Back Seam

The back seam is a vertical line running up the back of stockings or pantyhose. Originally a manufacturing necessity on fully fashioned stockings, the back seam became an iconic fashion element that continues to symbolize vintage glamour and feminine allure.

History of the Back Seam

The back seam has a practical origin:

• Pre-1940: All stockings were flat-knitted and sewn together—seam was structural
• 1940s-50s: Golden age of seamed stockings, became a fashion icon
• 1959: Circular knitting enabled seamless hosiery
• 1960s: Seamless became the norm, seams faded
• Today: Back seams are purely decorative, added for style

Types of Back Seams

True Seam

On fully fashioned stockings, the seam is actual sewing where flat fabric was joined. Premium, authentic vintage style.

Faux Seam

A decorative line knitted or printed into seamless hosiery. Looks similar but purely aesthetic, not structural.

Contrast Seam

Black seam on nude stockings—maximum visibility and drama. The classic vintage look.

Self-Color Seam

Seam matches stocking color—subtle, elegant, sophisticated.

Seam with Heel Styles

Back seams pair with various heel reinforcement designs:

• Cuban Heel: Dark contrasting square heel—iconic 1940s-50s look
• French Heel: Smaller heel section meeting the seam
• Point Heel: Heel comes to a point at seam junction
• Havana Heel: Taller, elongated heel design

Keeping Seams Straight

The notorious challenge of seamed stockings—tips for perfect seams:

• Start right: Position seam center-back before attaching garters
• Equal tension: Front and back garter straps should pull evenly
• Adjust front/back: Tweaking garter lengths affects seam position
• Use a mirror: Check from behind periodically
• Practice: Seam alignment improves with experience
• Accept imperfection: Perfectly straight seams are difficult—slight variations are normal

Back Seam Visibility

Consider when seams will (and won't) be seen:

• Skirt length: Shorter = more seam visible
• Sitting: Seams show when legs are crossed
• Walking: Movement reveals seams
• High heels: Elevate and elongate the leg, showcasing seams

Back Seam Pantyhose

Seams aren't limited to stockings—back seam pantyhose offer the look with all-in-one convenience:

• Decorative seam up back of each leg
• No garter belt required
• Often paired with faux "garter" detail at thigh

Styling Back Seams

• Vintage/retro: Natural pairing with 1940s-50s inspired outfits
• Pinup: Essential element of pinup fashion
• Evening wear: Elegant touch for formal occasions
• Boudoir: Classic intimate apparel styling
• Modern edge: Back seams with contemporary outfits for contrast