Sizing Information

How to figure out your Size: Your weight, height and shoe size are very important when determining fit for leg fashions. 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 along with suggestions for optimum fit. You may also email us with questions at customerservice@bettys.ca.

Ultra-Sheer 100% Nylon or Polyamide 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. These hosiery items do not contain Lycra or stretch nylon, as in pantyhose so 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 their own with silicone banding.

Ultra Sheer stockings 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 sag because the garters are too long to keep tension on the longer stockings. All our foundation wear gives firm stay-in-place support.

As Cervin hosiery is knit on 3D machines in the proper leg proportion and shape, the chart below, gives accurate sizing information. We recommend going up a size if measurements are at the top of the range for stockings with less give. Please contact our customer service reps to assist with any sizing questions you may have.

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. The majority of styles come in sizes 1 through 5 with sizes 6 through 8 being offered for a number of styles in stay-ups, stockings and tights.

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 laddering, 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 number of styles in our catalogue. We suggest hosiery with Lycra for plus size figures as it is more forgiving than nylon or polyamide. Some sourcing for Plus Size hosiery can be arranged but as these items would be outside of our usual product lineup all sales are final.

Tights: are a standard fit, they all contain some Lycra so are very easy to wear and fit well. Again the higher the denier the longer they will last and keep their shape. They will also be thicker and more opaque. As most tights have a gusset (an additional piece sewn in the panty area) and are used in manufacturing of modern tights or pantyhose to add breadth at the crotch seam; these gussets are often made of breathable fabrics for hygiene when wearing pantyhose without panties. They fit comfortably and provide additional stretch in an area where rips and tears are common.