Whether you are getting dressed for a special occasion or just want to try something new, hold ups can easily give your outfit an extra layer of glamour. Whether you have never worn hold ups or are a regular or occasional wearer looking for some style tips, here is our guide to wearing hold ups comfortably.
A brief history of hold ups
Hold ups are self-supporting stockings that feature a thin silicone strip along the top to help them remain in place. They were particularly popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s, but they were somewhat overshadowed by tights when the mini skirt became popular in the 1960s.
After being featured in a number of prominent fashion designer’s shows, hold ups are once again increasing in popularity amongst those looking to infuse their ensembles with a flash of vintage glamour.
How to keep hold ups in place
When worn incorrectly, hold ups can sometimes slip out of place. To prevent this from happening, here are a few tips:
- Try rolling rather than pulling on your hold ups. Pulling can cause the material to stretch and sag, making them more likely to slip down.
- Ensure your legs are dry and free from oil or other moisturising products, as this can prevent the silicone from sticking properly to your skin and will cause slipping.
- Similar to anti chafing shorts from stockists such as https://www.bettertights.com/collections/anti-chafing-shorts, keeping hold ups clean is key to their longevity. Always give the silicone band a gentle clean to remove body oils and sweat.
How to style hold ups
Hold ups are surprisingly versatile and can often be used in place of tights when you want to elevate a chic outfit into one that feels a bit more glamorous. For optimal comfort, style experts recommend wearing them with a skirt that covers the top of your stockings when you are both standing up and sitting down; however, you may be comfortable choosing a skirt that shows a suggestion of the top of your hold ups when you are sitting down.