“In just a handful of years, vintage nylons will completely disappear from the face of the earth,” says vintage stocking collector Steve, who also runs Stocking Showcase. And that’s enough motivation for him and others like him.
But aside from the stockings themselves, and perhaps pinups, what is there for collectors to covet in the realm of vintage stockings?
Vintage nylon stockings have a history as long and lovely as their back seams, for it took twelve years and $27 million to create, refine and develop the industrial processes for nylon.
This naturally leaves a paper trail for collectors who desire to document the birth of nylon.
Du Pont chemist Wallace Hume Carothers invented Fiber 66 — or nylon as we now call it — and it made its debut on the lovely legs of Miss Chemistry at the World’s Fair in 1939.
Miss Chemistry emerged from a test tube, a testament to modern science. (She may not have been a test tube baby, but she was a test tube babe!)
Photo of Miss Chemistry at 1939 Golden Gate Exposition
This same exhibit of Miss Chemistry and her test tube was shown again at the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco, and the theme was often repeated in advertising as well.
Collectors desire early photographs and items showing Miss Chemistry, such as the Du Pont publication shown below. Some collectors have even started collecting World’s Fair memorabilia for its connections to nylon’s debut.
1940's Du Pont Magazine Cover
Nylons went on sale to the general public in May 15, 1940, aka N-day. In that first year, DuPont sold 64 million pairs of stockings. That year much nylon was used to create the tornado in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” I’m sure many a vintage nylon stocking collector would love to get their hands on that tornado!
Not long after N-Day, “Nylon Mania” ensued. In part because Du Pont spared little expense in promoting nylon, but also because nylon was a thrilling ‘modern marvel’, the product of science. Ads from this time period are plentiful, and pretty to display.
Of course, World War II meant Du Pont would cease its nylon stocking production to meet wartime needs. They produced parachutes, airplane tire cords, and glider tow ropes for the military, and some collectors also seek these items to preserve the integrity of this time period. The nylon stocking shortage created such a demand in the US that women began paying as much as $20 on the black market for stockings which had previously cost just over one dollar. This time is referred to as “Stocking Panic.”
Stocking Panic was so intense that nylon stockings made the new. For example, police in Chicago ruled out robbery as a motive in a murder case just because six pair of nylon stockings (that would be $120 worth of valuable property) had been left at the scene of the crime. Collectors love to get such news clippings.
In August of 1945, a mere eight days after Japan’s surrender, Du Pont announced that it would immediately return to producing nylon stockings. Thus ends “Stocking Panic” — and begins “Nylon Riots.”
The riots began because Du Pont could not make the wartime conversions fast enough to keep up with consumer demands. Nylons once again made newspaper headlines as women, who had been standing in line for hours were turned away without even seeing the stockings, began to fight and riot. Collectors love the headlines, sure, but the photographs are most sought after.
Hundreds of women in New York wait in line to buy hosiery after the war.
It took until March of 1946 for Du Pont to meet consumer demand and end the “Nylon Riots.” But by then, Du Pont wasn’t using nylon only for fashion hosiery. Now Du Pont’s advertising featured a woman in a nylon dress, and nylon was adopted for use in lingerie and foundation garments. Many vintage nylon stocking collectors willingly accept these ads, and even the garments themselves, into their collections. And why not? Just as stockings do not make the whole outfit, neither are they the entire story.
[All black and white photographs courtesy of the Hagley Museum and Library]
Tags: Dupont, Fiber 66, Miss Chemistry, nylon, stockings, vintage, Worlds Fair
Permalink | 35 Comments »
February 4th, 2007 at 2:51 AM
need some pics of nylon….PLZ
April 29th, 2007 at 6:55 PM
hello, i love the “quote” vintage nylons,for me well it all stated after the war ,i was born after WWII thats when nylons were nylons most every woman wore them.
and thats why im writing ,im so happy i found this site ,i have always wanted to tell someone how much i love nylons,oh ! sure the pantyhose and the thigh hghs are very popular,nothing but nothing beats a real pair of nylons on my legs.women that don’t wear them have never put a pair on,when i put my frist pair on up my legs ,it was the most interesting feeling,its many emontions.i am 60 yrs of age ,i still wear them today,i love the backseam,very sexy!,i wear any kind of nylons i can find ,but i really preffer the real nylons that cost so damm much now
sure they cost alot now ,if i want to wear them i have to pay the price.
i will alawys wear nylons ,as long as my fingers can hook the garter clips
i wiill probaly die wearing them and be buried with my favorite pair on.
thank you, frances campbell
August 6th, 2007 at 3:23 PM
Dear Francis, Like you Iam a child of the fifties and can remember women rushing to the stocking counter at the local department stores to take advantage of the stocking sales. Many would put them on right out in public, it made for a great viewing for a young boy. Now that Iam 59 yoa, I still love to see real women wearing stockings and appreciate the empowerment it gives them. Keep up the great work on the website, love hear back from you. Regards, Steve N.
