It may be the case that you will have to try several brands to see which one suits you best and is the most comfortable. These two size charts should help you find your size in the Ultra Sheer stockings and also some of the sheer stretch stockings which come in many sizes.

 


Stockings: are either made with a specially constructed nylon stretch yarn, or contain Lycra, a stretch yarn with memory. The sizing of these stockings does not have to be nearly as accurate as the ultra-sheers because of this stretch.  Many domestic stockings are simply marked One size, and they will fit up to 160 lbs. Some may even have a Queen size which will go from 160 to about 185 lbs. These stockings also require garters, but because they stretch so much, the type of garter (4 or 6 strap) is not as important as with the ultra sheers. Several of our higher priced European stretch stockings come in two, three, or some in four and five sizes. They typically are sized as mentioned previously in sizes 1 through 5.

The more expensive stockings contain some percentage of Lycra yarn, which gives the yarn "memory", meaning it should return to its original shape instead of stretching out and staying that way. Lycra also gives the stocking a high sheen, making it look similar to the ultra -sheers. Although these stockings do not have the problems that the ultra-sheers have, like twisting or wrinkling, they have their own problems. If the stockings are worn too big, or have not been pulled on correctly, you will see distinct color variations around the ankles where the yarn is not stretched enough, making the color denser than the knees and thighs where it is stretched more. If this happens, you may want to go down a size. We also recommend that you wear cotton gloves to give a bit longer life to your stockings avoiding runs, tearing and damage.

Stay-ups: are the easiest to fit, as there is no garter involved. The stocking can be worn as high or low as you like and the elastic and silicone top will hold them in place. If you have heavy thighs, you may have to go up a size so the top will not be too constraining, which is true with all types of stockings. You can use the size charts above for sizing recommendations.

Plus Size hosiery if you are very tall, but weigh less than 175 lbs., you can probably wear any Queen size or XL product in our regular lineup. If you are over 185 lbs., we suggest you look into our Big and Beautiful items from 1X to 6X. We suggest the stretch stockings for the plus sized figure because it is more forgiving, but we do have a few ultra-sheer styles in the plus sizes, notably the Divine Divas #VB09 and VB09BS. These come in sizes 12 or 13 with size 13 being slightly a fuller leg than size 12. These will fit up to 6'1" tall, and up to 250 lbs.
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