Celebrity Hosiery Through History

From pin-up queens to modern pop stars, celebrities have shaped hosiery fashion and turned legs into cultural icons. Their stockinged legs graced magazine covers, billboards, and bedroom walls.

The Golden Age Icons

Betty Grable (1916-1973)

The original "million-dollar legs"—literally. Grable's legs were insured by Lloyd's of London for $1 million.

• WWII pin-up queen
• Iconic over-the-shoulder pose
• Perfect seamed stocking ambassador
• Boosted wartime morale
• Set standard for leg glamour

Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992)

Legendary legs that defied age:

• Performed in stockings into her 70s
• Pioneered nude illusion stockings in cabaret
• Androgynous, powerful leg aesthetic
• "Best legs in the business"

Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)

Sensuality personified:

• Seamed stockings in countless films
• The skirt-blowing scene (with stockings)
• Playful, accessible sexuality
• Pin-up influence continues today

The Elegant Ladies

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)

Refined hosiery style:

• Black tights in "Funny Face"
• Elegant simplicity
• Little black dress + sheer stockings
• Timeless sophisticated look

Grace Kelly (1929-1982)

Royal elegance:

• Perfect sheer stockings
• Never a seam out of place
• Defined "ladylike" hosiery
• Continued influence as Princess of Monaco

The Swinging Sixties

Twiggy (1949-)

Mod revolution:

• Colored tights phenomenon
• Miniskirt + bold hosiery
• Made tights fashionable
• Youthful, playful approach

Brigitte Bardot (1934-)

French sensuality:

• Fishnet stockings popularizer
• Garter belt visibility as fashion
• Casual sexuality
• Influenced European trends

Pop Culture Icons

Madonna (1958-)

Hosiery as statement:

• Visible garters in performances
• Fishnet revival in the '80s
• Cone bras + stockings aesthetic
• Made hosiery rebellious again

Tina Turner (1939-2023)

Legendary legs, legendary performer:

• Performed in stockings and heels
• Athletic, powerful aesthetic
• Legs insured for $3.2 million
• Redefined leg glamour for mature women

Modern Era

Dita Von Teese (1972-)

Vintage revival queen:

• Brought seamed stockings back
• Burlesque renaissance leader
• Advocates authentic vintage hosiery
• Modern pin-up inspiration

Burlesque Style →

Beyoncé

Contemporary leg glamour:

• Nude illusion stockings in performances
• Bold hosiery choices
• Influential on young fans
• Brought hosiery to pop mainstream

Taylor Swift

Vintage-modern blend:

• Retro-inspired tights in Eras Tour
• Classic stockings in music videos
• Made hosiery "cool" for Gen Z

Fashion Industry Icons

Supermodel Era

• Naomi Campbell: Runway leg perfection
• Claudia Schiffer: Classic stockings ambassador
• Kate Moss: Cool-girl hosiery
• Heidi Klum: Lingerie brand partnerships

Celebrity Hosiery Moments