Bodystockings

The bodystocking is a prime example of how a very functional idea can become something entirely different when put into mass production and sold to an inventive general public.

A bodystocking is an all-in-one garment that is skin tight. It tends to have long legs and traditionally had sleeves, but this now varies. It is usually made from a sheer fabric and is often crotchless, originally for ease of use but this is generally different now. It was originally intended to be an extra layer in cold weather, a fully functioning garment that was designed to the keep the wearer warm and little else.

However, the bodystocking has had something of a reinvention and is now seen as a primarily erotic item of lingerie – and it’s easy to see why. The close, snug fit is perfect for showing off curves and the crotchless aspect is particularly… useful… in this department! It has strong links with the S&M scene, where it tends to not be made from sheer fabric but from PVC or similar, and there are even groups of people with a specific fetish for bodystockings.

So we have one garment which has two very different uses, but there is no reason why both cannot be applicable to the average UK woman. You don’t need to be a fan of sado-masochism to enjoy the extremely sexual effect of a body stocking. Plenty of lingerie designers have recognised it’s sexual advantages and continue to make bodystockings from the traditional sheer material, but these are designed for style rather than function. They tend to be adorned with lace, ribbons or sequins and would be immensely impractical during cold weather, but guaranteed to provide a little heat in the bedroom. Yet bear in mind these items are intended for seduction only and finding them comfortable enough to wear in everyday life is rather unlikely – but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider one. The difference of how it feels on your skin can give you a new level of confidence. And, of course, you can dabble with other fabrics without completely going down the S&M route and bear in mind the aforementioned fetish applies to both the wearer and the audience, so you just might get a thrill you hadn’t expected!

Then there is the more functional and almost dull side of the bodystocking, which is still applicable. Plenty of retailers in the UK sell bodystockings designed for warmth, some even offer thermal versions. There is no doubt that an all-in-one garment which covers the entire upper body and right down the legs is going to keep you warm. Yet as with the sensual bodystocking, it isn’t particularly productive for everyday wear, where people may find it restrictive and also quite difficult to disguise underneath clothes. A bodystocking is really worth careful consideration for cold-weather activities such as skiing or even as an item of nightwear if you live in a particularly cold area.

In essence, the bodystocking’s various uses are as different as night and day – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot of fun with both.