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The ultimate vintage nylon stocking size guide.
How to find the right size of nylon stocking for you. What are the best stockings to buy?
Nylon stocking sizes are crucially important. It is far too easy to buy pin up 1950s fashion nylons only to find you have bought the wrong size. Making all the right choices before you purchase will ensure you are not disappointed afterwards. The first thing you really need to know is that stocking nylon is not the same as the nylon you would find on other garments, like panties or a slip. Stocking nylon is 100% pure nylon in true vintage stockings and has no stretch properties whatsoever and, as such, can be quite uncomfortable if you get the size wrong.
If you are intending to buy authentic vintage nylon stockings it is important to know more about the term 'Fully Fashioned' (FF) and what that actually means. Here are some fully fashioned facts:
- A lot of people think that 'Fully Fashioned' just refers to the seam that is visible at the back of each leg. It actually doesn't. Having a seam on your stockings is just where the flat-knit 'fully fashioned' nylon fabric was joined at the back. To be truly authentic, that seam must be a join - some seams are just sewn-in 'fake' mock seams. So, to think that the only stockings that can be called 'fully fashioned' are those with a seam and contrasting heel is a myth. Seamless stockings can be fully fashioned too.
- 'Fully Fashioned' actually refers to the natural shape of the leg. Let me explain. Because true, authentic pure nylon stockings have no stretch in them at all, manufacturers had to make them in the exact shape of the leg so that they fit snugly and didn't 'sag' in places. They were perfectly 'fashioned' to the shape of the leg so that they fit neatly around all parts of the leg. They had to, remember. If they didn't, the nylon fabric in some areas would sag while in others they would be too tight. The stocking should fit neatly around the whole of your leg without sagging or creasing, although a subtle tiny ripple of looseness at the arch of the foot is actually considered fashionably chic in some quarters.
- With Fully Fashioned (FF) nylon stockings, leg length is actually more important than foot size when it comes to comfort while wearing. One of the things you must do first of all is to know your leg length because good quality nylon stockings come in different leg lengths, eg: size 10 short; size 10 medium; size 10 long, etc.
- The alternative to Fully Fashioned seamed stockings are seamless 'Regular' stockings that are knitted over cone-shaped moulds. As I said, these don't have seams because they don't need seams as they are knitted as a big conical 'tube' - although a manufacturer could add a 'mock' seam just for effect. This method of manufacture is slightly more forgiving when it comes to sizing, especially since in later years they started adding stretchy Lycra to the nylon mix. Because these circular spun stockings have a kind of 'one shape fits all' idea they will never fit and look as good as vintage fully fashioned nylons. Watch out for that, as they are not really truly authentic nylons in the vintage sense.
Are Nylon Stockings Fun and Comfortable to Wear?
Yes, nylon stockings can be both fun and comfortable to wear. Their sleek look goes well with any outfit, while their soft nylon fabric helps keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day. Yes, nylon stockings can be both fun and comfortable to wear. Their sleek look goes well with any outfit, while their soft fabric helps keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day. With sheer, lightweight designs and a range of fashionable colors, there's no denying that nylon stockings are a great wardrobe addition. Nylon stockings have been a fashion staple for decades, as they not only offer a sleek and stylish look, but are also fun and comfortable to wear. Nylon stockings are easy to care for, maintain their color over time, and make the perfect addition to any outfit!
The Denier scale is an important factor for those wanting stockings. It's a French term used to measure the thickness of the thread, and refers to one gram for every nine thousand metres. Sheer stockings or tights have a denier count of 7, which is so light that it almost disappears on the leg. For those after more durability, stockings over 20-denier are opaque; whereas those between 10-20 are still transparent whilst being more resistant. For a balance between wearability and sexiness, 15-denier is the most popular option.
Seamed or Seamless Stockings - What's Best? The Pros and Cons of Seamed vs. Seamless Stockings.
Whether you choose seamed or seamless stockings depends heavily on personal preference. Seamed stockings are often thought to be of higher quality and more durable, while seamless stockings tend to fit better and provide a smoother look under clothing. Ultimately, it comes down to individual choice. Seamed stockings offer a more traditional, vintage look, but seamless stockings are becoming increasingly popular for their sleek and modern look. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both kinds of stockings can provide comfort and style.
What are the best stockings?
"And, finally, a reminder to all leg men of what a playful breeze used to do. Why was it so exciting to see a stocking top in every day wear? Simply because it wasn't meant to be seen". David Bigwood 'A Brief History of Stockings', 2019.
Everything you will ever need to know about buying luxury vintage hosiery online - our Nylon Stocking Information Page...