September 13th, 2007 at 2:57 PM
[...] Ben Ullman to me show details Sep 10 (2 days ago) http://www.collectorsquest.com/blog/2006/07/31/vintage-nylon-stockings/ [...]
October 12th, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Great to find this post! Such an interesting piece of history. (that Brubaker blog trackback above is mine…)
My Grandmother, Kaye Brubaker, according to her obituary was “Miss Nylon” at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Anyone know if that is a different role than the “Miss Chemistry” mentioned above, or if the names were interchangeable…? (I don’t believe that is her in any of the photos above, but I suppose several models shared the duties…) In, the photo I have of her in the role, she wears an evening gown (not showing much leg at all), so perhaps it was a different role…
October 15th, 2007 at 2:53 PM
Hi Ben,
No I don’t know if Miss Chemistry was a different title than Miss Nylon… In my research, I had the feeling that the two names were different things, such as Miss Chemistry was perhaps the grande official announcement and Miss Nylon was in effect several models who ‘worked’ the booth/display at the fair. Or vica-versa.
I suspect the only way to know for certain would be to research the archive materials at the Hagley Museum and Library. (I did ask via the phone, but the attendant wasn’t clear either, so actual research would likely be required.)
If either were my grandma, I’d sure contact them and see what they can find out! And I’d love to see the photo!
March 1st, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Hi, do you sell vintage nylon stockings, the 1960′s style? Harry.
March 4th, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I have a tool my Father used to repair my Mother’s stockings in the late 40′s early 50′s. Wondering if this is a known stocking repair tool or if it was just something my Father had adapted for this use. It resembles a very small rug hook. If you can supply any information about stocking repair and tools during this time period, I would appreciate it.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:50 AM
[...] and 27 million to create, … Many vintage nylon stocking collectors willingly accept these ads, …http://www.collectorsquest.com/blog/2006/07/31/vintage-nylon-stockings/Making more out of less – Sydney Morning HeraldA new twist to an old outfit can be as simple as [...]
July 14th, 2008 at 7:53 PM
We are a nice family business since 1953 and have several hundred vintage nylon stockings in original boxes. The packaging is beautiful.
Front: Nice lady illustration in high heals
“flatering Seamless Stretch stockings.” “the miracle knit that really fits
*NO MORE WRINKLES
*THE MOST COMFORTABLE
STOCKING YOU’VE EVER WORN
Back: Too much to write : Washing instructionsAll Nylon, verbage is unbelievable.
Mfg by LASSITER
What are these worth? Suggestions?? Thank you.
paul@maxformal.com
July 30th, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Hello,I have been looking for a black nylon dress like the one in the dupont ad.It seems impossible to find,who knows where I can buy it,victoria.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:09 PM
To Paul:
Stretch stockings are valuable to those who need more study stockings for things like wearing under jeans, working at a job with a lot of motion, and perhaps even men. I think they could sell for at least $7 to $12 each on eBay. Hard to tell. You can find out by putting up auctions. The packaging counts, very valuable to collectors. You might want to sell them in larger quantities and show photos of the packaging.
I have about 400 pair of the slinky 15 denier stockings by Kayser and at least 50 pair of stretch, from a family store going out of business. I need to sell them, and the supply of vintage stockings is definitely shrinking, based on what I can find to buy out on the web. For example, the supply at Stocking Showcase has diminished compared to two years ago.
Good luck!
AV
ardensfca@comcast.net
August 28th, 2008 at 1:48 AM
I have some vintage sakes fifth avenue christain dior and cuban heel stockings for sale garter belts too
sawo@earthlink.net
September 8th, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I’m interested in buying all types of nylons, preferably larger sizes. Please email with list and price wanted. Thank you.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Top listing is blynndale@comcast.net
September 18th, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Have a large selection of vintage nylons available in various sizes from all the top lines of the past. Full fashioned and seamless, Haines, Berkshire, Schiparelli, Triumph, Glamour Girl, Bell Sharmer, etc. $45.00 per box (3 pairs per box) brand new original packing, etc. Contact Kars3n24@comcast.net.
October 20th, 2008 at 6:56 AM
[...] Now I just sit and wait while Hooley and his cohorts add the image (along with an image of a woman having fake stocking seams painted on) to one of the panels. The images are to appear on a panel called “Home Front Sacrifices”, which will cover such things as victory gardens, conservation, and rationing — including the story of nylon stockings in the war effort. [...]
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Back in WWII when silk & nylon stockings were in high demand, but the supply was low, women used to repair their stockings with a little machine that would fix a “run” or “ladder” as the English say. I would very much like to purchase one of these vintage machines. Would you know of anyone who might have one and be willing to sell it?
Thank you
Barbara
November 25th, 2008 at 2:47 AM
I have been selling vintage stockings online for almost ten years as Sleek ‘n Chic. I do have plenty of the stretch type, but agree that nothing can compare with the silkiness of the genuine original non-stretch nylon item! Having said that I have plenty of real silk and its cheaper brother rayon…and some of the rayon stockings do have a great sheen to them. If anyone is considering obtaining original nylon stockings, remember that sizing is much more of an issue than with modern designs – too small and they will look like knee socks on you, and too large and they will be bagging at knees and ankles! I’ve compiled a fitting table you can use to calculate your requirements here:
http://www.sleeknchic.com/html/generalinfo2.htm
Oh, and it is essential to wear fine gloves when putting on these stockings – the slightest roughness on your hand, or a sharp edge on a fingernail can ruin them in an instant.
