[[ZeroNoTsukaima http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/zero-louise-zettairyouiki-tvtropes.jpg]]
[[caption-width:230:Grade B Zettai Ryouiki]]

->''Still relatively unknown to the local fashion scene, lies an incredibly deadly heaven-drilling wear... Just a quick glance of a girl equipped with Zettai Ryouiki can set the hearts of many on fire, ranging from your usual otaku to the president of the USA... With this, you will be able to rule the world (especially Singapore) and nobody will understand why they are so insanely attracted to you.''\\
-- '''[[http://animedesho.animeblogger.net/?p=2585 A Singaporean otaku]]'''

"Absolute Territory" (''zettai ryouiki'' in Japanese) describes the area of uncovered thigh between the skirt and the stockings.

As per usual for fandom who [[{{Cosplay}} obsess about costumes]], this can be considered a {{moe}} attribute and thus, present prominently in character designs and schoolgirl outfits. The term originates from ''NeonGenesisEvangelion'' to designate an [[BeehiveBarrier area of Absolute Terror]], although it's had considerable semantic drift. In this case, it may jokingly refer to the fact it emphasizes a shorter skirt without actually becoming creepy and [[PantyShot showing the underpants]].

As if that wasn't enough, some even categorize it into five "Grades", from [[RankInflation E to A]]. Only the top two (A and B) are considered true ZettaiRyouiki and they are only usable by female characters. Some researchers additionally introduce [[YuYuHakusho Grade S]], the highest one which consists of Grade A plus further requirements to [[{{Tsundere}} personality]] and [[GirlishPigtails hairstyle]]. See the linked ''[[http://animedesho.animeblogger.net/?p=2585 Anime Deshou Deshou]]'' article for details and illustrations, or see [[http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7631/rankuu0.jpg this image]] for a quick reference.

[[TVTropesWillRuinYourLife Stop looking at us like that.]]

Just to make it clear, ZettaiRyouiki is made up of three components: socks, skin, and skirt. An ActionGirl may trade the latter for hotpants but if it doesn't include thigh-highs and visible skin, it's not ZettaiRyouiki. PantyShot is an entirely different zone. See also SexySchoolwoman (who is usually showing a ''lot'' more leg than this) and {{Joshikousei}}.

As a relatively recent phenomenon, the symbolism of ZettaiRyouiki only recently began to crystallize (or, rather, become apparent). Since it is simultaneously incredibly sensual and hardly revealing, it symbolizes budding, innocent sexuality, one of TheIngenue who is already aware of her attractiveness but not (yet) cynical enough to put it to use (which is why many a {{Tsundere}} wears ZettaiRyouiki). And that's {{moe}}. And SeriousBusiness. Of course, as with any symbols, GenreSavvy characters can invoke it on purpose even if far from the described archetype themselves.

This [[http://burogublog.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/the-art-and-science-of-zettai-ryouiki/ academic treatise]] explains the appeal of ZettaiRyouiki as part of a more universal appeal of half-hidden beauty (also exemplified in such classics as a half-unbuttoned shirt, a semi-transparent laced dress, etc.). A revealing glimpse combined with a conservative cover-up of the other captivating parts is a classical bait for the curiousness and a powerful incentive for [[ImagineSpot fantasy]], which, [[AlwaysFemale applied to a girl]], inevitably turns into attraction or, in more extreme cases, [[PerverseSexualLust lust]].

ZettaiRyouiki is currently the [[http://whatjapanthinks.com/2009/09/06/favourite-fetishes-of-japanese-men/ most popular fetish in Japan]]. SoYeah.

See also StockingFiller, for stockings without the skirts.
----
!!Examples

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:General]]
* This is quite common in {{Ecchi}}/{{Hentai}} anime, manga, dōjinshi and video games. Note that, in fully X-rated works, it is also very frequent for women to keep the thigh-high socks even while otherwise naked.
** And occasionally, [[{{Shotacon}} for young boys too]].
* RieKugimiya voiced characters seem to have a tendency to wear ZettaiRyouiki.
** ''ChocottoSister'': Yurika Hanayamada
** ''{{Gintama}}'': Kagura (in one quick scene from the fourth ending) Her Yoshiwara outfit might count too.
** ''{{Hayate the Combat Butler}}'': Nagi Sanzenin
** ''{{Pangya}}'': Kooh
** ''{{Rosario to Vampire}}'': Mizore Shirayuki
** ''{{Saki}}'': Yuki Kataoka
** ''{{Shakugan no Shana}}'': Shana (see Anime & Manga section)
** ''{{Tales of Symphonia}} - Dawn of The New World'': Marta Lualdi
** ''ToraDora'': Aisaka Taiga
** ''{{Zero no Tsukaima}}'': [[OverlyLongName Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Valliere]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* Yukino's rival Maho Izawa in KareKano
* Kim Diehl and her weapon Jacqueline in SoulEater (who usually wear matching uniforms)
* Shana in ''ShakuganNoShana''.
* Pictured above: Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Valliere in ''ZeroNoTsukaima''. As an {{Expy}} of Shana, this isn't surprising.
* Rin Tohsaka in ''FateStayNight''. Let's see... 57 cm stockings: check. Double pigtail: check. {{Tsundere}}: [[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/FSN_rin_tsuntsun_deredere.jpg check]]. Yes, Rin Tohsaka ''is [[Pantheon/PersonalAppearance Grade S]]!''
** Rider also has a hotpants variation of ZettaiRyouiki. But she definitely does not have a grade as high as Rin's.
* Kallen Stadtfeld in her school uniform from ''CodeGeass'', not to mention her CustomUniform. She is also credited with popularizing the hotpants+socks variety of ZettaiRyouiki.
