Bodystockings

Bodystockings are one of those pieces that people either already love or haven't thought to try yet. They cover from shoulders to toes in a single piece, which means no matching, no separates, and no fiddling with multiple items. Pull one on and you're done. They come in everything from delicate lace to chunky fishnet, and the visual impact is hard to beat.

A bodystocking is essentially a full-body stocking that covers everything from the neckline to the feet, though some stop at the ankle. They're made from stretchy materials like nylon, lace, or fishnet, and they come in loads of different patterns. Some have intricate lace panels, others are plain fishnet, and some combine different textures and opacities across different parts of the body.

Most bodystockings in our range feature an open crotch, which is practical for obvious reasons and means you don't need to take the whole thing off during intimate moments. They're different from bodies and teddies because they include the legs, and different from stockings because they cover the entire body rather than just the legs.

Putting on a bodystocking is a bit like putting on tights. Gather up the leg first, slide your foot in, and then gradually pull it up your body. Don't rush this or you'll snag the fabric with your nails or toes. Starting from the feet and working upward is much easier than trying to pull the whole thing on from the top.

Once it's on, adjust the neckline and make sure the pattern sits symmetrically. Some people wear them on their own for the bedroom, while others layer them under dresses or with knickers over the top for a more styled look.

Bodystockings are delicate and should always be hand washed. The stretch fabric snags easily in a washing machine, even inside a mesh bag. Soak in cool water with a gentle detergent for ten minutes, rinse, and lay flat to dry. Never wring them out because twisting can permanently distort the pattern. If you get a small snag or pull, a tiny drop of clear nail polish on the spot can stop it from running further.

The appeal of a bodystocking is how much visual impact you get from a single piece. The way they cling to the body and the patterns created by lace or fishnet designs are genuinely striking. They also make your legs look incredible because the fabric smooths and evens out skin tone, much like a good pair of tights but covering everything. And because they're one piece, there's nothing riding up, slipping down, or coming undone during an intimate moment.

Most bodystockings come in one-size-fits-most or one-size-plus. The stretch in the fabric means they accommodate a range of body shapes, but height matters more than weight. If you're over 5'8, check the product dimensions because shorter bodystockings can feel tight from shoulder to crotch on taller frames.

Consider the pattern carefully. Fine fishnet creates a subtle, smoky effect. Large fishnet is much more dramatic and revealing. Lace panels draw the eye to specific areas, so think about which parts of your body you want to highlight. Strategically placed opaque panels can create the illusion of curves or a slimmer waist.

Budget bodystockings in the £8 to £15 range are usually fine for a few wears. They do the job, they look good, but the fabric tends to be thinner and more prone to snagging. Premium bodystockings use denser yarn that resists runs better, more complex patterns, and reinforced seams at high-stress areas like the crotch and shoulders. If bodystockings become something you reach for regularly, investing in a quality one from a brand like Leg Avenue or Dreamgirl pays off because it'll survive many more wears and washes.