16 Classic Photos That Capture Nylon Stockings’ Allure In The 1940s And 1950s

Before the 1920s, stockings, if worn, were worn for warmth. In the 1920s, as hemlines of dresses rose, people began to wear stockings to cover the exposed legs. These stockings were sheer, first made of silk or rayon (then known as “artificial silk”), and after 1940 of nylon.

The introduction of nylon in 1939 by chemical company DuPont began a high demand for stockings in the United States with up to 4 million pairs being purchased in one day. Nylon stockings were cheap, durable, and sheer compared to their cotton and silk counterparts. When America entered World War II on December 11, 1941, DuPont ceased production of nylon stockings and retooled their factories to produce parachutes, airplane cords, and rope. This led to a mass shortage and creation of a black market for stockings. At the end of the war DuPont announced that the company would return to producing stockings but could not meet demand. This led to a series of disturbances in American stores labeled the nylon riots until DuPont was able to ramp up production.

h/t: vintag.es

Woman inspecting her nylon stockings, 1942

Thomas D. McAvoy—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

A model wearing “hotsies,” wool-lined silk faille girdle and bra, 1942

Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

“Curtain” stockings, 1943

Walter Sanders—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

“Curtain” stockings, 1943

Walter Sanders—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Nylon stockings, 1945

Peter Stackpole—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Model wearing black stockings, fitted dress coat, fur trimmed hat and fur muff, adjusting garter, 1946

Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Model with stockings, 1948

Peter Stackpole—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Lace stockings with panels that run to mid-calf and enhance slim ankles, 1948

Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Chorus girl Linda Lombard, resting her legs after a tough night on stage, 1949

George Silk—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Model wearing black nylon hose permanently attached to high heeled satin mules by Herbert Levine, 1950

Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Dancer Mary Ellen Terry talking with her legs up in telephone booth, 1952

Gordon Parks—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Cancan dancers flinging up their legs while they dance in Paris, 1952

Nat Farbman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Model wearing new stay-up stocking with elastic cord spiraling around thigh, 1954

Gjon Mili—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Teenage girls resting feet at a formal dance, 1954

Cornell Capa—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Stockings and garters, 1954

Gordon Parks—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Scene at a beatnik night club, 1960

A. Y.—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images