** C.C's new black outfit in ''R2'' also uses the hotpants + socks variation.
** Uhm... I like to think [[http://i36.tinypic.com/jb1udt.jpg Suzaku might also have a fondness for Zettai Ryouiki]]. Sorta. Click on the link and you'll see what I mean.
** Sayoko has the socks for a decent grade Ryouiki, but her skirt is too long for it.
** Nunnally gets to use a B grade Ryouiki in the ''Knightmare of Nunnally'' manga, as it's included in the Ashford Academy's middle school uniform. Same goes to TheLibby Ekaterina, her GirlPosse, and Nunners's [[TomboyAndGirlyGirl best friend]] [[ExtraordinarilyEmpoweredGirl Alice]] (who wears a shorter skirt so she actually gets an A grade, which could borderline go into Type S due to her tomboyish personality).
** Anya gets to use a nice Grade A while in her Knight of Rounds uniform.
* Touka, the daughter of the Tennouji Family (from Nogizawa Haruka 2nd season), has a Grade A zettai ryouiki, aside from twin tails and tsundere spoiled brat personality, making it a grade S.
* Tamaki Kousaka, Sasara Kusugawa, and the Himeyuri twins in ''ToHeart2''.
* Love interest Rion Akagami wears this in CageOfEden, even when they're stuck on a tropical island inhabited by hordes of prehistoric animals.
* Featured in the opening of ''LuckyStar''.
** The B-Side of the ''Lucky Star'' opening song single, "Kaeshite! Knee Socks", is pretty much entirely about thigh-highs.
** Naturally, [[DirtyOldMan Konata's father]] mentions it one of the series' many {{Seinfeldian Conversation}}s
** Ayano Minegishi has this as part of her school uniform.
* Chiaki Minami,(occasionally worn by Kana at home) also the standard uniform in her school in ''{{Minami-ke}}''.
* Kurumi Momose and Yuma Kashiwagi in ''PaniPoniDash''.
* Matsuri Shihou's excellent ZettaiRyouiki is likely the source of her immortality in ''{{Sola}}''.
* Seems to be a part of the standard school uniform in ''ZombieLoan''.
* Similarly, it appears to be part of Stellvia Foundation uniform in ''{{Stellvia of the Universe}}''.
* Yomi in ''AzumangaDaioh''.
* Nayuki, Kaori and Shiori in ''{{Kanon}}''.
* Pretty much standard uniform for all female crew members in ''StarshipOperators'', but considering its Show Within a Show one could blame it on sex sells.
* Kyou (and Ryou, although after a while she stops wearing them) in ''{{Clannad}}'' -- even when playing basketball. [[{{Tsundere}} Kyou]]'s power [[GameBreaker is truly without limit]].
* Nanoha and Fate's basic Barrier Jackets in the third season of ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' seem to have been designed with this in mind.
** Fate's Barrier Jacket in the first two seasons, as well, and Nanoha's normal outfits (non-Barrier Jacket, non-school uniform) from those seasons. And the Lieze twins (''very'' perfect "A" grade). And Vita's normal non-combat outfit (only "B"-grade, which is sad because she meets both of the added requirements for S-grade). And [[{{Tsundere}} Teana's]] Barrier Jacket and military uniform. [[SoYeah ...yeah]], this show runs on {{Fanservice}}, alright.
*** Don't forget [[ChurchMilitant Sister Schach]].
*** There's also the strange case of Reinforce, who has... [[FashionableAsymmetry only one sock]].
*** And now ''{{ViVid}}'' adds [[ThoseTwoGirls Corona]].
* Alice in ''{{ARIA}}'' since its part of her school uniform, making her of the very few main characters who wears something else aside from her undine outfit.
** In one anime episode, Aika wears the variety with shorts.
* Princess Rita Sior in ''Sisters of Wellber''.
* Seemingly part of the school outfit on ''SchoolDays''. It's also [[LampshadeHanging humorously refered to]], as an army of school girls in short skirts activate Zettai Ryouiki by putting on knee socks in an attempt to draw more people to their classroom for the [[SchoolFestival school festival]].
**This instance is doubly notable as the ''last'' comedic occurrence in the anime before [[ItGotWorse things go straight to hell]].
** It's also part of the school outfit in the one Margaret attends in ''{{Madlax}}''.
*** And Kagura Tennouzou's school in SpeedGrapher. IIRC, Kagura also uses Zettai Ryouki when she dones a very {{Stripperiffic}} outfit as the Divine Goddess.
*** Yui and Haruna's school in CorrectorYui also has it as a part of its standard outfit.
* Miyo Takano of ''HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'' has this on her nurse outfit. Also from the same series, the Angel Mort outfit seems designed with ZettaiRyouiki on mind.
** Also Rena's outfit may POSSIBLY fit this trope- she wears the thighsocks but her skirt is very long, which would normally disqualify her. However it's slit up the side and sometimes her thighs are visable when it moves, possibly best portrayed in [[http://img143.imageshack.us/i/11417889013871dq.jpg/ this image]].
* Yue Ayase from ''MahouSenseiNegima'', along others from the same series. Considering that Ken Akamatsu has written about moe on his blog, this is probably intentional.
** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c190/2.html Evangeline does this too.]] She is the [[{{Pantheon/Theater}} goddess of Goth Loli]], after all.
** Don't forget Chachamaru at the school festival.
*** After her MidSeasonUpgrade she seems to have the stocking component [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c189/13.html built into her synthetic skin]] (NSFW). She [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c189/19.html displays it normally for a good chunk of the magic world arc]].
