We were recently discussing the generational differences for socks between Gen Z and Millennials. Apparently, ankle socks are now a dead giveaway for those of us who are elders now (a.k.a millennials). As humbling as it may be to face the facts that your contemporary socks are no longer cool, trends in socks and hosiery are nothing new. In fact, history is rife with interesting socks and stockings, including novelty stockings that date back further than one might imagine.
Speaking of stockings- have you ever tried our American Duchess Classic Silk Stockings? We released these babies in late 2023 after a long and detailed development quest wherein we endeavored to make a high-quality silk stocking that would fit a wide range of people and work for a wide range of historical periods. They turned out perfectly, and so many of you love them! They’re 70% silk, blended with nylon and a bit of spandex to ensure stretchiness and good recovery. The 1.5″/ 3.81 cm welt at the top of the stocking doesn’t pinch or dig, making them supremely comfortable.
@VirtuousCourtesan showing off American Duchess Classic Silk Stockings in ivory, of course!
Anyways, back to historical stockings. We thought it would be fun to share some interesting examples from days past!
These distinctively mid-18th century stockings from the collection at the V&A museum have several interesting features. They are frame knit, made from pink silk with green gussets. The clocking on the sides is very evocative- you look at these and just see the 1750-70s! The clocking is embroidered in a floral motif, topped by a crown. These are most likely French or English.
These Spanish stockings from the V&A are dated a little earlier- between the 1730s and 1769. Like the pink stockings, they have been hand-embroidered with detailed clocks. They could have been worn by either men or women.
Isn’t it amazing how vivid these are, 250 years later? These blue silk and metallic thread stockings from the late 18th century are decorated on the side of the leg, as was so fashionable at the time.
Now who doesn’t love a striped stocking? These striped English stockings from the V&A are c. 1860, with horizontal bands of blue, green, and pink.
Just look at this darling cherry stocking! It looks like something you could find at a novelty stocking retailer today and yet, it is from c. 1870. This stocking is French and from the collection at the Met Museum.
Both of these pairs of ivory stockings (also from the Met Museum) bedecked with embroidered peacocks are from France in the last quarter of the 19th century. Imagine pulling up the hem of your skirt to reveal one of these cheeky little peacocks, framed by the vamp of your shoe…
Late Victorian/Edwardian stockings are things of beauty. These floral stockings are machine knit silk, c. 1880s, with vertical rows of flowers and openwork panels along the front.
While 18th century stockings were usually decorated along the side of the leg, Victwardian stockings often favored decorative features at the front, along the front of the foot, ankle, and shin. Post-industrial advances in hosiery machinery meant that features like lace inserts (seen on the black stocking to the left) were more accessible. The pair on the right actually belonged to Queen Alexandra of the UK c. 1900. They are resplendent in embroidered white silk, with satin embroidered florals and French knots.
These truly breathtaking stockings are also said to be from the wardrobe of Queen Alexandra– they also feature the initials ‘A.M’, like the pair above. These are black silk with openwork and embroidered red florals. The details are simply exquisite!
One last pair of Edwardian stockings- and these are some of our very favorites. These haute couture black silk stockings were exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in 1900, and are embroidered with winding snakes made from silk thread, sequins, and beads. Like the listing in the V&A collection mentions, they are very reminiscent of Toulouse Lautrec’s 1899 depiction of Jane Avril with serpent motifs (see below).
We love the artistry of these historical stockings, and we also love the fun and overall sauciness incorporated into many of the designs. People weren’t as boring and stuffy as the uninitiated may presume, that’s for sure!
If you’re now feeling inspired to get some historical stockings of your very own, check out our Classic Silk Stockings. They come in ivory, black, pale pink, and pale blue.
American Duchess Classic Silk Stockings
AmericanDuchess.com
AmericanDuchess.eu
