Retro Hosiery Style

Each decade had its distinctive hosiery look. From the elegant stockings of the 1950s to the colorful tights of the 1970s, retro styles offer endless inspiration.

1950s Style

The Classic Look

Post-war glamour and femininity:

• Fully-fashioned stockings
• Back seams always
• Cuban heels popular
• Nude and tan shades dominant
• Garter belts universal

1950s Colors

• Nude/Natural
• Suntan
• Barely black (subtle tint)
• Occasional dark seams for drama

Recreating 1950s Style

• Seamed stockings with circle skirts
• Cuban heel for authentic look
• Vintage-style garter belt
• Classic pumps or kitten heels

1960s Style

The Mod Revolution

Youth culture transformed hosiery:

• Pantyhose invented (1959)
• Colored and patterned tights emerge
• Mini skirts demand new solutions
• Opaque tights become fashion

1960s Colors & Patterns

• Bold primary colors
• Geometric patterns
• White tights with go-go boots
• Black opaque with mini dresses

Recreating 1960s Style

• White opaque tights + mini dress
• Bold colored tights + shift dress
• Patterned tights as statement
• Pair with Mary Janes or go-go boots

1970s Style

Freedom & Expression

Diverse styles coexisted:

• Pantyhose becomes standard
• Colored and textured options explode
• First stirrup pants appear
• Disco brings sparkle

1970s Looks

• Bohemian: Earth tones, textured tights
• Disco: Shimmer, metallics, sparkle
• Preppy: Knee socks, argyle patterns
• Punk: Fishnets, ripped tights emerge late 70s

Recreating 1970s Style

• Brown and orange opaque tights
• Textured/ribbed styles
• Knee-high socks with platform shoes
• Shimmer tights for disco revival

Sourcing Retro Hosiery

Reproduction Brands

• What Katie Did: 1950s reproductions
• Secrets in Lace: Vintage-style stockings
• Stockings HQ: Various eras
• Trasparenze: Italian vintage-inspired

Authentic Vintage

• eBay for NOS (new old stock)
• Estate sales occasionally have hosiery
• Vintage shops (rare to find unworn)
• Handle with care—old elastic may fail

Retro-Inspired Outfits

50s Complete Look

• Full circle skirt or pencil dress
• Seamed stockings in nude/tan
• Vintage-style garter belt
• Pumps with pointed or round toe
• Victory rolls or pin curls

60s Complete Look

• A-line mini dress
• Colored opaque tights
• Mary Janes or go-go boots
• Geometric earrings
• Dramatic eye makeup

70s Complete Look

• Flared pants or maxi skirt
• Textured tights if skirt
• Platform shoes
• Earth tones or disco shimmer
• Feathered hair

Modern Retro Styling

Incorporate vintage elements into contemporary outfits:

• Seamed stockings with modern dress
• Opaque colored tights year-round
• Mix decades for eclectic look
• One retro element at a time for subtle nod