Bodystocking

A bodystocking is a one-piece article of lingerie that covers the torso, legs and sometimes the arms of the wearer. Similar in texture and look to stockings or pantyhose, a bodystocking is not a unitard, which is worn as an outfit or article of clothing, or a leotard, which is used as a practice garment or performance costume for acrobats, gymnasts and other similar performers. Designed to be revealing, bodystockings are worn as undergarments by a belly dancer or an exotic dancer's costume.

Designed to replace underwear, a bodystocking can be worn with nothing underneath it, though one may choose to wear undergarments underneath it, such as a bra or panties for extra coverage or support. Due to the close-fitting and one-piece aspect of bodystockings, one may have to remove the entire garment in order to use the restroom. Due to the sheer look of a bodystocking, they are generally not worn by itself. Opaque bodystockings are made, which can be worn in replacement of tights and a blouse. Bodystockings also come in lace, fishnet and satin, the latter which may just consist of the top portion of the bodystocking, allowing it to be worn underneath a suitjacket to serve as a blouse. These types of bodystockings are also made sheer, allowing for one to wear a more revealing outfit coupled with sheer coverage for line smoothing, similar to Spanx.

It is neither clear when the first bodystocking was made nor when it was first worn. However, it could be argued that the first notable occurrence of a bodystocking being worn was in 1861. An actress by the name of Adah Isaacs Menken wore a bodystocking on stage while creating quite the kerfuffle. She was not only playing a man, but she was using the bodystocking to preserve her modesty while at the same time giving the illusion of nudity. The play, incidentally, was about a Polish man named Mazeppa who was tied nude to the back of a wild horse by his enemies.

See also

• Zentai

References

Notes