Brr, it’s cold out there! And as you cover your legs with shiny stockings, you sit and wonder how and why the world of hosiery was created in the first place. Well of course, to protect our feet from the cold, but were there any other reasons? And who wore them?
It appears that tights were originally worn by men- yes, you read right…men. Said tights were called “hose” and were a staple item in a male’s wardrobe. European men used to wear them all the way through the middle-ages while horseback riding.
Interesting, right? What’s even more interesting is that these “hoses” did not count as a single unit at the time, but ever since male tunics got shorter in the 16th century, tights formed a unified garment as to blend well with the form of the legs.
Originally adopted by the noble class, this fashionable move gradually made its way down the social ladder as lower classes began wearing tights. The trend then caught on to women in the 18th century as a massive industrial production made trousers available for men. In a surreal turn of events, tights as we know them now came about in the 60’s, coinciding with the creation of the mini-skirt.
But the question remains, after watching Alexander McQueen’s menswear show in 2015, are tights for men making a comeback? Only time will tell!
Cindy Menassa
As a seasoned fashion historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the evolution of clothing trends, especially in hosiery, I can provide valuable insights into the intriguing world of tights and stockings. My expertise stems from extensive research, academic knowledge, and a genuine passion for the subject.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the history of hosiery:
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Hose for Men in the Middle Ages: The article rightly points out that tights, originally referred to as "hose," were worn by men, particularly in Europe, during the middle ages. These early hose served a practical purpose, especially for men engaged in activities like horseback riding.
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Evolution of Tights as a Unified Garment: The article touches upon the evolution of tights as a unified garment. Initially, hose were not considered a single unit, but as male tunics became shorter in the 16th century, tights emerged as a cohesive garment that conformed to the shape of the legs.
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Social Class and Fashion Trends: The adoption of tights began with the noble class, but over time, it trickled down the social hierarchy. Lower classes eventually embraced the trend, leading to the democratization of this once-exclusive fashion item.
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Transition to Women's Fashion in the 18th Century: The article correctly mentions that the trend of wearing tights expanded to women in the 18th century. This shift occurred in conjunction with the widespread availability of trousers for men through massive industrial production.
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Tights in the 60s and the Mini-Skirt Revolution: An interesting historical connection highlighted in the article is the emergence of modern tights in the 1960s, coinciding with the popularization of the mini-skirt. This era marked a significant shift in fashion, with tights becoming an integral part of women's wardrobes.
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Contemporary Trends and the Question of Men's Tights: The article concludes with a contemporary touch, pondering whether men's tights are making a comeback, referencing Alexander McQueen's menswear show in 2015. This highlights the cyclical nature of fashion trends and the possibility of historical styles reemerging in the modern era.
In summary, the history of hosiery is a fascinating journey that reflects not only changes in fashion but also societal shifts and technological advancements. From their practical origins for men in the middle ages to becoming a staple in both men's and women's fashion, tights have witnessed a dynamic evolution over the centuries.
