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Hold-ups
Hold-ups
from Wikipedia

Woman wearing Hold-ups

Hold-ups or stay-ups (in the United States also referred to as thigh-high stockings or simply thigh highs)[1] are a form of stockings with an elasticised band at the top. They are designed to hold themselves up on the thigh when worn, without the use of a suspender or garter belt.[2]

Typically made of nylon or elastane; the top of the stocking is lined with a silicone or rubberised strip and may be covered by lace or decorative fabric. Some manufacturers refer to this style as garter stockings.[2] First popularised in the mid-20th century, hold-ups are now widely used in fashion, performance, and entertainment contexts.

Fashion

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Hold-up stockings gained popularity in Europe and North America from the 1960s onwards, marketed as a modern alternative to traditional gartered stockings.[3] Unlike tights or full-length pantyhose, hold-ups leave the groin area uncovered, which some wearers find more comfortable, especially in warm weather.

In fashion, hold-ups are often positioned as luxury items, commonly sold as part of lingerie sets or for formal wear under dresses. Lace-trimmed versions are popular for bridal, evening, or boudoir settings. Their dual role, both practical and decorative, has contributed to their continued commercial success.[3]

Hold-ups have also seen periodic revivals in retro or vintage-inspired fashion, associated with 1950s and 1960s styling. In mainstream advertising and consumer culture, they may be used to signify elegance, femininity, or sophistication.

Medical use and hygiene

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While hold-ups are primarily marketed for fashion, they are occasionally favoured in clinical or post-operative contexts where less restrictive garments are required. Their open design may assist with air circulation, which some clinicians consider beneficial following gynaecological procedures.[4]

In hospital settings, compression variants of hold-ups are used to prevent blood clots in patients with limited mobility, although these differ in design and function from fashion styles. Some wearers claim that hold-ups are more hygienic than tights due to improved ventilation, although peer-reviewed studies are limited.

Matched lingerie with Hold-ups

Erotica and media

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They have long held a place in erotica, glamour photography, and adult entertainment, used to accentuate the leg or suggest sexual availability with a combination of partial coverage and exposed skin.[5]

In adult films, burlesque performances, and glamour photography, hold-ups are commonly worn as part of lingerie outfits. Their ability to be quickly removed or adjusted makes them popular in performative or staged contexts. The presence of hold-ups in visual media often reflects broader cultural narratives around femininity, glamour, and sexual agency. In some feminist and body-positive discourses, they are reinterpreted as symbols of confidence and control rather than mere sexual display.[5]

While often considered fetish wear when styled provocatively, hold-ups also appear in more mainstream fashion shoots and film costumes, especially when referencing retro aesthetics or pin-up imagery.

History

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  • In 1967, the British brand Pretty Polly marketed its hold-ups model.[6]
  • The following year, Le Bourget introduced its first Top model with an adjustable garter.[7]
  • In France, the market for self-supporting stockings expanded with the launch of Dim's Dim Up in 1986.[2][8]

See also

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Bibliography

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  • Jean Feixas, Le bas, Paris, Jean-Claude Gawsewitch Éditeur, October 2012, 240 pp. ISBN 978-2-35013-361-4.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hold-ups, also known as stay-ups or thigh-highs, are a style of women's consisting of that cover the foot and leg up to the upper thigh, designed to remain securely in place without the need for belts or through the use of a wide elasticated band or grip lining the inner top edge. These garments typically feature a sheer or semi-opaque finish, often with decorative or scalloped edging at the top for aesthetic appeal, and are available in various deniers ranging from ultra-sheer (5-15 denier) to more opaque options (40+ denier). The self-supporting mechanism relies on the band's adhesion to the skin, providing a seamless look under skirts or dresses while offering comfort and ease compared to traditional suspender-held . Originally designed for women, hold-ups have gained popularity in unisex contexts in recent years. They originated in the as an evolution of earlier forms, with the term "hold-ups" first introduced in 1967 by the British brand Pretty Polly to describe their innovative self-supporting equipped with an elasticated top band. Prior to this, —dating back to the in knitted or —required external support like garters or ribbons to prevent slipping, a necessity that persisted through the boom of the . In the 1970s, the incorporation of elastane improved the stretch and fit of , while adhesives in the late enhanced the grip of hold-ups, making them more reliable. In contemporary fashion, hold-ups are prized for their versatility and sensual connotations, often featured in , professional wear, and evening ensembles to evoke elegance and allure without visible hardware. They are manufactured primarily from , blends, or for and , with major production in countries such as , , and . European brands such as the Austrian Wolford and German Falke lead in quality innovations like reinforced toes and moisture-wicking properties. While praised for promoting body confidence and convenience, hold-ups can sometimes slip on oily or during prolonged wear, prompting tips like powder application for better grip. Their popularity endures in media and red-carpet styling, symbolizing a blend of and modernity in legwear.