*** And [[spoiler: Ako, Natsumi and Akira in the Magic World, when they sell themselves into slavery]]
*** IIRC, Nodoka has also worn ZR as well.
*** She's definitely wearing it [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c250/15.html here]], and, whilst it might be a bit hard to make out,[[spoiler: the other girls from Yue's magic academy]] are wearing the look, as shown [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c251/5.html here]]
*** Even [[CuteShotaroBoy Negi]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c090/8.html joins in for a moment]] during a [[WholesomeCrossdresser crossdressing]] InstantCosplaySurprise during the school festival (as if the fox girl outfit wasn't enough).
** It's kind of a shame that Asuna doesn't were the appropriate socks, otherwise she'd be a sure shot for Grade S.
*** Asuna, like all of the characters, does not suffer from a LimitedWardrobe. Look at the cover of Volume 19.
**** Very good... but still doesn't give off that Grade S feeling. I think the ratio fails -- too much skirt, not enough sock.
**** Actually, if one goes by the "ideal" 4:1:2.5 ratio of skirt, ZettaiRyouiki, sock above knee, [[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/zr.jpg she qualifies as Grade A.]] Especially if one accepts the +/- %25 margin. Combined with the double pigtails and {{Tsundere}}-ness, she would make her a Grade S.
** [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c261/8.html Ku Fei]] wears these as well.
** Setsuna's been known to wear the Bike Shorts, but she's sported this too.
* Yuuki, and several of the female characters in ''VampireKnight'' wear these.
* ''{{Gungrave}}'': Mika occasionally wears this.
* Shiori Takatsuki in the ''RevolutionaryGirlUtena'' movie. (''Zettai unmei mokushi-ryouiki!'' Um... sorry.)
* Valentine from ''Guilty Gear Overture'' fits this somewhat. Hard to believe she is a likely copy of [[spoiler: Justice]].
* Flay Allster and Miriallia Haww in ''GundamSEED'', since this is a part of their military cadet uniform.
** When Lunamaria "Luna" Hawke became a redcoat in ZAFT and asked for a [[CustomUniform customized uniform]] with a pink miniskirt, she also added long black socks to it.
* Shino in ''[[DotHack .hack//Roots]]'' and her {{Expy}} Atoli in the ''G.U.'' games.
* Lala Satalin Deviluke from ''ToLoveRu''.
* The three heroines of ''UltimateGirls''.
* Mishio Maeno in ''{{Mnemosyne}}''.
* Female Ranma (''[=~Ranma ½~=]'') while disguised as Ryoga's sister, Yoiko.
** Akane as well, on occasion.
* Tsuyuri in ''DoujinWork''.
* Aoba Kozue in ''{{Mahoraba}}'' dons the ZR on occasion. This troper estimates it to fall around Type B.
* Frequently, Nico Robin of ''OnePiece'', if thigh-high boots count.
* Yoko Ritona from ''TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' goes the hotpants route (which Kamina gets a good long look at). She later switches out the socks for boots of about the same length.
* ''Every single girl'' in ''{{Shuffle}}'', at some point or other. Mostly in their school outfits.
* Several of the {{Claymore}}s wear these, ''[[ExposedToTheElements even in the dead of winter]]''. But they are HalfHumanHybrids.
* Both [[{{Yandere}} Nena Trinity]] and [[CoolBigSis Christina Sierra]] from ''{{Gundam 00}}'' also use the hotpants variety. In season 1, Nena combines it with socks; in season 2, she switches to the long boots version.
* [[DistaffCounterpart Itsuko Koizumi and the female Computer Club President]] from ''FanFic/SuzumiyaHaruhiNoSeitenkan'' with their school uniforms. Kyonko as well if one is to include all those fanarts.
** And in the original ''SuzumiyaHaruhi'', Haruhi has this a couple of times.
* Kokoa Shuzen, Mizore Shirayuki, and Yukari Sendo in ''RosarioToVampire''.
* Anzu from ''{{Yu-Gi-Oh}}!'' used the hotpants + socks once, more exactly in the Marik and Noa arcs.
** Anzu also wears the socks + miniskirt in one of the ending animations.
** [[http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa208/sparkleneko/rei.gif Rei,]] of {{Yu-Gi-Oh GX}}, and [[http://wiki.janime.eu/images/7/7e/Aki-full.jpg Aki,]] of {{Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds}}, also count.
* Rare male example: [[DragonBallZ Zarbon]]. [[http://dbzs.jp/meteor/img/chara/03/zarbon.jpg Even if it's less hotpants than it is underpants.]]
* The trope is OlderThanTheyThink: the belted dress-shorts and boots version was used by Mia from ''RoninWarriors''.
** And even ''older''! Megumi from ''VoltesV'' uses the uniform miniskirt plus boots version.
* The titular ''Black God'' gets a very nice zone when Akane dresses her up.
* Tsukino Azusagawa from ''[[YakitateJapan Yakitate Japan]]''.
* Taiga from ''{{Toradora}}'', not surprising for another expy of [[ZeroNoTsukaima Louise]]. It also gets [[{{Fanservice}} a lot of attention in the opening credits]].
* Jun's birdstyle in ''ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman''.
* Jessie's Team Rocket miniskirt and thigh-high boots in the ''[=~Pokémon~=]'' anime.
* Rosette from ''ChronoCrusade'' has thigh-high stockings and slits up to nearly her waist in her militia uniform, making it a variation of this trope.
* [[DGrayMan Lee Lenalee]], even! Helloooooo, legs!
** And her socks give her magical powers. No, really.
* Seras from ''{{Hellsing}}''.
* Shinobu from ''NinjaNonsense''. Extra points for doing this with a ninja outfit.
* Karin from ''{{Naruto}}''. She also gets points for pulling it off with a ninja uniform (for ninja in the service of Orochimaru, no less).
* Hime from ''YozakuraQuartet'' sports Grade A ''and'' is a {{tsundere}}. Now, if only she wore twin-tails...
* Alsh the [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire]] from ''BloodyKiss'' has his preferred Zettai Ryouiki at 10-15 cm.
