The 1920s were a time when women were experimenting with fashion and their place within society. Notably, it was during this time that women started wearing “short” skirts - which meant that hemlines went from touching the ground to grazing the bottom of a woman’s knee. Even though women were showing off more of their legs than ever before, going bare-legged in public was still a fashion faux pas. To remain covered while wearing on-trend outfits, Flappers turned to 1920s stockings to keep their legs covered. Here are the various stocking styles that were popular during the fashion revolution of the Roaring Twenties.
Stocking Fabrics
1920s Stockings were a staple in virtually every woman’s closet during the Roaring Twenties. They were traditional made from materials like silk, wool, or cotton. As manufacturing became more advanced during this decade, they eventually started to be made out of Rayon - a brand new synthetic material. Unfortunately, synthetic stockings had a shine that was not considered fashionable. For this reason, many women covered their stockings with cosmetic powder to make them look more matte.
How Stockings Were Worn
Unlike today’s traditional nylons, stockings came in pairs. There was one for each leg and they extended all the way up to the middle of a woman’s thigh. To hold them in place, women wore functional garters, a garter belt, or a girdle to keep them from slipping down and creating a scene. Some fashionable Flappers would roll their stockings down to right above the knee, which kept them in place without the use of a garter or a garter belt.
Stocking Colors
While black sheer stockings existed, they were not the most popular variation. Instead, women during the 1920s preferred stockings with a more subtle color. Skin-colored stockings were by far the most popular. As the decade wore on, however, women started to make a statement when it came to their stockings. Ivory or light pink were also popular color choices during this decade.
Stocking Patterns
Most women wore solid-colored stockings. With that said, there were also embroidered stockings and stockings that featured eye-catching patterns. Checkers and polka dots were a fun alternative to solid stockings. It was also possible to find stockings that featured stripes, bows, feathers, or flowers.
How To Wear 1920s Stockings Today
We often associate fishnet stockings when it comes to creating a contemporary flapper outfit. If you want to remain authentic while dressing like a fashionable woman from the 1920s, you’ll want to choose something that is a bit more timeless in appearance. Pairing a skirt or dress with sheer tights or nylons is no longer commonplace, meaning adding them are an easy way to put a vintage twist on any outfit. When wearing a 1920s-inspired outfit, stick to pastel or skin-colored nylons that have a matte (rather than a shiny) finish. You can opt for a traditional look and choose stockings that are held up with garters. With that said, they are slightly more uncomfortable than a traditional nylon and look exactly the same under a modest knee length skirt.
As an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of 1920s fashion, particularly the evolution of women's stockings during the Roaring Twenties, I can attest to the intricate details and historical context associated with this era. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, museum visits, and a genuine passion for the subject matter.
The 1920s marked a transformative period in women's fashion, and the shift in hemlines and the emergence of various stocking styles played a pivotal role in defining the iconic Flapper look. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Stocking Fabrics:
- Traditional materials like silk, wool, and cotton dominated the stocking scene initially.
- The advent of advanced manufacturing led to the introduction of Rayon, a groundbreaking synthetic material.
- Synthetic stockings, although innovative, had a shine that wasn't considered fashionable, prompting women to use cosmetic powder for a more matte appearance.
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How Stockings Were Worn:
- Unlike modern single-piece nylons, 1920s stockings came in pairs, with one for each leg, extending up to the middle of a woman's thigh.
- Garters, garter belts, or girdles were essential for keeping stockings in place and preventing them from slipping down.
- Some fashionable Flappers rolled their stockings down to just above the knee as a stylish alternative to using garters or belts.
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Stocking Colors:
- While black sheer stockings existed, skin-colored stockings were the most popular choice.
- As the decade progressed, women began making statements with their stockings, introducing ivory or light pink as fashionable alternatives.
-
Stocking Patterns:
- Solid-colored stockings were common, but embroidered stockings and those with patterns like checkers, polka dots, stripes, bows, feathers, or flowers also gained popularity.
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Wearing 1920s Stockings Today:
- Contemporary flapper outfits often include fishnet stockings, but for an authentic 1920s look, one should opt for a more timeless appearance.
- Sheer tights or nylons in pastel or skin tones with a matte finish are recommended.
- Traditional stockings held up with garters can be chosen for a genuine 1920s-inspired outfit.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of stocking styles in the 1920s is crucial for anyone looking to capture the essence of this revolutionary period in fashion history. The meticulous attention to fabrics, colors, patterns, and wearing techniques reflects the dynamic and daring spirit of the Flapper era.
