Sheer backseam stockings - stockings discontinued by Leg Avenue - review by Dawn (Lilac Distraction)

Summary

Who doesn't love backseam stockings? They have a very classic vintage look to them. They seem a little sexy and daring. For the price, it's hard to pass these up, right? I mean, I'm a stocking addict and I certainly couldn't resist.

Material

I'm used to getting some pretty high-quality stockings from Leg Avenue without having to pay a hefty price tag for them. These stockings, on the other hand, are pretty much "you get what you pay for". If they were made of a different or better material, they'd totally be a huge winner. This material, on the other hand, seems really cheap. Usually, nylon stockings have a smooth look to them. Sometimes there's a little bit of a shine to the material. I found these to be a bit rougher and thicker-looking, while still being incredibly thin. It seems as if the material is a little more open or loose than most nylon stockings. The color didn't flatter my legs one bit. Instead of giving my legs an even color, it made it look like I had super strange shadows. I've found better material in the $.99 knee-highs that you can buy at Wal-Mart. The material is super delicate and seems like it could snag or run if you breathe on it the wrong way. I'm a bit hard on my stockings. If these last for more than one wear, I'll be surprised.

Design

Again, backseam stockings are a real classic, and they can be a compliment to almost anyone's lingerie collection. I liked these because of the top band and how it had a slightly sheerer section below the band. I felt that this was more of a vintage look than ones without it. The backseam on these is pretty visible, but when you look close, it's actually a slight zig-zag that runs down the back of the stocking. When worn, the seam looks a little fuzzy. I think they have the right idea with these stockings, but I'd like to see them made a lot better. There is no reinforcement in the toe or heel of these, so be delicate with them when wearing shoes.

Sizing

Leg Avenue's "one size fits most" is usually for women between 90-160 lbs. I'm on the smaller end of the spectrum at 105. Their fishnet stockings they have usually fit me because they have a solid band, but these certainly don't. They're pretty loose on my 17.5" thighs. However, this means that they will work well and be comfortable for those with larger (a.k.a average) thighs. They seem a bit shorter than the average stocking, but this worked for me. I'm 5'4 and have the legs of someone who is 5'2. These didn't ride right up to my butt like most stockings. The seem like they would work best for those around 115+ lbs., and those who are 5'4-5'7.

Quality

If you really, really like these, you should anticipate buying a few pairs for when these finally bite the dust. (It probably won't take them very long.) Their cheap price makes this a pretty easy thing to do. Usually, Leg Avenue delivers some great stockings at a tiny price, but this isn't the case with this pair.

Care

Since these are nylon, you should wash them in cool water with only a touch of soap and let them air dry. Store them away from ANYTHING that they could possibly catch on. You don't want to be rough with these at all. In fact, you probably won't even find yourself needing to wash them. You'll most likely end up tossing them instead.

I really wanted to love these. They look so sexy in the product pictures. I was highly disappointed when I got them the first time. Leg Avenue can't always be perfect, right? They're actually not a total loss for me. I'm planning a costume soon where I need some ripped up stockings and these might be the sacrificial pair. I have high hopes that I'll be able to find a better pair out there. At least I still have these until they decide that they're done with me.

I put these on a couple of times after I wrote my review, and I still don't like them. Even from the first time I put them on they seemed like they had some small runs in them. Even though they've been stored with the rest of my stockings, they seem like they have even more runs in them. I bought the regular sheer stockings by Leg Avenue that didn't have the seams and they were made a lot better than these.