1960s Hosiery Fashion

The 1960s transformed hosiery more dramatically than any other decade. The rise of youth culture, the mini skirt, and changing social attitudes created the conditions for pantyhose to replace stockings.

Early 1960s (1960-1963)

Still Traditional

• 1950s styles continued
• Stockings with garter belts standard
• Seamless stockings gaining ground
• Colors mostly neutral

Beginning of Change

• Youth culture emerging
• Hemlines slowly rising
• First commercial pantyhose appearing

Mid 1960s (1964-1966)

Fashion Revolution

Mary Quant's mini skirt changed everything:

• 1964: Mini skirt debuts in London
• Hemlines rise dramatically
• Garter belt tops become visible problem
• Demand for alternatives grows

Pantyhose Rise

• Pantyhose solve the mini skirt problem
• No visible garter belt tops
• Seamless look under short skirts
• Major brands enter market

Late 1960s (1967-1969)

Pantyhose Dominance

• By 1968, pantyhose outsell stockings
• L'eggs launch (1969) revolutionizes distribution
• Stockings become specialty/lingerie items
• Industry restructures around pantyhose

Fashion Hosiery

• Bold colors emerge
• Patterned tights popular
• Textured options expand
• Opaque tights for mod look

Mod Style

The Look

• Geometric patterns
• Bold contrasts
• Op-art influence
• Black and white graphics

Hosiery Elements

• White or colored tights
• Opaque coverage
• Patterned options
• Matching accessories

Color Revolution

New Palette

Beyond traditional nude and black:

• White (signature mod color)
• Silver and metallic
• Pastels
• Bright primary colors

Cultural Significance

• Colored hosiery signaled youthfulness
• Rejected mother's generation
• Part of overall fashion rebellion

Textured Hosiery

New Options

• Ribbed tights
• Cable knit
• Lace patterns
• Fishnets

Fashion Context

• Go-go boots paired with tights
• Mini dresses required leg coverage
• Legs as fashion statement

Social Changes

Youth Culture Impact

• Baby boomers as consumers
• Young women driving fashion
• Rejection of older generation's norms
• Sexual revolution influences

Women's Liberation

• Convenience valued over tradition
• Pantyhose = more practical
• Freedom of movement
• Less fussy dressing

Industry Transformation

Manufacturing Changes

• Shift from stocking to pantyhose production
• New machinery needed
• Companies adapted or closed
• Larger scale production

Distribution Revolution

• Supermarket sales emerge
• Self-service displays
• Lower price points
• Mass market approach