* Kaolla Suu ''LoveHina'' seems to wear this quite a bit (in the manga at least).
* Himeko from ''HimechanNoRibon'' is a borderline Grade B.
* Nagi and Sakuya in ''{{Hayate the Combat Butler}}''. The former a bona fide Grade S. So much {{moe}}!
** Hinagiku tends towards the hot pants variety, and also gets points for being {{Tsundere}}, but no twin-tails.
** Even Isumi [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/hayate_the_combat_butler/c135/12.html joins in on occasion.]]
** In the season 2 first opening, Ha--, er, Hermione gets the treatment, with [[AttractiveBentGender the usual result]].
* Faye Valentine from ''CowboyBebop''.
** Also hilariously {{lampshaded}} and then [[FootFocus averted]] by [[DoesNotLikeShoes Edward]] in the episode "MushroomSamba".
* In the 4th season of ''{{Maria-sama Ga Miteru}}'' Yumi Fukuzawa starts dressing this way outside of school, making for unexpected amounts of {{fetish fuel}}.
* Rin Kokonoe in ''KodomoNoJikan'' appears to do this intentionally to seduce her teacher, although it's never explicitly stated. The {{Lolicon}} nature of the series makes this FetishRetardant for most people though.
** FetishFuel for others, though.
* Sumire's high school in ''VenusVersusVirus'' apparently has this as part of the school uniform. What is it with all-girl schools and ultra-short skirts in anime?
* Runo in ''{{Bakugan}}: New Vestroia'' is Grade ''S''. (In ''Bakugan Battle Brawlers'', she was a thoroughly unremarkable C-grade, though she already had the other two parts of the S requirements). [[DemotedToExtra Sadly, she and the other two main girls from]] ''[[DemotedToExtra Battle Brawlers]]'' [[DemotedToExtra are pretty much gone by the second episode.]]
** Partial example by way of FashionableAsymmetry: Mira in ''New Vestroia'' (the other pant leg is too long). The camera seems to focus on the "good side" whenever showing a side view, though, so it counts.
* The sisters Mawata and Mayune from ''{{Pretear}}''.
* ''{{Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan}}''. Dokuro has got to be at least a grade A, maybe even S. High socks? Check. Ponytails? Check. Tsundere? (Do I even have to say it?)
* The eponymous Shion of ''ShionNoOu'' exhibits Grade A ZettaiRyouiki, usually with a red miniskirt and white thigh highs.
* [[DarkMagicalGirl Nao]] [[FilleFatale Yuuki]] from ''{{Mai-HiME}}'' uses grade B as well.
* In ''GGundam'', Sai Saici's girlfriend [[{{Moe}} Cecile Holgar]] wears this.
* Cure Berry in ''FreshPrettyCure''.
* Blue from ''[[{{Ptitleeji7gg6t8ir5}} Wolf's Rain]]'' uses thigh high boots and a peacoat.
* ''{{Moetan}}'' is filled with this as part of the [[FetishFuelStationAttendant all-you-can-eat Fetish Fuel Station]].
* The latest volume of ''{{Nora}}'' has Keini in Grade A. She already had the other two components for Grade S. As one troper put it on [[ZettaiRyouikiDiscussion the discussion page]], Grade S is no longer the rarity it used to be. Could there be [[RankInflation something higher?]]
* [[TallDarkAndBishoujo Sumika]] from ''SasamekiKoto''.
* Most people don't notice but ''MacrossFrontier'' actually has a lot of this. Nanase wears the traditonal variant with her school uniform, Ranka Lee has it with one of her stage outfits and Sheryl wears both the traditional and hot pants versions as well as a tantalizingly {{stripperiffic}}, one-legged version.
* Yuki from ''NoBra''. And you'll probably not believe me, but it's a [[WholesomeCrossdresser male example]].
* Nodoka of ''{{Saki}}'' almost has all the requirements needed for Grade S. Just lacks the [[{{Tsundere}} personality]].
** Yuuki wears a very suspicious one too, and her personality is a bit more fitting as well.
* Ellis from ''{{El Cazador de la Bruja}}''.
* ''KazeNoStigma'' gives us Kanon (one of Ren's school friends) who wears A-Rank in both her school uniform and her street clothes. She also has twin-tails, unfortunately, she is not a {{Tsundere}}.
* Nodamiki from ''GAGeijutsukaArtDesignClass'', at least in her anime incarnation.
* Aoba Kozue from ''{{Mahoraba}}'' wears them as part of her personal wardrobe.
* Kenichi's sister in ''{{Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple}}''. [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/history_s_strongest_disciple_kenichi/c020/22.html Shigure also wears it regularly.]]
* All of the [[PowerTrio main girls]] (and we ''[[{{lolicon}} do]]'' mean "girls") in ''{{Kodomo no Jikan}}''. Kuro also has the personality and Mimi also has the pigtails, but only [[NamesTheSame Rin]] has all of the components for a class S.
* Umino Masachika of ''SatouKashiNoDanganWaUchinukenai'' sports a solid Tybe B while wearing her school uniform. Most of her classmates wear there stockings somewhere below the knee.
* ''KamenNoMaidGuy'' has TokenLoli Liz wearing this. And she even has the twin pigtails.
* These seem to be part of the school uniform in ''SeitokaiNoIchizon''. Even when they're wearing swimsuits, the stockings remain.
* The default female cadet uniform aboard the ''Libertad'' in ''SoukouNoStrain'' is very definitely Grade A.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comics]]
* Raf from ''Angel's Friends'' wears these at Grade B. Did we mention that she is 12 as well?
* Appears many times during ''{{Empowered}}'' -- as part of Emp's [[HotLibrarian Sexy Librarian]] CostumeInertia; Sistah Spooky and Ninjette's outfits; in Emp's vision of herself with wings that looks suspiciously like [[{{Disgaea}} Etna]] {{cosplay}}...
