I have thick thighs, I love thigh highs, and I want them to stay put without pinching. What follows is the way I actually shop and wear, not theory. The goal is simple, find the best stay up thigh highs that feel good, look smooth, and hold from morning to late night.
Thigh highs stay up when three things work together, a silicone band with enough surface contact, a size that matches your thigh measurement, and fabric that suits your day. Sheer yarns feel light and can glide, opaque knits add friction and warmth. If you want a primer on styles and when to wear them, skim All About Thigh Highs on Blufashion.
How to size for thicker thighs
Thigh first, height second. Wrap a soft tape around the fullest part of your thigh, usually 4 to 6 inches below the crease. Measure on bare, dry skin and keep the tape level. Do both legs if they differ, write the result in inches and centimeters. To convert, multiply inches by 2.54, for example 25 inches is 63.5 cm.
When you read brand charts, hunt for thigh or band width info, not just height and weight. If you land between bands, choose the larger band, not the longer length. If your thigh is beyond a standard chart, look for curvy or plus lines with wider tops. First try lives at home, place the band where you measured, walk around, sit, take a few stairs, then decide. If rolling starts fast, you likely need a wider or larger band, or a plain top instead of lace.
Stay up tech explained
Silicone bands grip best on clean, dry skin. Wider bands spread pressure, so they dig less and roll less. Double silicone strips feel easy for daily wear, triple strips add insurance for long days, humidity, or very curvy thighs, they can feel warmer. Lace tops look pretty and hide under hemlines, but stretch depends on the pattern. Plain microfiber tops distribute pressure evenly and tend to behave better under fitted skirts.
Denier is just thickness. Lower numbers, 8 to 20, read sheer and airy, they can slide on slick fabrics. Mid weights, 30 to 50, balance polish and grip. Higher numbers, 60 to 100, bring warmth and a steadier feel inside boots. Yarn mix matters too. Classic nylon with elastane feels silky and stretchy. Run resistant fibers, like the ones Sheertex uses, trade a touch of glide for strength.
Top picks by use case
Everyday office pair, Calzedonia Microfiber Hold Ups, 30 to 50 denier. Smooth matte that disappears under skirts, a dependable double silicone band, and a useful spread of neutral shades. I can do a desk day, two hallway laps, and a coffee run without a tug. Lace stretch shifts by style, so I like trying in store. Price, about 20 to 35 USD.
Night out pair, Wolford Fatal 15 Stay Ups. Polished sheer with an even tension band that sits flat under fitted dresses. I have worn these through dinner, a cab ride, and a late walk to the car with no drama. Handle gently, the knit is fine and pretty. Price, about 60 to 75 USD.
Warm weather pair, Sheertex Light Sheer Thigh Highs. A wider plain top and run resistant yarn that I trust for dance nights and travel. The fabric has a firmer hand than classic nylon, the hold is excellent once the band meets clean skin. Shade range keeps growing. Price, about 39 to 69 USD.
Cold weather opaque pair, Falke Pure Matt 50 or 80 Hold Ups. Dense matte knit that hugs the leg and, on some sizes, triple silicone that locks placement for long days. These feel cozy in boots and keep their shape after washing. Fewer fashion shades, very polished finish. Price, about 45 to 60 USD.
Budget under 20 USD, sofsy or Domenica. Straightforward double silicone, solid coverage when you pick the right band. I buy one pair first, check the fit, then stock up if the current batch is good. Price, about 10 to 19 USD.
Brand spotlights
Calzedonia thigh highs. True to size with Curvy options that widen the band. Mostly double silicone, triple on some opaques. Durable for the price when you wash gently. Neutrals are easy to match.
Sheertex thigh highs. Wide plain tops suit thicker thighs. Double or triple silicone options. Standout run resistance with a firmer feel. Core neutrals with periodic limited colors.
Amazon stalwarts. sofsy gives consistent double silicone and plus sizes with decent lace. Domenica offers plain band options at low prices, I size up if I am between. Fiore often lists European fits with elegant lace, check chart conversions.
Boutique pick, Gio Fully Fashioned. Vintage vibe with snug bands that shine when you size up for curvier thighs. Plain top silicone that means business. Classic shades, treat gently.
Where to buy, online and “thigh high stockings near me”
Brand sites and trusted retailers show full charts, band details, and denier filters. For in person shopping, check Calzedonia, department stores, and dance shops, many have a store availability tool so you are not guessing. Keep tags until your first at home try on and confirm the return window for unopened packaging. Color names are not universal, compare swatches, do not assume one brand’s nude matches your skin. If you are testing a new brand, start with one pair before buying a multi pack.
Special colors and occasions
White thigh high stockings look crisp for events when you choose a matte finish, it cuts glare in photos. Bring a lint roller and test with your outfit in daylight. For nude matching, pick undertone first, cool, neutral, or warm. If you are torn between two shades, one step deeper often photographs more naturally.