Definition and Types

Overview and Terminology

Hold-ups are a form of thigh-high designed to remain in place without the use of belts or , featuring a specialized elastic or band at the upper edge to secure them on the . This self-supporting mechanism allows wearers to enjoy the aesthetic and coverage of extending from the foot to mid- while avoiding additional accessories. The terminology for these garments varies by region and context, with "hold-ups" originating as a British term emphasizing their ability to "hold up" independently. Common synonyms in English include "stay-ups" and "thigh highs," the latter particularly prevalent in North American usage to denote their length and positioning. In French-speaking regions, they are often referred to as "bas autofixants," highlighting the self-adhering quality. The grip band at the top of hold-ups typically incorporates a lining on its inner surface, which creates against the skin or underlying to prevent slippage throughout wear. This property ensures stability without constriction, distinguishing hold-ups from earlier forms that required external fasteners like garters. In contrast to , which form a continuous sheath from waist to toes, hold-ups are individual leg coverings that terminate at the , offering greater versatility in pairing with skirts or dresses. They also differ from traditional over-the-knee , which rely on belts for attachment and lack the integrated grip.

Materials and Design Features

Hold-up stockings are primarily constructed from synthetic fibers such as and , which provide durability, smoothness, and elasticity essential for form-fitting wear. contributes abrasion resistance and a silky texture, while , typically comprising 4-20% of the blend, enables high stretch and recovery to maintain shape after repeated use. These materials offer through moisture-wicking properties, reducing discomfort during extended wear, though denser weaves may limit airflow compared to natural fibers. Aesthetic variations incorporate for decorative toppers or weaves for textured patterns, enhancing visual appeal while preserving the core elasticity of the nylon-spandex base. Design features include a or rubberized grip band at the upper , usually 1.5-3 inches (4-7 cm) wide, applied via processes to prevent slippage without garters; this band often features dotted or lined for secure . Reinforced toes and heels, created by denser in those areas, add longevity against wear from . Hold-ups vary by opacity, with sheer types using finer denier yarns (10-20 denier) for transparency and opaque versions employing thicker yarns (40+ denier) or blends like nylon-cotton for coverage. Length typically ranges from mid-thigh (about 20-24 inches) to over-knee styles for extended coverage. Specialized variants include maternity designs with expanded panels and extra stretch for accommodating swelling, and plus-size options scaled up to 24+ inches in cuff circumference for broader fits. Manufacturing involves seamless on machines that form tubular legs in under two minutes per pair, followed by toe seaming and the application of grips through heat or for a smooth, non-irritating finish. This process ensures uniformity and minimizes seams, prioritizing comfort in the final product.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Innovations

The precursors to modern hold-ups emerged from ancient practices of leg coverings designed for protection and warmth. In , both men and women wore leg wrappings or bindings, known as femoralia, which consisted of strips of cloth wound around the lower legs to shield against the elements and provide support during travel or labor. These rudimentary forms laid the groundwork for more structured garments in later eras. During the medieval period in , hosiery evolved into separate for each leg, typically knitted from or and extending from the foot to the upper or . These were practical items for both men and women, offering insulation and mobility, but required attachment methods to stay in place; common techniques included lacing or points—thin cords threaded through eyelets and tied to a belt or undergarment at the . By the (14th–17th centuries), hosiery became a , particularly among the elite in and , where fine were imported and hand-knitted, often dyed in vibrant colors like or white and embellished with embroidery. To secure them without full-length attachments, wearers used ribbons or simple s tied just below the knee, emphasizing both functionality and emerging sensibilities. The marked significant advancements in hosiery materials and support mechanisms, driven by industrialization and material science. British inventor Thomas Hancock patented elastic fastenings for in 1820, utilizing early rubber compounds to create bands that gripped the leg more securely than ribbons alone, reducing slippage and improving comfort for daily wear. This innovation, building on vulcanized rubber developments in the , paved the way for garter alternatives that integrated elastic webbing directly into tops. By the 1890s, companies like the George Frost Company in the United States introduced rubber-core supporters and grips, allowing thigh-length to adhere better without traditional ties, though full self-supporting designs remained experimental. In and the during the , women's adoption of these improved reflected broader social norms around and practicality. Long skirts demanded leg coverings to prevent exposure and maintain propriety, while elastic innovations enhanced functionality by accommodating movement during work or leisure; middle-class women, in particular, embraced or variants for their blend of elegance and utility under voluminous crinolines. This period's developments set the stage for later transitions to synthetic materials, though natural fibers dominated pre-1900 designs.

