Know Your Net - The Ultimate Stocking Style Guide

Net fabric is the ultimate blend of edgy and elegant - sensual yet bold, revealing yet mysterious. From statement-making stockings to barely-there lingerie, net is a fabric that knows how to make an impact. But not all net is created equal.

Let us break down the different types so you can find the perfect match for your mood and style.

What is net fabric?

Net fabric is an open mesh material where yarns are knitted, knotted, looped, or twisted at intersections, forming a web-like design with open spaces. These holes can take on various geometric shapes - squares, hexagons, octagons - each adding a unique aesthetic.

Most net fabric today is knitted, with the three most common construction methods being Tricot, Raschel, and Bobbinet. Raschel knitting, the most widely used method, creates structured yet flexible geometric holes, resulting in a fabric that is both durable and enticing.

The size of the holes, fiber composition, and finishing touches all determine the final look and feel. Whether stiff and structured or soft and flowy, net fabric can be made from silk, polyester, rayon, dacron, acetate, or nylon.

A silk net is sheer luxury, while nylon netting is often stiffer, creating dramatic shapes. Polyester can swing both ways - coarse and edgy or soft and delicate. Most commercial net fabrics are made from nylon due to its durability and versatility.

Types of net fabric & their fashion appeal

Fishnet stockings - A classic that never goes out of style. Coarse yet undeniably sexy, the fishnet is crafted using a fisherman’s knot technique and is typically made from nylon or polyester with a touch of elastane for stretch. It is a favorite for hosiery, bodystockings, and statement lingerie.

Industrial net stockings - A bolder take on fishnet. With larger holes than regular fishnet but smaller than fence net, this thick-stranded mesh creates a striking visual impact, often seen in avant-garde fashion and daring hosiery pieces.

Fence net stockings - Big, bold, and designed to turn heads. Fence net features ultra-large holes and is a staple in hosiery, bodystockings, and daring lingerie. Spandex ensures a snug, figure-hugging fit that amplifies curves and confidence.

French net stockings - Sophisticated and vintage-inspired. This coarse netting features large, six-sided diamond-shaped holes, making it a go-to for chic and luxurious stocking styles and elegant accessories.

Russian net stockings - Taking the drama up a notch. With even larger holes than French net, this fabric is often used for bold millinery pieces and striking fashion statements. A close relative, English Merry Widow net, follows the same oversized mesh aesthetic.

Lace net stockings - Where net and lace entwine. Lace net fuses the delicate, intricate patterns of lace with the structured openness of netting. The result? A fabric that offers the best of both worlds - romantic floral or geometric lace motifs seamlessly integrated into the airy texture of net. It is a dreamy choice for lingerie, vintage-inspired hosiery, and couture fashion statements.

Crochet net stockings - Lace-like elegance meets openwork texture. This intricate net pattern is commonly used in fashion-forward pieces like tights, shawls, skirts, and delicate lingerie, blending softness with a hint of bohemian charm.

Dual net stockings - A play on contrasts. This hybrid net combines two different hole sizes, layering intrigue and depth into bold stockings, lingerie and high-fashion pieces.

Diamond net stockings - Sleek and sculpting. Featuring elongated diamond-shaped holes, this net type is a favorite for stockings, bodysuits, and lingerie, creating a streamlined, leg-lengthening effect.

Patterned net stockings - Net with a decorative twist. Patterned net takes a traditional mesh and elevates it with intricate designs, from delicate florals to bold hearts and classic stripes. The patterning enhances visual appeal, adding dimension and uniqueness to lingerie, stockings, and fashion pieces designed to make a statement.

Netted garter stockings - A sensual fusion of function and seduction. Netted garter stockings combine the provocative appeal of net fabric with the classic elegance of garter belts.

Whether designed with fishnet, diamond net, or lace net, these stockings elongate the legs while adding a vintage-inspired, boudoir-worthy charm. Often paired with suspender belts or built-in garters, they ensure a flawless, stay-up fit while exuding effortless sensuality.

Back-seam net stockings - A timeless classic with a touch of vintage glamour. Back seam net stockings combine the seductive appeal of net fabrics with a sleek, vertical seam running down the back of the leg.

Originally popular in the 1940s and 50s, this style elongates the legs and adds an elegant, retro-inspired edge to any outfit. Whether in fishnet, diamond net, or sheer net variations, the back seam detail enhances the allure of stockings, making them a staple for both everyday sensuality and boudoir sophistication.

Hexagonal net stockings - A refined take on traditional netting. Hexagonal net stockings feature a structured honeycomb pattern, offering a delicate yet modern aesthetic.

The hexagonal design provides a sleek and polished look that blends effortlessly in stockings and tights, this net style creates a balance between classic fishnet and intricate lace, making it a versatile choice for those who love subtle sophistication with a hint of sexiness.

Art Deco net stockings - A nod to the glamour of the 1920s. Art Deco net stockings feature intricate geometric patterns inspired by the bold symmetry and elegance of the Art Deco movement. Often adorned with angular motifs, fans, or ornamental details, these stockings blend vintage sophistication with modern sensuality.

Net stockings in fashion

Net fabric is not just a texture - it is an attitude. It is the sheer seduction of fishnet stockings, the bold drama of fence net bodysuits, and the effortless elegance of lace net stockings.

Whether layered for an avant-garde aesthetic or worn alone for maximum impact, net knows how to create allure without excess.

A netted dress teases with just the right amount of skin, while bodystockings offer a second-skin effect that is both sculpting and sensual. From power-play lingerie to edgy streetwear, net continues to dominate the fashion landscape, offering endless styling possibilities.

So next time you slip into something netted, whether it is classic fishnet tights or a daring diamond-net bodysuit, know that you are embracing a fabric that is as rebellious as it is refined. Because net is not just fabric - it is a statement.

Discover our universe of net stockings HERE - and be the ultimate catch.