Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'stockings' is usually expressed with the loanword ストッキング, which covers most modern hosiery. For traditional Japanese split-toe socks, use 足袋 (たび).
To refer to sheer or opaque hosiery worn by women, covering the feet and legs, often up to the waist.
The most common and direct equivalent. It covers pantyhose, sheer stockings, and sometimes tights. Use this in most everyday situations.
I'll wear stockings today because it's cold.
Those stockings have a run in them.
Short for パンティストッキング (panty stockings). Specifically refers to pantyhose (one-piece garment covering from waist to toes). Very common in casual speech.
My pantyhose ripped.
Refers to thicker, opaque tights, often worn for warmth or fashion. Not used for sheer stockings.
In winter, I wear tights with skirts.
To refer to traditional split-toe socks worn with kimono or by workers.
Traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes. Worn with zori or geta sandals. Not the same as Western stockings.
When wearing a kimono, you wear tabi.
To refer to the large sock-shaped bag hung for Christmas presents.
Literally 'Christmas socks'. The standard way to refer to Christmas stockings in Japanese.
The children hung their Christmas stockings by the fireplace.
A direct loanword combination. Less common than クリスマスの靴下 but understood.
Put the presents in the Christmas stocking.
靴下 (くつした) means 'socks' in general, including ankle socks and crew socks. ストッキング specifically refers to sheer or nylon stockings/pantyhose. Using 靴下 for pantyhose can sound odd.
I wear stockings with a suit.