Today I will talk a bit about stockings.
Stockings are inevitable for any true fan of vintage fashion. My opinion is that today nobody makes stockings like those from the 40's and 50's to early 60's when they started adding Lycra, except for Cervin. I am delighted by their choice of combination and colors, especially with nylon quality.
Stockings most similar to the originals from the 50's are gorgeous Cervin Havana Couture 15 denier Fully Fashion stockings with Havana heel.
My favorite brand for everyday wear is Clio RHT stockings, very durable, wonderful natural colors and smooth satin touch.
Most stockings are made by Fully Fashioned ltd in England on the original 1950's knitting machines. They are beautiful but the quality of the nylon is sadly not the same. I have to say that those vintage look stockings are more sensitive then old originals.
For those who are interested to purchase high-quality nylon stockings I recommend Cervin and Secrets in Lace (also available in Europe). They have the largest and most diverse selection of stockings.
This is not a paid advertisement, just my personal opinion.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
The first fine gauge silk stockings for women appeared in the 1920th.
During World War II and the shortage of nylon and silk, stockings are made of rayon. After the war the production of silk stockings came to an end, to be replaced with nylon.
1939. Nylon, which has been recently discovered by William Carothers, is used as a textile fibre and on the 15th May 1940. (the famous "Nylon Day") 4 million pairs of nylon stockings go on sale on the US market.
1967 arrival of the Mary Quant and the mini skirt on the fashion scene marked decline in sales of stockings in favor of tights.
TYPES OF STOCKINGS
Fully Fashioned ( FF ) stockings
You will recognize FF stockings by seam and finishing loop on the welt."Fully-fashioned stockings are knitted flat, and the two sides are united afterwards by a seam up the back. As a result of decreasing stitches over the calf to make the hose narrower in the ankle, small "fashion markings" or loops are visible running parallel to either side of the seam. The popularity of the full fashioned stockings, at a peak immediately after World War II, has declined since the introduction of seamless hosiery."
Reinforced Heel and Toe ( RHT )
or Seamless stockings
"The stress areas such as the toe or heel have been strengthened with yarns of heavier denier. The knit of reinforced areas of stockings is normally plain (flat) knit, as micromesh is more inclined to snag."
Sandal Heel
"Stocking without reinforcement in the heel area. The exact same knitting is used as in the boot or leg of the stocking. Enjoys a popular appeal thanks to the open-heeled or sling-back shoe."
Sandal Foot
"This is a nude toe, meaning no heavier yarn in the toe than is in the leg."