Our Review

These fully fashioned stocking are designed to fit precisely without recourse to Lycra or stretch knits so selecting the right size is vital; sizing is based on shoe size, height and inside leg.

Stocking Size Shoe Size (UK) Shoe Size (Europe) Height Inside Leg 8.5 3-4 36-37 4’11” - 5’2” 27” / 69cm 9 4-5 37-38 5’2” - 5’5” 28” / 71cm 9.5 5-6 38-39 5’5” - 5’7” 29” / 74cm 10 6-7 39-40 5’7” - 5’9” 30” / 76cm 10.5 7-8 40-41 5’9” - 5’11” 31” / 79cm 11 8-9 41-42 5’11” - 6’2” 32” / 81cm 12.5 11-12 44-45   35” / 89cm

The chart on the packet only goes to size 11, the bottom row is our estimate based on the size 12.5 sample. There are no sizes between 11 and 12.5.

The key difference between this and the other pair of Gio stockings we have reviewed so far (Gio Point Heel Stockings) is in the heel detail, this style has a Cuban heel. For those not in the know the Cuban style reinforced heel has a squared off top just over 1cm wide rather than coming to a point. 

Detailing is absolutely classic throughout, reinforced toe, sole and heel with full shaping at the heel and a genuine seam running from toe to welt.  The stocking top is plain but features a tantalising circular opening in the inner layer behind the seam.  These stockings have every detail needed to give an intensely feminine allure and nothing more.

Three things are absolutely key to getting the best out of these gorgeous stockings. 

• Buy the correct size for your height and shoe size, study the chart above and follow to the letter.
• Put on with great care, this is delicate light hosiery. Start by setting the foot correctly and them smooth up your leg keeping the seam centred as you go. If you find your seam off centre roll back to the ankle and try again.
• Pair with a top quality suspender with metal clasps, preferably with 6 straps.

Our test pair was a 12.5 so a 35” leg was needed, fortunately there was a pair available but we did need short suspenders as the stocking top was at the very top of the leg. Our Cleopatra 6 strap Pantygirdle was the ideal choice.

Non -stretch stockings such as these are really only fixed at toe and suspender strap so they are free to float over your legs, a feeling like no other. This will lead to some creasing at ankle and knee but if your suspender straps are tight they will go all on your own as you walk.

These are the ultimate English stockings and everyone should have a few pairs, never buy just one as you will get ladders and a odd stocking is useless.

Perfect even colour, but ever so sheer so not stockings to hide blemishes, stocking to show off your legs in.

4 January 2012

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