Sheer vs opaque
Sheer thigh highs give a bare leg look and breathe on hot days. I add a half slip under slick skirts to cut glide.
Opaque thigh highs make sense in boots and cold weather. Higher denier adds friction and shrugs off minor snags.
Troubleshooting that actually works
If you want a full troubleshooting walkthrough, this Blufashion guide is handy, How to Keep Your Thigh Highs Up.
- Rolling tops, go for a wider or larger band, switch to a plain top, or lower placement by an inch.
- Slipping with lotion, apply at least 30 minutes before and keep the band area product free.
- Sweat and humidity, pat dry, then use an alcohol wipe on the silicone for a quick reset.
- Silicone care, rinse residue after wear and skip powders near the band.
- Backup plan, add a soft clip garter when fit is close but not perfect.
Care and longevity
Keep pairs alive longer with our lingerie care basics, How to Care for Your Lingerie the Right Way.
- Mesh wash bag, cool water, mild detergent.
- No fabric softener, it coats silicone and yarn.
- Air dry flat, never on a radiator or in a dryer.
- Store folded with bands dust free.
- Alcohol wipe reset when grip fades, then let bands air dry.
First hand mini test
I wore an opaque pair with a plain triple silicone top for an eight hour office day, two outside walks, and a grocery run. They stayed put, no rolling, just faint edge impressions by the seventh hour that faded after I changed. Next time I will try the same fabric with a double strip for a lighter feel on a long sit day.
Size and fit table
| Brand | Thigh circumference range | Height range | Band type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calzedonia Hold Ups | 20 to 29 in, 51 to 74 cm | 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 10 in | Double silicone, lace or plain | Curvy line widens the band |
| Sheertex Thigh Highs | 22 to 33 in, 56 to 84 cm | 5 ft 0 in to 6 ft 0 in | Wide plain top, double or triple | Strong yarn, firmer feel |
| sofsy Hold Ups | 21 to 31 in, 53 to 79 cm | 5 ft 0 in to 6 ft 0 in | Double silicone, lace | Check recent reviews for batches |
| Domenica Hold Ups | 20 to 30 in, 51 to 76 cm | 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 11 in | Plain or lace, double silicone | Budget, size up if between |
| Falke 50 or 80 | 20 to 28 in, 51 to 71 cm | 5 ft 2 in to 6 ft 0 in | Triple silicone, plain | Matte, great winter hold |
If size ranges change, check the current chart on the brand page. Staying power varies with fit, band design, and skin prep.
Use case comparison table
| Scenario | Pick | Why it stays up | Denier | Price ballpark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday office | Calzedonia Microfiber | Balanced double silicone, matte friction | 30 to 50 | 20 to 35 USD |
| Night out | Wolford Fatal 15 | Smooth band tension under fitted dresses | 15 | 60 to 75 USD |
| Warm weather | Sheertex Light Sheer | Wider band plus run resistance | 20 | 39 to 69 USD |
| Cold weather | Falke 80 Opaque | Dense knit with triple silicone | 80 | 45 to 60 USD |
| Budget under 20 | sofsy or Domenica | Solid double silicone at low cost | 20 to 40 | 10 to 19 USD |
FAQs
What are the best thigh high stockings for thick thighs?
Start with your thigh measurement, then choose wider silicone bands in curvy lines.
Which thigh high stockings actually stay up?
Clean skin, the right band size, and a denier that matches your outfit give the best chance.
Do stay up stockings work with lotion?
Yes if the lotion has fully absorbed, keep the band area product free.
Are Calzedonia thigh highs good for daily wear?
Yes, consistent hold and easy in store sizing, lace stretch can vary by style.
Are Sheertex thigh highs worth it?
Worth it for run resistance and wide bands, the fabric feels firmer than classic nylon.
How do I find thigh high stockings near me?
Check Calzedonia, department stores, and dance shops, use online stock tools before you go.
Can I wear white thigh high stockings for events?
Yes, pick matte to avoid glare and test next to your dress in daylight.
Should I choose sheer thigh highs or opaque?
Sheer for a bare look and heat, opaque for grip, warmth, and boots.
What do best stay up thigh highs Reddit threads say?
Communities favor wider bands, clean skin, and sizing the band up if you are between.
What are the best stay up thigh highs Amazon options?
Sofsy and Domenica come up often, confirm charts and read recent buyer photos.
Share your thigh measurement in inches and centimeters, your height, your climate, and the pairs that stayed up longest for you. Real data from real bodies makes better recommendations.
Compliance and clarity
This guide is body positive and practical. No pair works for everyone, hold depends on fit, band design, and prep. Always confirm current size charts on brand pages.
- About the Author
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I’m Iskra Banović, editor of Blufashion and the voice behind its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are my playground, but I’m just as likely to share the messy side of it all, like the time I tested a “must-have” skincare gadget and ended up with glitter stuck in my hair. I love turning trends and everyday finds into something useful (and fun) for real people.
