Stockings vs. Fishnet — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Stockings are leg coverings that provide a smooth, often opaque look, while fishnet stockings have a net-like, open-knit design offering a bold and distinctive pattern. Both add style to outfits, with stockings typically more conservative and fishnets.
Difference Between Stockings and Fishnet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Stockings are traditional legwear that typically offer a smooth, opaque look and are available in various thicknesses. Fishnets, on the other hand, have a net-like pattern that reveals more skin through their open-knit design.
Stockings are usually made from nylon, silk, or similar fabrics for a sleek appearance, whereas fishnet stockings use a mesh structure to create their characteristic grid.
Stockings are often worn for a more conservative or classic appearance, especially in professional or formal settings, while fishnets are seen as more edgy and adventurous, suitable for casual or creative occasions.
Stockings generally come in varying lengths, reaching up to the thigh or just above the knee. In contrast, fishnets also offer flexibility in length but are favored for their unique style rather than just leg coverage.
Stockings tend to be worn with garters or attached to shapewear, whereas fishnet stockings can come with built-in garters or in seamless designs that don't require additional support.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Nylon, silk, or synthetic fibers
Mesh or net-like material
Design
Smooth, often opaque
Grid or net-like pattern
Style
Conservative, professional
Bold, edgy, creative
Length Options
Knee-high to thigh-high
Similar, often with built-in garters
Use Case
Formal, business, or casual wear
Casual, creative, fashion-forward outfits
Compare with Definitions
Stockings
A close-fitting covering for the foot and leg.
She slipped into her sheer black stockings before wearing her heels.
Fishnet
A fabric with an open-knit structure resembling a fishing net.
The fishnet stockings added an edge to her casual outfit.
Stockings
An elastic band to hold stockings up.
She adjusted the garter to secure her stockings properly.
Fishnet
A distinctive design resembling a net grid.
Her fishnet pattern contrasted with the rest of her clothing.
Stockings
Thick enough to obscure the skin.
The opaque stockings gave her legs a sleek look.
Fishnet
Bold and unconventional.
The fishnet stockings gave her style an edgy appeal.
Stockings
A thin, stretchable fabric used for hosiery.
The nylon stockings provided a polished finish to her outfit.
Fishnet
Without visible lines or seams.
She preferred the seamless design of her fishnets.
Stockings
Thin enough to see through.
The sheer stockings paired well with her cocktail dress.
Fishnet
Garters integrated directly into the hosiery.
The built-in garters made the fishnet stockings easier to wear.
Stockings
A close-fitting, usually knitted covering for the foot and leg, often made of sheer fabric as nylon or silk and rising high on the leg.
Fishnet
Netting used to catch fish.
Stockings
A sock.
Fishnet
In the field of textiles, fishnet is hosiery with an open, diamond-shaped knit; it is most often used as a material for stockings, tights, gloves or bodystockings. Fishnet is available in a multitude of colors, although it is most often sported in traditional matte black.
Stockings
An elasticized garment that exerts pressure on the leg to improve blood flow and is used in the treatment of various circulatory disorders or sometimes following surgery.
Fishnet
A mesh fabric resembling such netting.
Stockings
A bag in the shape of a large sock that is often decorated and hung on a mantle for the deposit of Christmas presents.
Fishnet
Fishnets Stockings made from such mesh fabric.
Stockings
A white marking on the lower leg of a dark-colored horse, extending from the hoof to at least the hock or knee.
Fishnet
(countable) A net used to catch fish.
The fishnets were hung over bushes to dry.
Stockings
Plural of stocking
Fishnet
(uncountable) A fabric with an open diamond-shaped structure; normally used for stockings etc
Fishnet
Stockings made of fishnet fabric.
Fishnets are for catching men.
Fishnet
A net that will enclose fish when it is pulled in
Common Curiosities
Can fishnet stockings be worn in professional settings?
They can be, but fishnets are generally perceived as more casual or creative compared to traditional stockings.
Why might someone prefer opaque stockings over fishnets?
Opaque stockings offer full coverage and are often more appropriate for conservative or formal occasions.
Do fishnet stockings offer the same warmth as regular stockings?
No, fishnets are less warm due to their open pattern.
Do fishnet stockings always need garters to stay up?
No, some fishnets come with built-in garters or have designs that stay up without them.
Are stockings considered formalwear?
Yes, stockings are traditionally considered more formal and suitable for professional settings.
Can stockings be worn without garters?
Yes, modern thigh-high stockings often come with elastic bands to hold them up without garters.
Are stockings and fishnets made from the same material?
Not necessarily. Stockings often use nylon or silk, while fishnets typically employ net-like mesh fabrics.
What makes fishnet stockings unique compared to regular stockings?
Fishnets feature an open-knit, net-like pattern that provides a distinctive, bold look.
Is the net pattern in fishnet stockings always the same?
No, fishnets vary in pattern size, ranging from fine to larger nets.
Are stockings and fishnets suitable for layering with other clothing?
Yes, both can be layered with dresses, skirts, and shorts to create versatile styles.
Are fishnets available in different colors like stockings?
Yes, fishnets come in various colors, though black is the most popular.
Is there a specific type of shoe that pairs best with stockings or fishnets?
Both can be styled with various shoes, but stockings are often worn with formal footwear, while fishnets complement more diverse styles.
Do stockings come in different textures?
Yes, stockings can range from sheer to opaque with varying finishes.
Are fishnet stockings suitable for summer wear?
Yes, their breathable design makes them suitable for warmer weather.
What should be worn with fishnet stockings for a balanced look?
Fishnets pair well with skirts, dresses, or shorts for a balanced style.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