20th Century Advancements

During , the U.S. redirected nearly all production to military uses such as parachutes and netting starting in February 1942, creating a severe shortage of for civilian women. This led to widespread adoption of alternative materials like and cotton for , though these sagged easily and lacked the durability of . In the postwar period, revived production, ramping up to 30 million pairs per month by March 1946, sparking a consumer boom amid pent-up demand. In the and , advancements in focused on eliminating the need for garters through early self-supporting designs. British brand Pretty Polly introduced "hold-ups" in 1967, featuring elastic lace tops that gripped the thigh without additional fasteners, marking a shift toward convenient, garter-free thigh-high . American brands contributed to this era by innovating in stretchable blends and elastic banding techniques, enhancing fit and stay-up capability for everyday wear. These developments built on elastic foundations, allowing hold-ups to become a practical alternative to full . adhesives were incorporated into hold-up bands starting in the late , enhancing grip without irritation, with further refinements in the 1970s and 1980s. From the to the , production globalized significantly, with manufacturing shifting from and the U.S. to East Asian newly industrializing economies like , , and in the and 1980s, followed by in the . This relocation enabled at lower costs, increasing accessibility of hold-ups worldwide through improved supply chains and . The of the and influenced hold-up designs by promoting more sensual and liberated aesthetics, shifting from utilitarian bands to decorative tops that emphasized and allure. This era's cultural encouraged manufacturers to incorporate sheer, patterned edges, blending functionality with appeal in response to evolving attitudes toward women's sexuality.

Fashion and Cultural Role

The leg-baring mod fashion of the , popularized by designers like with miniskirts, emphasized youth and mobility, shifting from conservative legwear. While became a key innovation for this style, hold-ups emerged late in the decade in 1967, introduced by Pretty Polly with self-supporting elastic tops, allowing for bold, liberated looks without garters. In the 1980s and 1990s, hold-ups gained popularity in evening wear, offering seamless sophistication under cocktail attire and fitted skirts. Luxury brands like Wolford contributed to high-quality sheer nylon options, aligning with the era's emphasis on elegance. In the 21st century, hold-up trends shifted toward sustainability and versatility, with the 2010s introducing recycled nylon lines from brands like Swedish Stockings, which repurpose industrial waste into durable, eco-conscious thigh-highs produced in zero-waste Italian factories. This innovation addressed hosiery's environmental footprint while appealing to ethical fashion consumers. Concurrently, runway shows in the late 2010s and 2020s featured hold-ups in high-fashion contexts, such as sheer styles at Saint Laurent and Huishan Zhang AW21 collections. In the 2020s, hold-ups resurged on runways and red carpets, with designers incorporating them into autumn-winter 2024-25 looks alongside garter belts for a lingerie-inspired aesthetic, as seen at collections emphasizing leg exposure. Celebrities like Emma Corrin and Olivia Rodrigo styled thigh-highs with minidresses for events, blending sensuality with modern empowerment. Hold-ups offer extensive variations to suit diverse preferences, including classic colors like and nude for understated , or bolder shades such as for seasonal depth. Patterns range from subtle dots and back seams for a nod, to intricate toppers that grip the thigh securely without garters. For styling, select sheer options for slimming effects on longer legs during evening events, or opaque patterns for fuller figures in daytime wear; always match tones to outfits for cohesion, and layer with skirts or shorts to accommodate various body types and occasions like office meetings or casual outings.

Representation in Media and Erotica

Thigh-high stockings have frequently appeared in mid-20th-century cinema as symbols of feminine allure. In Billy Wilder's (1959), Marilyn Monroe's character Sugar Kane Kowalczyk wears fishnet stockings during the iconic train compartment scene, enhancing her playful seductiveness and contributing to the film's comedic exploration of gender roles and desire. Alfred Hitchcock's films from the 1950s, such as (1954) and (1955), featured elegant designed by for stars like , underscoring psychological tension, sophistication, and erotic intrigue. From the 1970s onward, thigh-high stockings gained prominence in and art, evoking sensuality and intimacy. Playboy magazine's pin-up illustrations and photography during this era, including works by , routinely depicted models in thigh-high stockings, often with garters, accentuating curves and inviting the as a hallmark of liberated sexuality amid the . In modern romance novels, authors like Jennifer Crusie integrate hold-ups into narratives of desire; for instance, in Bet Me (2004), sexy lingerie including thigh-highs serves as a prop for romantic pursuit, while Crazy for You (1999) uses such items to mirror characters' evolving sexual confidence and emotional vulnerability. Lingerie brands in the 2000s leveraged hold-ups in provocative advertising to market sensuality as empowerment. Agent Provocateur's campaigns, launched in the late 1990s and peaking in the 2000s, prominently featured thigh-high stockings in bold imagery; the 2001 advertisement starring Kylie Minogue on a bucking bronco showcased erotic underwear sets with hold-ups, blending punk rebellion and high-fashion allure to challenge traditional intimacy norms and drive sales through controversy. Later iterations, like the 2015 Spring collection with Bar Refaeli in thigh-high paired with crop tops and boy shorts, continued this strategy, positioning hold-ups as essential to modern, confident femininity in lingerie marketing. Cultural critiques of hold-ups in media often center on tensions between and , particularly in television. In (1998–2004), characters like Samantha Jones frequently wear thigh-high stockings and to assert sexual agency, as seen in episodes emphasizing bold fashion choices amid romantic pursuits. However, feminist scholars such as Ivana Kuruc argue that these portrayals reinforce patriarchal stereotypes, with revealing attire like tasseled dresses and hold-ups aligning female sexuality with male fantasies rather than genuine autonomy, despite the show's progressive facade of female perspective on desire. This duality highlights broader debates on whether such representations liberate or commodify women in .

