History of Pantyhose
Pantyhose revolutionized women's legwear when they emerged in the late 1950s and exploded in popularity during the 1960s miniskirt era.
Origins
The Problem
- Stockings required garter belts
- Belts uncomfortable and complicated
- Stocking tops visible with short skirts
- Active women needed better solution
The Solution
- 1959: Allen Gant Sr. of Glen Raven Mills
- Combined stockings with panties
- Called them "Panti-Legs"
- Later renamed "pantyhose"
The Miniskirt Connection
Pantyhose success tied directly to rising hemlines:
- 1965: Mary Quant popularizes miniskirt
- Short skirts exposed stocking tops
- Pantyhose solved the problem perfectly
- Sales exploded
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1959 | First pantyhose patented |
| 1965 | Mass market adoption begins |
| 1968 | Pantyhose outsell stockings |
| 1970 | 350+ million pairs sold annually |
Why Women Loved Them
- No garter belt needed
- All-in-one convenience
- Work with any skirt length
- More comfortable
- Stayed up reliably
Evolution
- 1960s: Basic sheer styles
- 1970s: Control top introduced
- 1980s: Fashion patterns emerge
- 1990s: Sheer-to-waist popular
- Today: Countless varieties
Impact on Stockings
Pantyhose didn't kill stockings entirely:
- Stockings became specialty/glamour item
- Hold-ups (stay-ups) bridged gap
- Vintage revivals keep stockings alive