Post-War Hosiery (1945-1959)
After years of wartime rationing, nylon stockings returned with a vengeance. The post-war era became the golden age of hosiery—a time of elegance, femininity, and the iconic seamed stocking look we now call "vintage."
Nylon Returns
When nylon production resumed for civilian use in 1945, demand was explosive:
- Women lined up for hours at stores
- Nylon riots occurred in some cities
- Black market prices soared
- Production couldn't meet demand for months
By 1946, supply stabilized and nylon stockings became everyday reality.
The New Look
Christian Dior's 1947 "New Look" revolutionized fashion and hosiery:
- Longer, fuller skirts (mid-calf)
- Ultra-feminine silhouettes
- Elegant, refined aesthetic
- Perfect stockings essential to the look
Hosiery became crucial to achieving the polished feminine ideal.
The Seamed Stocking Era
The 1950s were the height of seamed stocking culture:
Seam Obsession
- Perfectly straight seams were essential
- Crooked seams were fashion disasters
- Women checked mirrors constantly
- Friends helped adjust back seams
- Special seam straighteners sold
Popular Styles
- Fully fashioned: Premium construction
- Cuban heels: Decorative heel squares
- French heels: Curved elegance
- Point heels: Subtle refinement
Colors and Shades
The era had distinct color preferences:
- Nude/flesh tones: Standard daywear
- Suntan: Popular summer shade
- Dark seams: On nude legs for drama
- Black: Evening or formal
- Gray: Winter sophistication
Garter Belts & Girdles
Stockings required support garments:
- Garter belts for slim figures
- Girdles with attached garters for shaping
- Roll-on girdles popular with younger women
- Adjusting garters was daily routine
The inconvenience of garters would eventually drive pantyhose development.
Hollywood Influence
Movie stars shaped hosiery fashion:
Icons
- Marilyn Monroe: Sensual stocking moments
- Betty Grable: Famous legs, famous stockings
- Audrey Hepburn: Elegant simplicity
- Grace Kelly: Refined glamour
Pin-Up Culture
Pin-up art celebrated stockinged legs:
- Alberto Vargas illustrations
- Gil Elvgren paintings
- Seamed stockings became sensual symbol
- Influenced fashion and advertising
Care and Economy
Nylon was precious even post-war:
- Careful hand washing mandatory
- Runs were mended or stopped with nail polish
- Hosiery repair shops common
- "Run-stop" products sold widely
- Proper storage extended life
Leading Manufacturers
- Hanes: American quality standard
- Belle-Sharmeer: Size innovations
- Cannon: Mass market
- Aristoc: British elegance
- Pretty Polly: UK favorite
End of an Era
The late 1950s brought changes:
- Seamless stockings emerging
- Younger women seeking convenience
- Early pantyhose experiments
- Miniskirt approaching (next decade)
The seamed stocking era was ending, but its elegance remains iconic.