Prints, Textures, And More! A Look Back On Stocking Variations

We’re back this week with some more interesting facts about the history of stockings. We’ve talked before about their origins which date way back to the Renaissance age, but what most of us are striving to recreate are the looks from the 20’s-50’s. In the 1920’s women were finally allowed to show off their legs! After all, after it had been dubbed “in style” by the start of the flapper era, it was no longer frowned upon for women to show off their legs above knee length. And man, are we grateful for that movement! We recognize the flapper uniform usually by the iconic dress with tassels that move and shake with your body, usually accompanied by fishnet stockings, or stockings with a backseam. Either way, this was one of the starts of the biggest surges in stocking sales. Designers and manufacturers quickly figured out how much fun they could have with such a sheer and delicate material. While originally used to create a flawless appearance of the leg, soon people began to see stockings with textures such as the fishnets, and tons of designs, prints and patterns were brought into play as well.

The most popular were elaborate heel designs — instead of having the traditional European or French heel outline, you would begin to see outlines that were much more involved. This turned over to the front of the stocking as well, with additional designs being seen around the ankle, as pictured below.
Since stockings could be worn for any occasion, formal to casual, full-leg prints were often incorporated for sportier or more laid back times – checkers and diamond prints were a popular favorite. In addition to the patterns, you could also find stockings in a rainbow of different color offerings. As expected, the younger crowds (specifically the flappers) were a little more outgoing with their color and print choices, while it was known that the more “sophisticated” women kept to neutral colors and subtle prints.
In our store you can find stockings in all different shades, prints and textures as well! For instance, we just got in new prints with the Colette Pinstripe, Vintage Dot Backseam, and Vintage Dot Reinforced Heel and Toe stocking options.  You’ll also find our Classic RHT Stocking in a variety of colors, and of course our popular Fishnet Pantyhose.

No matter what look you want to recreate, we’ve got you covered – in the sheerest and most glamorous vintage reproduction stockings! Be sure to check the website for fabulous new arrivals, and unbelievable bargains being added to the sale room.

Prints, Textures, And More! A Look Back On Stocking Variations | Stockings and Lingerie Blog | Secrets In Lace