The wear, care, and glamour of vintage stockings

There is nothing that makes me feel more like a vintage bombshell than wearing a pair of beautiful seamed stockings. Stockings mix femininity and glamour with a bit of coquettish modesty, which in my opinion is so much more alluring than a bare leg for all to see - something that would have been considered very risque and inappropriate!

It's a shame that stockings have fallen out of fashion, though in today's practical world I suppose I can see why. Stockings are precious and delicate and need to be treated with care, which can make them slightly intimidating to spend your hard earned money on. In fact, during the wartime era, most women were forced to stop wearing stockings because they became too much of an indulgence on a rationed budget - oh the horror! Unlike tights, stay ups, or pantyhose, stockings need to be attached to a garter belt which becomes an added expense. But whenever the occasion arises, I love to slip into my stockings and all the under trimmings that go along with them.

What Katie Did has been a pioneer of true vintage stockings and lingerie for the modern woman. Over the years I have amassed a collection of pieces from their catalog - my favorite being their 1940s Cuban heel seamed stockings. They make me feel oh so film noir worn with a garter and waterfall skirt or underneath a black 1940s dress for a date night. Their stockings are produced in one of the last factories in England that create authentic 1940s fully fashioned stockings still made of nylon. These are less forgiving as they lack the slight stretch of seamed stockings. Instead, they're sewn and formed on reading machines into the shape of a leg, so proper sizing (according to the size of the foot) is critical. 

Later, seamed stockings became available which proved to be a more practical option for women, and a great starting point for those new to wearing stockings. Seamed stockings, especially those of the 1940s, were still sheer but often slightly darker than the skin, with lovely heel designs that were also usually reinforced to give the stocking added strength. Heels and seams were darkened to add contrast to the leg (and they look great on camera, too!).  

If you're looking to take a dip into the world of vintage hosiery, here's a quick guide to get you started on how to care for your beloved stockings:

Storing: Store worn stockings in a safe place like a lingerie bag, laundry bag, or silk pouch that ties up. This will prevent your stockings from getting caught on hooks or other metal hardware.

Wearing: Make sure your hands and feet are smooth, nails filed, and all jewelry removed. Gently roll up the stocking until all the nylon is gathered in your hand, between your thumb (inside the stocking) and the rest of your fingers on the outside. Holding the stocking open, gingerly slip your foot in, and then in one smooth motion glide the stocking up your leg. The better you get at applying your stocking, the straighter your seam will be! Smooth out the stocking with the palms of your hand.  

Caring: Do not pull or tug when putting on your stockings - this is the fastest way to get runs! Most damage done to stockings occurs when either putting them on and taking them off. Some choose to wear a pair of cotton gloves when getting dressed to help prevent nicks from your hands and nails. In a dire situation, rips can be mended and/or darned. 

Washing: Stockings should be washed frequently - once a week is fine. Wash your stockings in a smooth bowl rather than a wash basin equipped with metal hardware, in tepid sudsy water. In another bowl of clean water, thoroughly rinse before squeezing out the excess water - do not twist or ring your stocking. Hang to dry by the toe in a cool, dark place away from direct heat and sunlight and preserve them so they stay clean in an old jam jar!

 
- Miss 1949