body stocking
Definition
Noun: A body stocking is a single, close-fitting garment, typically made of a thin, stretchy material like nylon or spandex, designed to cover a woman's torso. It may also include sleeves to cover the arms and/or legs to cover the legs, creating a seamless look from the neck (or shoulders) down.
Usage
A body stocking is worn as an undergarment or foundation garment. Its primary functions are to smooth the silhouette under clothing, provide a layer of warmth, or serve as a stylish base layer for fashion outfits. - She wore a black body stocking under her sheer dress for a sleek appearance. - Dancers often wear body stockings as part of their performance costume.
Advanced Usage
- In performance arts like dance, theater, or circus, a body stocking can be a crucial part of a costume, sometimes in colors or patterns matching the performer's skin tone to create the illusion of nudity or to provide a base for other costume elements.
Variants and Related Words
- Bodysuit (or Body suit): A similar one-piece garment, but a bodysuit typically fastens at the crotch and may be designed as outerwear or lingerie, whereas a body stocking is generally a sheer, footless undergarment.
- Unitard: A one-piece garment covering the torso and legs, and usually the arms, designed for athletic or casual wear (e.g., for gymnastics, dance, or exercise). It is typically made of thicker material than a body stocking.
- Leotard: A one-piece garment covering the torso but not the legs, commonly used for dance, gymnastics, or exercise.
Synonyms
- Full-length slip (though a slip is usually looser and not as tight-fitting)
- Undergarment
- Foundation garment
Related Phrases
- Sheer body stocking: Specifies the garment's transparent quality.
- Sleeved body stocking: Specifies that the garment includes sleeves.
- Footed body stocking: Specifies that the garment includes feet, similar to tights but covering the entire torso.
Noun
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a one-piece tight-fitting undergarment for women that covers the torso (and may have sleeves and legs)
