'丝袜' (sī wà) literally means 'silk stockings' — '丝' (sī) means 'silk', historically referring to the fine, smooth material used in traditional hosiery, and '袜' (wà) means 'sock' or 'stocking'. Though modern versions are typically made from nylon, spandex, or other synthetic fibers rather than actual silk, the term remains standard in Mandarin for sheer, close-fitting legwear worn by many people, especially women, for fashion, warmth, or formal occasions.

The word is neutral in register and commonly appears in everyday contexts — shopping, fashion discussions, seasonal dressing, or personal grooming. It’s often modified by color ('黑色丝袜'), opacity ('薄款丝袜'), or occasion ('正式场合穿的丝袜'). Unlike English 'stockings', which may imply thigh-high styles with garter belts, '丝袜' broadly covers both full-coverage tights and classic knee- or thigh-high styles — context clarifies the type.