WWII Hosiery

World War II dramatically impacted the hosiery industry, creating shortages that changed women's fashion and attitudes toward leg wear.

Before the War

• Nylon stockings just introduced (1940)
• Hugely popular, seen as miracle fiber
• Replacing silk rapidly
• 64 million pairs sold first year

Wartime Restrictions

1942: Production Halts

• U.S. enters war after Pearl Harbor
• DuPont shifts to military production
• Nylon needed for parachutes
• Rope, tire cords, bomber fuel tanks

Impact

• No new nylon stockings available
• Existing pairs precious commodities
• Black market prices soared
• Some women traded for stockings

Alternatives Women Used

Leg Makeup

• Gravy browning
• Commercial leg paint
• Eyebrow pencil seams

Rayon Stockings

• Available but inferior
• Less durable
• Bagged and sagged

Going Bare

• Socially more acceptable during war
• Patriotic to sacrifice stockings
• Changed attitudes long-term

The Home Front

Stocking drives collected old nylons:

• Recycled into war materials
• Powder bags, parachutes
• Women donated worn-out pairs
• Patriotic duty

Post-War: The Nylon Riots

When production resumed (1945):

• Massive pent-up demand
• Supply couldn't meet demand
• Women queued for hours
• Physical fights in some stores
• Pittsburgh: 40,000 women, 13,000 pairs

Lasting Effects

• Nylon production expanded massively
• Bare legs became more acceptable
• Hosiery seen as luxury, not necessity
• Appreciation for stockings increased