All you need to know to choose the right size stockings.
How to choose the right size for your stockings. Tips and tricks.
Your stockings should feel taught but not tight. It's a fine balance, but if you pay attention to getting the leg length right then you can wear your stockings comfortably. If they feel loose on you then your legs are too short for the stockings you have bought, or maybe you just need to tighten your suspender belt straps a bit more.
When you first take a pure nylon fully fashioned stocking out from its packaging it will seem to be very very long, but the natural shape and volume of your legs will fit nicely into the contoured shape of the nylons. This is why you should always match up your stocking length to your own leg length. See the nylon stockings size chart below for more guidance.
As a good indicator of correct sizing, make sure that the underwelt is situated somewhere around the middle of your thigh. The underwelt is that small section just under the darker and thicker welt of the stocking. If you have indeed got your stocking sizes right then the welt should be over your upper thigh.
Now give some thought to the denier rating of your nylon stockings. Denier is an indication of the weight of the yarn used in knitting nylon stockings. The lighter the denier (or the lower the number) the sheerer your stockings will be. Stocking denier is measured by weighing in grams a single strand of nylon yarn of exactly 9000m in length.
7 denier nylon stockings are ultra-sheer and a pure delight to wear. 10-15 denier are lovely and sheer too, and slightly tougher. 20+ denier is about an 'everyday' weight of stocking, like a general purpose pair. A higher denier than that becomes more opaque the higher the number.
Here's a good tip. Once you are certain you have your stocking size right, always buy two pairs of them. Never buy just one pair. Why? Because that way you'll effectively have three pairs for the price of two because eventually you are bound to snag one of the stockings.
Revealed. How to wear stockings and suspenders - the ultimate guide.
Everything you will ever need to know about correctly putting on your suspenders and stockings. In this article I reveal everything you should know about wearing stockings working from my own experience and advice from other vintage hosiery aficionados too.
Quick guide to vintage stocking sizes. How to find the right stocking size.
Nylon stocking size chart and conversion tables:
Size is everything. Buy nylons in the correct size.
Size is everything. Buy nylons in the correct size.
Size is everything. Buy nylons in the correct size.
Hosiery companies adhered to strict sizing standards in the manufacture of stockings. Elaborate testing and measuring procedures took into account a number of criteria to ensure that sizes were accurate.
Stocking sizes ranged from 8½ to 13 with a total of 10 sizes to choose from. These sizes corresponded to the foot section of the stocking. Where a letter followed the stocking ‘size – 9 M for example, it signified a size 9 stocking in medium length. The length designators were traditionally Short (S), Medium (M), Long (L) and Extra Long (XL). Where no letter was apparent, the size was assumed to be medium.
The foot size of a vintage stocking is measured in inches; hence a foot nine inches long needs size nine hose. Manufacturers were required to size their stockings to within half an inch of this specification so purchasers were assured of the correct foot size at all times.
To measure the foot, take a single unworn stocking on a flat surface and pull the foot section between the toe and heel until taut. Measure the length from the tip of the toe to the edge of the heel.
UK shoe size to stocking size conversion chart.
Size is everything. Buy nylons in the correct size.
Size is everything. Buy nylons in the correct size.
The table above demonstrates how the toe to heel measurement relates to the actual stocking size and the corresponding UK shoe sizes. The leg measurement will determine if you have a stocking that is a Short, Medium, Long or Extra Long - a very important factor when calculating nylon stocking sizes. Measure the length from the very top of the welt to the bottom of the heel by pulling the stocking taut. To ensure that you are measuring accurately with the right amount of tautness, it is advisable to take a well made stocking from a reputed manufacturer with a stated length and note how much stretch to apply to achieve the correct measurement.
More vintage stocking information...
French nylon stocking sizes explained
French nylon stocking sizes explained
As a general rule, the better known well-made vintage stockings are almost always ‘true to size’ and frequently have the size stamped on the welt and/or packaging. If you come across vintage stockings that are marked as ‘irregular’ or ‘seconds’, this may relate to either the colour or the size not matching up exactly to the manufacturer’s standards. If you come across a collection of irregulars, use the above measuring technique rather than trusting the size stamped on the product as a precaution in case size is the issue.
French nylon stocking sizes explained
French nylon stocking sizes explained
French nylon stocking sizes explained
Vintage stockings ('Bas') made in France are absolutely lovely and are a big favourite here at Nylon Nostalgia – however, their sizing method can seem rather puzzling and hard to relate to shoe sizes. The little comparison chart above should help solve any problems. (Tableau de conversion des tailles de bas en nylon français).
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