Practical Applications

Medical and Therapeutic Uses

Hold-ups, particularly in their graduated compression variants, are utilized in contexts to manage conditions such as and by applying controlled pressure, typically ranging from 15-20 mmHg, which promotes venous return and reduces swelling. These thigh-high provide firm support from the foot to the upper , helping to alleviate symptoms of and minor leg swelling associated with fluid retention. For instance, medical-grade options like those from Jobst are recommended for preventing and relieving while addressing tired, aching legs and ankle . In post-surgical settings, hold-ups serve as supportive garments following procedures such as or treatments, where they minimize swelling, bruising, and fluid accumulation through graduated compression and secure fit. These often feature medical-grade grips at the upper band to ensure they remain in place without additional fasteners, facilitating recovery by maintaining consistent pressure on the treated areas. For procedures like , patients are typically advised to wear thigh-high for up to two weeks post-treatment to enhance circulation and prevent complications. Hold-ups also offer therapeutic benefits for management, where custom-fitted versions help control limb swelling by providing tailored graduated compression to the upper thigh and beyond. Prescribed since the as part of complex decongestive , these maintain reduced limb girth over the long term when combined with , with studies showing sustained volume reduction in approximately 90% of patients. Brands like Juzo provide dynamic compression options designed specifically for , emphasizing containment and comfort for daily wear. Compared to traditional that require belts for upper-thigh retention, hold-ups with grips offer greater ease of use and coverage without the need for additional accessories, reducing discomfort and improving adherence to . This self-supporting design is particularly advantageous for patients needing consistent upper-thigh compression, as it avoids the slippage or adjustment issues common with belt systems while ensuring even pressure distribution.

Hygiene, Maintenance, and Everyday Wear

Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality and functionality of hold-up stockings, particularly the grip bands that secure them in place. Washing should be done after every wear to remove body oils and prevent degradation of the elastic fibers and . Hand washing in lukewarm with a mild, fragrance-free is recommended, as it gently cleanses without damaging the delicate or materials. For convenience, machine washing on a delicate cycle in a bag at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) is acceptable, but avoid hot , , or fabric softeners, which can erode the silicone's properties and reduce its grip effectiveness. After washing, rinse thoroughly and gently press out excess without wringing, then air dry flat or hung by the to preserve shape and prevent stretching. The grip on hold-up maintains its hold with consistent cleaning, though this varies by brand and usage; to extend its life, wipe the inner band with on a pad after each wash to remove oils and restore stickiness. Common issues include grip degradation from accumulated skin oils or lotions, which can be mitigated by daily cleaning, and potential skin from prolonged contact with the , such as redness or blisters in sensitive individuals. If occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist, opting for alternatives without . For storage, keep hold-ups in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to avoid creasing the fabric or degrading the through moisture buildup or . Roll them loosely rather than folding tightly, and store in breathable bags or their original within a lingerie drawer to prevent snags from hooks or rough surfaces. This method helps maintain the 's integrity and keeps the smooth for future wear. In everyday wear, select hold-ups sized to your at the widest point, typically measured just below the gluteal fold, to ensure the band sits comfortably without rolling or constricting—most brands offer size charts correlating measurements (e.g., 45-55 cm for medium) to and for optimal fit. Pair them with seamless, smooth undergarments to avoid bunching, and prepare skin by avoiding moisturizers or oils on the thighs, which can diminish the grip's ; for active lifestyles involving movement or sweat, consider alternatives like belts for reliable hold without relying on . Environmental considerations have grown in importance, with biodegradable options emerging in the from sustainable brands using yarns like Amni Soul Eco® that decompose faster in landfills than traditional synthetics. These eco-friendly variants maintain similar care routines but contribute to reduced waste, aligning with broader shifts toward recyclable materials.

References

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