Caring For Your Stockings
Caring For Your Stockings
STOCKING CARE: Simple tricks to keeping your stockings lasting longer
Caring For Your Stockings - Stockings and Hold Ups are made from such thin, delicate material, they tend not to last long and need to be constantly replaced. However with some care you can extend the life of your stockings and not need to buy pair after pair.
The first thing to look at is the material of the stocking. Even though many women gravitate towards the sheer styles keep in mind that the heavier/thicker the material the more durable the stocking and longer its life.
The most durable stockings have at least a 15% mixture of Lycra or spandex so always look for this blend when buying.
Additionally pantyhose with reinforced toes, opaque styled, tights and run-resistant stockings will ensure that you wear your garment for longer.
GRANDMAS TRICK TO TOUGHEN UP YOUR STOCKINGS
A tried and tested method is to wet the stockings before wear, dry them out and place them in the freezer. Although no one can explain quite why this works, many women have found that this really does help their stockings last longer.
PUTTING THE STOCKINGS ON
The main thing to keep in mind in caring for this fragile garment is to put them on carefully. Apply a supple lotion to legs and hands to smooth over rough areas of the skin before wearing them. Roll each leg of the stocking to its toe and work it up your leg carefully, gently pulling them and taking care not to tug or yank them.
Since the main cause of wear and tear to stockings are runs/snags make sure you have no jagged or uneven finger nails and toe nails when wearing them. If you have long fingernails it is even recommended to wear gloves while wearing them. Also avoid wearing rings and or bracelets while putting them on so as to avoid tearing.
STOP THE TEARS
If a tear does develop, the best way to stop it is to have either a can of hairspray or bottle of clear nail polish handy to spray or dab on to the tear to prevent further damage. Once the stockings are on, avoid walking in them without any shoes on so as to avoid further wear and tear.
WASHING TIME
It is important to hand wash them in a mild detergent or shampoo in cold water – make sure you never use harsh chemicals like bleach. If washing by hand isn’t an option, the stockings can be placed inside a lingerie or pillowcase before being put into the washing machine. Once washed, be careful not to squeeze or wring the stockings – you can soak up the excess water by rolling them in a towel or gently squeezing them. Always hang them out to dry or lay flat so they retain their shape.
STORING YOUR STOCKINGS
Finally the last step in stocking care...when storing stockings, always store somewhere with a smooth surface with no rough edges. It is also important to keep them away from articles of clothing that have zippers, velcro or hooks or other material that might snag the fabric of the stockings.
It's also a pretty good idea to get into the habit of storing your stockings in individual zip lock bags. It'll help with the sorting and the life span of your stockings!
No matter what color, type or style you choose following these tips in should help you sustain your pantyhose and stockings for a long time to come.
Do you have any other great methods to keep your stockings lasting longer? Please share below! We'd love to hear them.