* One of [[LegionOfSuperHeroes Legionnaire]] Kinetix's costume's sported this look. However, given her penchant for changing costumes, it didn't last.
* Cyclone from the ''JusticeSocietyOfAmerica''. The fact that she displays so little in the way of skin compared to other superheroines arguably just makes her ''more'' attractive.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live Action]]
* Felicity Shagwell from ''AustinPowers: The Spy Who Shagged Me'' is both a western and live-action example on her first appearance.
* The eponymous ''[[{{DEBS}} D.E.B.S.]]'' wear outfits like this.
* [[IllGirl Shilo's]] outfits in ''RepoTheGeneticOpera'' are almost all Grade A Zettai Ryouiki.
* Several upper year girls in ''StTrinians''.
* Not involving a skirt, but Trillian's outfit in TheMovie of ''[=~The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy~=]'', in her first main story appearance, has this as one of about a dozen things contributing to her overall sexiness. The socks are argyle, too!
* Before it even had a name, the thigh-high/mini-skirt combo was seen in many of the outfits worn by the girls in ''{{Clueless}}''.
* In the first ''ScaryMovie'', Buffy has this as part of what appears to be a [[CatholicSchoolGirlsRule naughty schoolgirl outfit]] right after Cindy is taken down to the police station the first time.
** Then in ''Scary Movie 2'', the Charlie's Angels parody has the girls remove their clothing to reveal... well, they initially forgot their Angel clothing, leaving them in just their underwear and shoes, which in one case consisted of a BlackBraAndPanties and [[StockingFiller thigh-high stockings]]. Sadly, this lasts all of about three seconds.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* Abby Sciuto of ''{{NCIS}}'' sometimes wears this kind of attire. And woo-ee, does she work it. (This comment springs from the keyboard of a [[EvenTheGirlsWantHer straight female, by the way...)]]
** [[{{Fiona}} This troper]] can kind of see why they don't use things like this in Ziva's wardrobe. Anyone who saw it would have a heart attack, or at the very least be unable to understand any of the plot. Jeez...even ''thinking'' about it...
* [[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/swc_s0206_dinello-zettai-ryouiki1.jpg Geoffrey Jellineck]] in a brief [[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/swc_s0206_dinello-zettairyouiki2.jpg cheerleading tryouts scene]] in ''{{Strangers with Candy}}''.
* Seven episodes into ''{{Dollhouse}}'', and Echo has already rocked it twice. Once using thigh-high boots, the other time using stockings (which can also be seen in the theme song sequence).
* Cameron pulls this off extremely well in the third episode of ''TheSarahConnorChronicles'' (see [[http://www.summer-glau.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=147&page=4 here]] for some examples). This troper will be in his bunk.
* Natsumi, the female lead of ''KamenRiderDecade'', wears tights with every outfit. In episode 10, she wears them with shorts, and is suddenly that much hotter. Zettai Ryouiki in action!
* Maddie from ''{{The Suite Life of Zack and Cody}}'' gets a B-grade in an early episode and often has a C-level.
* Watching the Disney Channel's live-action lineup can be ''quite'' frustrating to a savvy troper, as they seem to actively be favoring C- and D-level Zettai Ryouiki in their [[TheSuiteLifeOfZackAndCody female]] [[WizardsOfWaverlyPlace characters']] [[SonnyWithAChance wardrobes]]. It would almost be better if they didn't even bother trying. [[PowerPerversionPotential Still, it's a channel for kids and "tweens", so one can only hope that this introduction serves to induce them to seek out better ZR as they mature.]] [[FetishFuel Better still, most of those shows skew towards a]] ''[[FetishFuel female]]'' [[FetishFuel demographic, which would actually be]] ''[[FetishFuel displaying this...]]''
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music Videos]]
* {{VOCALOID}} has both Megurine Luka and Hatsune Miku wearing thigh-highs and a skirt (or in the case of Miku, thigh-high boots, but many people don't even realize this), and as if that weren't enough, the most popular fan-design of Kagamine Rin (from the song Meltdown) has her wearing leather thigh-high boots and (of course) a skirt.
** Miku also has TwinTails, which makes her closer to Grade S.
* Alizée, on many live performances of "J'en ai marre", wears hotpants and overknees for a B-Grade.
* Shakira in the video for her song "[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU_jy-Uk41I Las de la intuición]]". [[FetishFuel Oh, my...]]
* Namie Amuro wears an extremely short dress and tigh-high stockings in her recent "New Look" video.
* ''Madonna'' manages to pull a decent grade B-C in the video for her song "[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wCky69JHSU Celebration]]".
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theater]]
* Wendla in ''SpringAwakening'' wears these in the first scene, where she is chastised by her mother for their suggestive appearance. She switches to a less-revealing dress and, later, a frumpy nightgown in Act II. They reappear in the show's closing number in addition to being ''prominently'' displayed on the poster.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
* Serah from ''FinalFantasyXIII''.
* Sion Eltnam Atlasia from the ''{{Tsukihime}}'' spin-off ''MeltyBlood'' packs a pair that rivals [[FateStayNight Rin]]'s.
* ''[=~Pokémon~=]'' has [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Dawn_%28game%29 Dawn]], the female lead character in ''Pokemon Diamond'', ''Pearl'', and ''Platinum'' and the ''Pokemon DP'' anime, as well as [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Leaf Leaf]], the female lead of ''[=FireRed=]'' and ''[=LeafGreen=]'' (albeit to a much lesser extent for the latter than the former).
