What Are Over The Knee Socks

"Dear VienneMilano,
What is the difference between thigh highs and over the knee socks? Are they the same thing? If not, how are they different?
- Chelsey C."

No! Thigh highs and over the knee socks are not the same.

Thigh highs (also known as hold ups and stay ups) are a type of hosiery that is meant to be worn on your mid-thigh. Typically this type of stockings features a band at the very top to keep the stockings from slipping off your leg. High-quality thigh highs are made with a silicone band, and not so high-quality thigh highs use elastic.

Silicone band on high-quality thigh highs.

Over-the-knee-socks (also known as OTKs, or parigiana socks) are a type of hosiery that goes all the way up to above your knee. This type of socks is made with an elastic band to keep the socks from falling. Since over the knee socks are essentially socks that are long, it is common for manufacturers to offer one size.

However, here lies the confusion… For a woman who is tall, over the knee socks should sit above your knee. The socks should not pinch or squeeze around your thigh. If the top of the socks feels too tight, then you should pull the socks down.

On the other hand, if you are a woman who is petite in build (like me), it is possible for your over the knee socks to go quite high on your leg - almost reaching to the point of where the top of your thigh highs should sit. As a result, some manufacturers sell over the knee socks (which is already a mouthful of a name!) as thigh highs.

To make things even more confusing, I have come across brands who sell thigh highs but are actually over the knee socks. Indeed, I have tried on other brands of thigh highs where it was not possible for the top of the stockings to go all the way up to the top of my thigh (and I’m only a few inches above 5’ tall). While one may ask: how do you know that what you/VienneMilano define as thighs may actually be wrong? And the answer is simple: it’s in the name, thigh high. As the name implies, this type product belongs on your thigh.

But don’t get me wrong! I genuinely believe that hosiery is one of the best fashion accessory which allows a woman to reveal her confidence and creativity. This is why I take the time to clarify the minute difference between the two types of hosiery. Truth be told, the more brands that are in the market of selling thigh-highs and OTKs is a fabulous thing as it further reinforces our message that legs are a canvas for color and texture, and hosiery allows you to use it.

At VienneMilano, we bring both thigh highs and over the knee socks from Italy to your doorstep. Give our stockings a try as we boast our a large variety of colors and styles. Shop us today and get $10 off with voucher code ILOVEMYLEGS