Vintage Stockings

If your lingerie style is more pinup than modern day, you probably love vintage stockings and want to know where you can buy authentic nylons—-real ones as well as replicas.

Seamed stockings are very vintage.

Although many women opt out of wearing pantyhose today when they can (relaxed dress codes make stockings almost quaint in some circles), some ladies love the look and feel of them. With the availability to purchase almost everything you can imagine on the Internet, finding and buying vintage stockings is not as hard as you might think.

Buying garments that date back to an earlier time isn’t the same as buying brand new items today. If you’re lucky, you’ll find vintage lingerie in its original packaging. Great care should be exercised when handling it to prevent damage, snags or tears. Nylon gloves are a nice accessory to have and make handling your vintage stockings easier. You won't have to worry about damaging your most delicate items.

Another concern is sizing. Fashion experts will tell you that women in the 1940s and 1950s were, on average, slimmer than women today. Vintage retailers usually list sizes by measurements and not by the standard sizes we use today. To make sure you get a good fit, take the time to measure yourself and compare your measurements to the lingerie.

Also, keep in mind that stockings need garters or garter belts to hold them up and in place. Although you can find vintage pantyhose dating back to the 1960s, when pantyhose became popular, if you want that complete old-fashioned pinup look, wearing stockings with garters will lend you real authenticity.

If you have any antique or vintage clothing shops in your area, these are good first stops for vintage clothing. Typically, shop owners can let you know approximately what era the garments are from and if they have been previously worn. Buyers who want brand new merchandise should look for packaging that states “never worn” or “new in the box.”

For online shopping, check out these retailers who proudly stock vintage stockings and in some cases, replicas as well.

• Stocking Showcase: You’ll find a large assortment of vintage lingerie at this site, including seamed and seamless stockings. If you thought your only option in seam lines was black, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find nude-colored seams in stock, too.
• Glorious Vintage: This site stocks men’s and women’s vintage wear as well as kitchenware and magazines from bygone eras. Stockings are available in seamed and seamless versions, but be aware that because these are vintage items, once a piece is gone, it’s gone.
• Alexis4U: Find vintage stockings from the 1950s to the 1970s here, some of which are one-of-a-kind pieces. There are several varieties of nylons decorated with small gems and rhinestones.
• Ho-Hose: You’ll find a large variety of nylons at this U.K.-based vintage retailer, many of which are in their distinctive original packaging. In addition, the site provides explanations of common terms you’ll find when shopping for vintage stockings, including gauge and denier, which refers to the weight and sheerness of the nylons.

All of these sites feature quality photographs of their stockings. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate details these vintage stockings have, from pearl and rhinestone additions to the brand name printed on the top of the nylons.

If you’re having trouble finding real vintage stockings or you just like the retro look while preferring something brand new, there are retailers who sell retro-inspired wear. It’s modern day lingerie with a 1950s twist. Find retro-inspired stockings at:

• StockinGirl
• Secrets in Lace
• Open Bottom Girdles

Whether you’re constantly searching for true vintage wear or you’re satisfied with modern day lingerie, so long as it has a retro vibe, there are plenty of places for you to find stockings that look amazing, feel great and lend a bit of 1950s sensuality to your style. You can have a great collection of vintage stockings to go along with your Bettie Page appeal.

• Men's Mini Boxer Briefs
• Men's Sleepwear
• Bra Strap Pictures

• Panties for Men
• Teen Girl's First Bra
• Free Lingerie Gallery
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• Secrets in Lace
• Vintage Garter Belts
• Vintage Nylons
• Category:Women's Lingerie
• Open Bottom Garter Girdles