** This just in: Kris (from ''Pokémon Crystal'')'s [=HeartGold and SoulSilver=] counterpart, [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Kotone_(game) Kotone]], has just enough for a Grade A, but with the hot-pants variant. Yet although she has pigtails, she's still no Grade S due to her (possibly) not being a Tsundere. To show just how short they are, [[http://serebii.net/anime/pictures/shinou/612.shtml she shows almost as much ass as Dawn when she crouchs]]
*** She's got an upcoming appearance in the anime, and while details are still scarce (the episodes in question are only just now airing in Japan), it looks like she might be an S class, after all. Stay tuned for updates.
*** Solana, the female player character from Pokemon Ranger, also has the hot-pants variant of Grade A.
*** Another "[[FashionableAsymmetry partial example]]" is Galactic Admin Jupiter.
** More than a few generic trainers in the games, as well, including just about every incarnation of the Lass.
*** And the [=HeartGold/SoulSilver=] female [[strike:Cooltrainer]] Ace Trainer. [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:HGSS_Cool_Trainer_F.png Holy crap,]] they've never done ''that'' much in the games, have they?
*** In the portable games, no. Colosseum's Supertrainers and Cooltrainers did a fine job, though.
** And among Gym Leaders, we have Gold/Silver/Crystal's Whitney and Diamond/Pearl/Platinum's Candice.
* Venus from ''MetalGearAcid 2'' had zettai ryouiki so devastating that it had to be censored for her cameo in ''MetalGearSolid: Portable Ops''.
* Both Kasumia and Ayane from DeadOrAlive wear this for their default costumes.
* Yukari Takeba from ''{{Persona 3}}'' goes the socks-and-skirt route, and it's actually quite surprising that she never [[PantyShot panty-shots]] throughout the entire game considering the length (or lack thereof) of her skirt.
** Weeeell, the players never got it see it -- but considering Yukari hastily told [[HeroicMime Minato]] and [[IdiotHero Junpei]] not to look up in the monorail scene...
** Chie Satonaka in ''{{Persona 4}}'' uses footwear to fight, some of which goes up past the knee. You don't get {{Panty Shot}}s with her either though, since she's a serious ActionGirl and takes the precaution of wearing shorts under her skirt.
** Actually for ''{{Persona 4}}'', [[IdolSinger Rise Kujikawa]] falls this trope perfectly as she really is wearing a knee high socks along with her school uniform. Not to mention her {{Moe Moe}} personality.
* The ''ShadowHearts'' series is fond of this. The prequel has Koudelka, the first game has sweet innocent StaffChick Alice, and the third game has ElegantGothicLolita [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire]] Hildegard, all with very high stockings. German soldier Karin in the second game achieves the same effect with thigh-high boots.
* The miniskirt + long boots is a standard part of the uniform worn by the Pegasus Knight / Falcoknight / Dragon Knight ladies in the ''FireEmblem'' saga. Even TheLadette Vaida uses it, and she's FAR from MoeMoe.
** Not only them, either! Some troubadours (mounted healers) also use it, like Clarine from FE 6 and L'Arachel from FE 8.
*** Any female mounted unit, actually. [[JustifiedTrope This kind of makes sense when you think about it]]: the short skirt is more comfortable for riding, the long boots offer protection.
**** One non-mounted example (at least, pre-promotion) is Princess Eirika from FE 8. Actually, here's another: Mia pre-promotion in FE 9/10 (after promoting to upper tier, the skirt becomes too long).
**** Also Lachesis from FE 4, the inspiration for Eirika's design.
* In the intro video of ''LaPucelleTactics'', the Maiden of Light wears this.
* Charlotte Aulin from ''{{Castlevania}}: Portrait of Ruin''.
** If you hold up for about 5 seconds, she poses, making it more obvious.
* MOMO from ''{{Xenosaga}}'' has ZettaiRyouiki that can blow your eyeballs out through the back of your head -- if you can deal with the fact that she's [[{{Lolicon}} made of solid loli.]]
* The female character in ''FinalFantasyIII'' for DS gets some killer zettai ryouiki if you change her job to Scholar. This also makes her a {{Meganekko}}.
** The same goes for Scholar Artifact armor from ''FinalFantasyXI'', when worn by any female player character or NPC. This troper has two friends who took the job to level 60 for no other reason than to equip SCH AF.
** Marche from ''FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'' has a shorts version of this. Ritz would ''almost'' gain this trope, but not quite.
* This is one of the few costume options that ''{{City of Heroes}}'' sadly lacks.
** It's there now, called Disco, and can be paired with skirts and even worn with Thigh High Boots.
* Yup, ''{{Disgaea}}'' has ''this'', too. [[FetishFuel/{{Disgaea}} Etna, you spoil us...]]
** And not just her, either, as we also have [[http://www.otadesho.com/files/disgaea3/sapphire.jpg Sapphire]] and [[http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/5903/pleinairdeikouon5.jpg Plenair]].
*** True, but Etna's is... well, I guess it's kind of an [[RankInflation S-]]. She has the Grade A Zettai Ryouiki, and both of the other aspects are present, but not at ''their'' highest possible grades (especially the 'tails -- does it even count if they defy gravity like that?), as stated in the article. The criteria for Grade S seems rather arbitrary, though, and it would seem kind of cheap to give out only the second known S-grade here when there really are better examples that lack one of the two S-grade criteria. So, S-.
* Yet another (likewise [[{{Lolicon}} highly loli]] -- oh, shit, [[StealthPun that was unintended]] [[IncrediblyLamePun and unfortunate]]) NipponIchi example: Marona from ''PhantomBrave''.
* [[FinalFantasyVII Yuffie]] in ''KingdomHearts''.
** [[FinalFantasyX2 Rikku]] in ''KingdomHearts 2''.
*** [[OriginalGeneration Aqua]] in ''Birth by Sleep''.
* And another one from the FinalFantasy series : [[FinalFantasyIX Kuja.]] And he's [[DudeLooksLikeALady a dude]].
