1950s Hosiery

The 1950s represented the golden age of stockings—a time of glamour, femininity, and the peak of fully fashioned hosiery.

The Era's Style

• Post-war prosperity
• Emphasis on femininity
• Glamorous Hollywood influence
• Stockings essential for proper dress

Dominant Styles

Seamed Stockings

• Still the norm in early 50s
• Back seams standard feature
• Seam straightness was important

Cuban Heels

• Square reinforced heel
• Fashionable detail
• Visible with heeled shoes

Colors

• Nude tones dominant
• Names like "Suntan," "Barely There"
• Matched to outfit and occasion

The Seamless Revolution

Mid-1950s brought change:

• Seamless stockings introduced
• Circular knitting technology
• No seam to keep straight
• Gradually replaced seamed

Social Expectations

• Bare legs considered improper
• Stockings worn year-round
• Part of "put-together" appearance
• Multiple pairs owned

Cultural Icons

• Marilyn Monroe: Glamour association
• Audrey Hepburn: Elegant simplicity
• Pin-up art: Stockings featured prominently

End of an Era

Late 1950s changes:

• Pantyhose invented (1959)
• Would transform next decade
• Seamless becoming preferred