Hosiery in Film
From golden age Hollywood to modern cinema, hosiery has played significant roles in costume design, character development, and creating iconic moments. Film both reflected and shaped hosiery fashion for decades.
Golden Age Hollywood (1930s-1950s)
The Glamour Standard
Studios demanded perfection:
- Flawless stockings required
- Seamed stockings standard
- Costume departments stocked thousands
- Multiple pairs per scene (for consistency)
Iconic Moments
- Gilda (1946): Rita Hayworth's legendary leg reveal
- The Seven Year Itch (1955): Marilyn Monroe over subway grate
- Some Like It Hot (1959): Comedy with stocking gags
Wartime Films
During WWII:
- Stocking scenes were morale boosters
- Pin-up imagery in military films
- Betty Grable's famous legs
- Leg art as patriotic symbol
1960s Cinema
Mod and Beyond
- Colored tights appeared on screen
- Pantyhose replaced stockings
- Go-go boots over tights
- Bold fashion statements
Key Films
- Blow-Up (1966): Mod fashion showcase
- Barbarella (1968): Futuristic hosiery
- The Graduate (1967): Iconic leg shot
1970s-1980s
Disco and Power
- Shimmery, sparkle tights
- Dancewear influence
- Leg warmers over tights
- Power dressing on screen
Notable Films
- Saturday Night Fever (1977): Disco glamour
- Working Girl (1988): Corporate hosiery
- Flashdance (1983): Leg warmers phenomenon
1990s-2000s
Period Films Revive Interest
Costume dramas sparked nostalgia:
- Titanic (1997): Edwardian hosiery
- Chicago (2002): Fishnet extravaganza
- Moulin Rouge (2001): Theatrical stockings
Modern Films
- The Secretary (2002): Office hosiery focus
- Black Swan (2010): Ballet tights
- Mad Men (TV): Vintage hosiery revival
Costume Design Insights
Why Hosiery Matters
- Signals character's era
- Indicates social class
- Creates visual continuity
- Defines character personality
Challenges
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Runs during filming | Multiple identical pairs |
| Period accuracy | Custom-made reproductions |
| Lighting issues | Specific denier for camera |
| Continuity | Dedicated hosiery supervisor |
Hosiery Symbolism in Film
- Putting on stockings: Preparation, seduction
- Removing stockings: Intimacy, vulnerability
- Torn stockings: Danger, distress
- Perfect stockings: Control, sophistication
- Fishnets: Rebellion, sexuality
Film's Influence on Fashion
Cinema shaped hosiery trends:
- Movie stars set leg fashion
- Costume looks copied by public
- Period films revived vintage styles
- Dance films popularized specific looks