* Female human mages in ''{{Lineage}} II'' start with this, and most of their clothing options up to 20 in level are these.
* A good number of the skirt-wearing female soldiers in ''ValkyriaChronicles'' qualify. The most noticable are Alicia, Rosie, and Isara.
** Alicia is at the very least Grade S, what with her twin tails and initial {{Tsundere}} attitude (much more so in the anime adaptation).
* From ''[[FlowerSunAndRain Flower, Sun, and Rain]]'', Toriko Kusabi has Grade C, and Yayoi Hanayama has Grade A.
* All of the rival cheer girls in ''[[OsuTatakaeOuendan Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan]]'' have Grade B.
* Nel Zelpher, the deadly serious ninja-wizard of ''[=~Star Ocean: Till the End of Time~=]'', happens to have a ''very'' short, tight-fitting skirt to go with her very tall, yet equally tight boots. That bit of thigh between them is all the skin she shows though, since she's otherwise very modestly and functionally dressed... which arguably makes it that much hotter.
** For that matter, this is somewhat standard for ''StarOcean'' heroines. [[StarOceanTheSecondStory Rena]] and [[StarOceanTillTheEndOfTime Sophia]] both wear short skirts with long stockings. [[StarOcean1 Millie]] wears a slightly longer skirt than is standard for this trope, while [[StarOceanTheLastHope Reimi]] wears an outfit that gives the illusion of a skirt.
* Mitsuki Konishi in ''{{The World Ends with You}}''. [[JustForPun So zettai ryouiki!]]
* Heart Aino from ''ArcanaHeart'' sports a Grade A Zettai Ryouiki.
* Ange from ''UminekoNoNakuKoroNi'' definitely has this, and depending on your definition of knee socks (they stop literally just below the knee), so do all of the other girls. Even Maria.
* Alicia from ''ValkyrieProfile2''.
* A couple of Athena Asamiya's alternate outfits in ''[[KingOfFighters KOF Maximum Impact 2]]'' sport this look, as does Miu Kurosaki from gaiden game ''[=KoF EX 2=]''.
* Momohime from ''Oboro Muramasa''.
* Nobody plays ''MegaMan Legends 2'' enough, apparently, because if anyone did, they'd mention the serious Grade A Zettai Ryouiki going on for Sera and Yuna. In Yuna's case, it even meets one requirement for Grade S.
** On the topic of Mega Man, [[MegaManBattleNetwork Ma]][[MegaManNTWarrior yl]] has Grade A, too.
* Momo Karuizawa from ''RivalSchools'' sports a nice grade A ''and'' GirlishPigtails, though she's more of a BitchInSheepsClothing than a {{Tsundere}}.
** [[ForeignFanservice American]] Tiffany Lords on the other hand, gets a hot pants + boots version of this with her new costume in ''Project Justice''.
* In Cartoon Network's ''[[MassivelyMultiplayerOnlineRolePlayingGame Fusion Fall]]'', the PowerpuffGirls have this with a grade B in the game, yet a grade A in official artwork.
* ''ArTonelico 2'''s Luca and Cloche both have this in their default costumes, Luca is a grade A, while Cloche averages to a grade A (her skin tight boots are staggered in length, part extends under her skirt, par is grade A and part is Grade B).
** Luca's school uniform has a grade A and maybe even S depending on the scenario.
** Jacqli's maid outfit is another grade A.
* Many of the girls' costumes in ''CrossEdge'' have this, including Mikoto's default outfit and her [[NightNurse Nurse Uniform]].
** By extension, Aurica's Luca costume and Misha's Cloche costume give them the same grades as mentioned above.
* [[DeadpanSnarker Rita]] from ''{{Tales of Vesperia}}'', though only on one leg, and the skirt may be a bit too long for this.
* Noel Vermillion of ''BlazBlue''.
** This Troper chose to play her because of this trope.
* Karst of ''GoldenSun: The Lost Age'' has the boots/skirt variation, in black leather at that. It's only one of her [[MissFanservice many charms]].
* Nue Houjuu is the first ''{{Touhou}}'' girl to officially be drawn with ZettaiRyouiki -- Grade A, no less!
** The second one. Suwako had it before her.
*** Most commonly seen with Reisen Udongein Inaba,Shikieiki Yamaxanadu, and occasionally Eirin.
* The redesigned Harley Quinn in ''BatmanArkhamAsylum'' is a rare Western example of a high-end grade A, if not grade S.
* ''.hack//LINK'' redesigns for Atoli and Tabbi retain their Grade A, while adding it to [[http://dothack.wikia.com/wiki/File:Subaru_(Link).jpg Subaru]] and [[http://dothack.wikia.com/wiki/File:BlackRose_(LINK).jpg BlackRose]].
* The Wood Elf Wardancers in the recent video game rendition of ''BloodBowl'' achieve this look when they reach a high enough level (or receive the best boots in the real-time Blitz Mode). This troper couldn't give a grade (only seen it once) and odd are that most people's attention will be on the massive mohawk they have, rather than their thighs.
* ''GuildWars'' contains a suprising ammount of Zettai Ryouiki for a Western game, in all kinds of forms: standard, hotpants, shorts, thigh-high boots... Unsuprisingly, most of the armor combinations that allow for Zettai Ryouiki belong to the ''Mesmer'' class.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* When Sam creates {{Custom Uniform}}s for each of the cheerleaders in ''[[TheWotch Cheer!]]'', she gives Alex [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2005-08-09 a shorter skirt and thigh-high socks]], as she states [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2005-08-27 here]] (other comic linked because the one where she mentions her changes doesn't actually depict it).
** [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2006-04-22 Agent]] [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2005-09-17 32]], [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2006-07-15 too]].
