I never quite resolved the issue in my mind. What I mean to say is that I had been told by both women and men that I looked great in fishnets, and I did feel attractive wearing them, but the question of WHY remained. Why did I look and feel attractive? What is it about fishnets? Being busy with so many other things on my “to do” list, I put those questions on a way-back burner and haven’t thought about it for a while.      

Then, just a few days ago, I was tidying up my hosiery and I came across an older pair of garter belt style fishnets which I had last worn on Halloween. They had been torn at the party I went to that night. But one is free to wear whatever one likes on that holiday so I didn’t make a fuss over it. I wore them the entire night. There was plenty of mingling and dancing at the party. At one point a gentleman in a fisherman’s costume (bright yellow raincoat, hat, and boots) approached me and said; “I don’t know you, Miss, but you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen caught in a net.” I was about to dismiss this as an original pick-up line, but a pick-up line nevertheless. He seemed harmless enough though, so as a reward for originality I spoke with him for several minutes; we became acquainted, and enjoyed a few laughs. He happened to remark, while looking at my legs, that I had made a good effort to get out of the net before being caught. He had seen the obvious tear. I just laughed and said that not many men have ever reeled me in. His response: “Guess not…,” left me a bit cold. He simply walked away without further ado.    

Recalling these events I think that I may have happened across an answer. Why are fishnets attractive? Because they portray the female as having been “caught in the net.”  It’s as if a woman is deliberately saying “Here, I’m fighting to get away!” “Look at me; I’m practically helpless!” And if the fishnets happen to be a bit torn, then the woman is saying: “And yes. Do look how I’ve struggled to free myself…” Well, this is just something to ponder.  And just one final word: If you happen to be a young woman under 18, please seek out your parent's counsel before wearing fishnet stockings. I don’t want you not to wear them, but I think it would be best to get some advice on how your particular clothing styles are going to affect people you may meet. I’m sure you know the basics, but please don’t do anything silly on my account.  

Related:     Where can I use fishnet tights?      Sheer stocking    Businesswoman in fishnets    Haylie Duff in fishnets

About the author:  Akiko Tanaka is a freelance writer. She attended the State University of New York, where she was a double-major, and earned her BA in Anthropology, and another in Russian Language and Literature. Currently she is working towards forming an image design company, to be known as alicia dezine. Some of her images appear on the pages of this e-zine.