If anyone has a quantity they wish to sell, I’m always happy to hear from you!
Debbie
March 10th, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Hi there,
I wear stockings myself as a preference to tights and am writing a piece on stockings and what they mean to people. I’m a postgraduate student in Bristol, England. I’m interested in perspectives from anyone who wears or appreciates stockings, particularly anyone who’s been wearing them for a long time, such as Frances, above. Nothing formal, and contributions can be anonymous! If anyone would like to chat I’d really appreciate it. Please contact me at talk_stockings@live.com. Thanks very much! Orla
September 18th, 2009 at 1:40 AM
I have a pair of vintage “Diane” stockings that I got from my grandmothers’ home. They are in a black box and still in the plastic packaging inside – box has a pin-up type girl on front. Any idea what these might be worth? No year anywhere that I can find.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:55 PM
i would like to buy real nylon stocking so please inform i like w/seems
alto interested in pic vintage.
A.Hansen
oldfash@start.no
November 19th, 2009 at 11:49 PM
I have a nylon repair hook by Guild. It looks like a small hook used for hooked rugs. Anyone interested? Make me an offer and it’s yours.
Still in the original envelope from the 1940′s
December 6th, 2009 at 7:36 AM
hi ive got some daylifelon stockings 10″ from 1960,they have a date of purchase and guarantee still packaged.great condition make me a good pffer and ill sell thankyou joan
December 6th, 2009 at 7:38 AM
good offer i mean haha get in touch need quick sale thankyuo,lifelon vintage stockings 10″ under guarantee,great condition original packaging .
December 11th, 2009 at 4:46 PM
I found a beautiful pair of vintage nylons at my local thrift store today. Three pair actually. They are made by National and from my brief (pun intended) research, appear to be one of their first products. My favorite indicator is this language from the packaging:
“This lovely pair of sheer stockings is made from nylon, the amazing new material develop through DuPont chemistry.”
The best I can tell, National started in 1952. Any idea when these stockings may have been produced? I have a picture I can send, as well.
I have no intention of selling these. I will mostly likely keep them in my personal collection and, to be honest, will wear at least one pair.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Mercer – I found the same kind of stockings at my local thrift store today! If you find out anything, please post it. I can’t seem to find very much information on the ‘net. I was thinking about sending a picture to the National’s Company and asking them…
March 19th, 2010 at 1:30 PM
I have a pair of EATON’S Vanity Fair ‘Gossip’
Double the Wear Walking sheer seamless stockings
Size 9 1/2 – Classic Sanitized.
They are wrapped in the original EATON’S Vanity Fair tissue. Please reply. Thanks
April 5th, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Has anyone got any information on a nylon stocking repair machine completet with bobbins and nylon thread. The name on it is Dorothy Dean. It came with several pairs of nylon stockings also. I am unable to find out anything about this .ITs actual discription is DD hole repairing Hosiery machine.Grateful for any info.
July 30th, 2010 at 6:53 PM
Hello,
I am looking for information on nylon stockings produced by the Moderage Hosiery Mills of Asheboro, NC. There were two pair w/a free wash bag inside a can with a key to open. I can find nothing on these. PLease Help
D Lambert
September 29th, 2010 at 4:55 AM
I was introduced to nylon stockings by my husband (30 years my senior) when we met for the first time! I was wearing tights then, which I have never touched since. I buy vintage nylons on auctions and vintage style nylons with secretsinlace. They are actually woven on ORIGINAL machinery and as good as the real thing from yesteryear! I love to tease and stockings help me achieve my aim more than anything else. Stockings will NEVER die!
October 19th, 2010 at 5:33 AM
[...] researched and written a lot about vintage nylon stockings over the years because the history of nylon stockings is quite fascinating to me. I’m sure most of you have heard about the scarcity of nylon [...]
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Hello.
Found a original vinatge in full packaging a single pair of world war 2 nylon stocking.
Any one interetsed in buying this? any collectors out their offers considered. or will auction. 2011 jan
hari guru
January 30th, 2011 at 8:35 AM
When I was a little girl I loved to go in the Neumode Hosiery shop. So many styles and shades of sheer, sheer nylons! Then when I did start to wear nylons in 8th grade, and throughout high school, I always bought my nylons at Neumode. I can still remember the size and shade…size 11L, Cinnamon and they were RHT sheers. Sure wish I had a “way-back” machine to revisit that little shop. Thos ewere the days….right guys?
January 30th, 2011 at 9:44 AM
Just an addition to my last post…I also want to add that the Neumode nylons that I purchased in those days ( late 50′s-early 60′s), were at a cost of $1.00 per pair plus 2 cents tax!