Fashion Marks
Fashion marks (also called fashioning points or fashion points) are small dots or marks visible along the back seam of fully fashioned stockings. They indicate where stitches were decreased during knitting to shape the stocking to the leg.
What Causes Them
Fully fashioned stockings are knitted flat and then seamed. To shape the stocking (narrower at ankle, wider at calf and thigh), stitches are decreased at regular intervals. Each decrease point creates a small mark.
Appearance
- Location: Along the back seam
- Pattern: Regular intervals up the leg
- Look: Small dots or bumps
- Visibility: More obvious on sheer stockings
Sign of Quality
Fashion marks are a hallmark of authentic fully fashioned construction:
- Indicates true vintage manufacturing method
- Shows genuine shaping (not just added seam)
- Mark of premium hosiery
- Collectors prize visible fashion marks
Vintage vs. Modern
| Feature | Vintage/Fully Fashioned | Modern Mock Seam |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion marks | Present | Absent |
| Seam | Real (sewn) | Printed/knitted in |
| Shaping | True leg shape | Stretch to fit |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Finding Them
- Vintage stockings from pre-1970s
- Modern reproductions (specialty brands)
- Premium heritage hosiery manufacturers