History of Hosiery
Hosiery has a rich history spanning thousands of years, evolving from simple foot coverings to the sophisticated nylon stockings and pantyhose we know today. This journey reflects changes in technology, fashion, gender roles, and society itself.
Timeline Overview
| Era | Development |
|---|---|
| Ancient times | Woven and sewn foot coverings |
| 8th century | Hand-knitted stockings emerge |
| 1589 | Knitting machine invented |
| 1800s | Industrial production begins |
| 1939 | Nylon invented |
| 1940 | Nylon stockings go on sale |
| 1959 | Pantyhose invented |
| 1960s-70s | Pantyhose replace stockings |
| 1980s-present | Diverse options, fashion cycles |
Key Historical Articles
The Invention of Nylon
How DuPont created the "miracle fiber" that revolutionized hosiery in 1939.
The Nylon Riots of 1945
When WWII ended and nylon stockings returned, women rioted to get them.
WWII Nylon Rationing
How the war effort took nylon away and women painted seams on their legs.
The Silk Stocking Era
Before nylon: how silk stockings dominated from ancient times to 1940.
1920s Hosiery: The Flapper Revolution
How flappers transformed stockings from hidden underwear to visible fashion.
1950s: The Golden Age
Peak elegance—Cuban heels, seamed stockings, and feminine glamour.
Fully Fashioned Stockings
The seamed stockings that defined elegance for 40 years.
The Seamless Revolution
How circular knitting ended the seamed stocking era in the 1960s.
The Miniskirt Revolution
How Mary Quant's creation made stockings obsolete and pantyhose essential.
The Invention of Pantyhose
How the miniskirt era drove the creation of all-in-one hosiery.
The L'eggs Story
How the egg-shaped container revolutionized hosiery retail.
The Ancient Origins
Leg coverings date back to prehistoric times. Early humans wrapped animal skins around their feet and legs for protection and warmth. Archaeological evidence shows:
- Egypt (3000 BCE): Woven socks found in tombs
- Roman Empire: "Udones" - wrapped cloth leg coverings
- Medieval Europe: Hose sewn from woven fabric
The Knitting Revolution
Hand-knitting transformed hosiery around the 8th century. Knitted fabric stretched to fit the leg better than woven cloth. By the 1500s, knitted silk stockings were prized possessions of European royalty.
In 1589, William Lee invented the stocking frame—a mechanical knitting machine. Queen Elizabeth I refused him a patent, fearing it would put hand-knitters out of work. The machine eventually spread, making stockings more affordable.
The Industrial Age
The 1800s brought factory production of hosiery. Cotton stockings became accessible to the middle class. By the early 1900s, silk stockings were the pinnacle of elegance—expensive, delicate, and deeply desired.
The Nylon Revolution
When DuPont unveiled nylon stockings in 1939, they changed fashion forever. Nylon was stronger than silk, more affordable, and could be manufactured in unlimited quantities. The demand was overwhelming—women queued for hours to buy them.
World War II interrupted production (nylon was needed for parachutes), making stockings even more precious. Women drew seam lines on bare legs to fake the look.
The Pantyhose Transition
The 1960s miniskirt made garter-belt stockings impractical—they showed beneath short hemlines. Pantyhose, invented in 1959, offered the solution: all-in-one hosiery from waist to toe.
By the 1970s, pantyhose had largely replaced stockings for everyday wear. Stockings became associated with special occasions, lingerie, and vintage style.
Modern Era
Today's hosiery market offers unprecedented variety:
- Sheer to opaque options
- Control top and compression technology
- Hold-ups with silicone bands
- Vintage-style seamed stockings
- Fashion tights in every color and pattern
The "bare legs" trend has fluctuated, but hosiery remains essential for many occasions and climates.