Hold-ups or stay-ups (in the USA also referred to as thigh highs) are stockings with a band of elastic sewn to the top, designed to hold the stockings up when worn, without the need for a garter belt or garters. High quality thigh highs have one or more silicone bands holding the stocking in place. Most thigh highs have an elastic band sewn to the top that is backed with silicone on its inner surface. This ensures the hold ups stay in position because of the elastic and the friction of the silicone against the skin. The silicone can become ineffective by contact with body lotions, oils and talcum powder, as they all reduce the friction of the silicone. High quality thigh highs are built so that the elastic band exerts just the right pressure on a woman's thigh, avoiding any uncomfortable tightness or unflattering muffin-top effect.
"Hold-ups" is a term given by “Pretty Polly” to self-supporting stockings. They never registered this term and it is now recognised to mean stockings with an elasticated band at the top that enables them to stay up without the need for a suspender/garter belt. Sometimes thigh highs are preferred to pantyhose for hygiene reasons, because they reduce excessive microbial growth around the groin from humidity and warmth. They are sometimes chosen because of the classic popular "stocking top" line, and there are no suspender bumps to be seen through a skirt or dress.
The thickness of thigh-highs is measured in Denier, the same measurement unit used for different varieties of feminine stockings.
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