** And, apparently, [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2007-08-27 Karen]].
** [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2007-09-19 And another.]] Geez, Tselsebar likes this trope, huh?
*** His followers, too. See [[http://www.cheercomic.com/?date=2008-01-11 this]] guest filler pitting Muse vs. Anti-Muse.
* Kimiko does this very well in one of the ''{{Megatokyo}}'' [[http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/1004 posters]].
* Fuchsia the succubus gets into this in ''{{Sinfest}}'' when she dresses up as a schoolgirl to pander to her crush on Criminy.
* The title characters of the ''PowerpuffGirlsDoujinshi'' after chapter 1.
* Kit in the third chapter of ''FeyWinds'', of the thigh-high boots variety.
* Sarah often does this in ''{{Building 12}}''.
** Peoni also gets one in one of the FanService Pages. [[http://www.building12.net/issue4/fanservice.htm As a]] [[NightNurse nurse.]]
* One of Cassiel's many FanService outfits in ''{{Misfile}}'' in [[http://www.misfile.com/?page=1272 this strip]]
* Just about all of the characters in ''MoeMoeNijiTaisen''.
* Naturally considering its [[{{Animesque}} Mangaesque]] origins, ''[[TsunamiChannel Experimental Comic Kotone]]'' is loaded with them. The [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2001-11-29&comic=ExCoKo title]] [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2003-02-24&comic=ExCoKo character]] [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2003-04-16&comic=ExCoKo gets]] [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2003-11-28&comic=ExCoKo most of]] [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2005-12-26&comic=ExCoKo these]], but [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2002-09-25&comic=ExCoKo Anya]], [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2004-02-09&comic=ExCoKo Laika]], [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2003-02-26&comic=ExCoKo and]] [[http://www.tsunamichannel.com/index.php?date=2003-09-08&comic=ExCoKo Lisa]] all get their chances as well.
* Yuki from ''[=~Ménage à 3~=]'' also sports the look.
* ''AngelMoxie'': Tristan starts wearing stockings with her warm-weather uniform in [[http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/4/8/485.html this strip]] -- and has to argue with a teacher that it isn't against the school's dress code on the next page.
* In ''{{The Inexplicable Adventures of Bob}}'', the skirt and gogo boots Galatea sports in [[GayParee France]] would count -- although the viewer's enjoyment may be hindered by the fact that her legs have ''fur'' (although [[FurryFandom some folks...]] oh never mind...).
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]
* All OS-tans have been depicted wearing Zettai Ryouiki at some point. It is especially popular with XP-tan and Firefox-ko.
* In the ''WhateleyUniverse'', Jade has discovered this. Along with the formula. Fear her! [[spoiler: She's a trap! And a post-op.]]
** [[spoiler: Does she count as a trap if she's post op? Also, YouShouldKnowThisAlready.]]
* About 85 Percent of dancers in any of fan-made or official ''Caramelldansen'' videos.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* Yumi Ishiyama in the first episode of ''CodeLyoko'', "[=TeddyGozilla=]". Also Noémie, a minor character.
* Starfire from ''TeenTitans''. Thigh-high boots, very very short skirt, yeah, SHE'S HOT.
* Portia Gibbons from ''TheMightyB''. Imagine her in five years time...
* Sheila from the ''[[Series/DungeonsAndDragons Dungeons & Dragons]]'' cartoon gives us the thigh-high boots with short tunic variant.
* Yori in ''KimPossible''.
* Various outfits worn by the ''{{Winx Club}}'''s protagonists sport this, including Bloom's season 2 casual outfit and Stella's Believix costume.
* Sari Sumdac of ''TransformersAnimated'' starting in Season 3.
* Various outfits in ''TotallySpies!''
* ''{{Huntik}}'''s [[{{Tsundere}} Sophie]] [[SquishyWizard Casterwill]] has stockings of a different length, giving her an A Rank (or maybe B+) on her left leg, and a C Rank on her right. Does Zettai Ryouiki average or revert to the lowest common leg?
** The Grade of Zettai Ryouiki depends on the total area of exposed thigh, therefore, it averages.
* ''HiHiPuffyAmiYumi'' Ami wears a short dress with thigh high boots thus fulfilling this trope. Yumi is in a similar boat, except sure wears biker shorts under her skirt and just ends up with bare knees.
* Several of the girls on ''{{Jem}}'' have this at various points in the series. One example being Aja's workout outfit, which has this at grade A.
* Evangelyne from ''{{Wakfu}}''; another case of thigh-high boots with miniskirt.
* In ''[[Series/LegionOfSuperHeroes Legion of Super-Heroes]]'', Zettai Ryouiki can be seen in the costumes worn by Triplicate Girl, Triplicate Girl, and Triplicate Girl.
* ''ScoobyDoo'': Velma Dinkley's trademark outfit qualifies as Grade C.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Real Life]]
* It seems that this is fashionable for this year (2009)'s fall season. Grades C and B seem the most popular, while some places do carry grade A.
* Surprisingly, some ''male'' soccer players are able to pull the shorts variant of Grade C more or less succesfully. This is actually a JustifiedTrope, since the long socks help them keep their shinguards in place. Pay attention the next time you see David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo on screen...
* Jlist.com now sells a shirt praising the style: [[http://www.jbox.com/TOPPROD/TS#SHIRT-SKIRT1 Link]]
* Part of the so-called racy outfits used in the ([[FetishRetardant attempted]]) suggestive routine that got the Jonesboro high dance team disbanded. [[http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4387768/11771275 Link]]; actually probably ''is'' SFW, because the lack of an HD version means your choices are really small or really blurry and the sound is, well, exactly what you'd expect from a high school gymnasium.
* Volleyball uniforms with knee high socks will most likely be connected to knee pads giving it the illusion of Grade C Zettai Ryouiki (ActionGirl variant).
[[/folder]]

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