Nothing but Seamed Stockings

[Louise Anne]

Denier is a relatively new word in the stocking volcanically, As far as I can make out it come from Continental Europe ( none English speaking countries), becuse it's based on the decimal system, I am not to certain when it was started been used in the UK matbe in the earl 60's I think it might be when they introduced Italian and Japanese knitting machines and the thread had to be metric to be used on them.
like every think if a manufacture think another on got a edge then they will follow suit.
A very long explanation but in short not all vintage stocking will be marked in denier as Lizzy says it's more liky to be something by used (walking sheer).so you have to exsamine the packets close.

 

[sheeplady]

Where does one get service weight seamed stockings?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Ebay's the best bet -- you've got to keep a sharp eye, though, because they're often poorly described. Check the pictures -- it'll often say "Service Sheer" or "Service Weight" on the welt, but that phrase will show up nowhere in the description.

I'd like to see one of the repro makers do service weight, but I doubt there's much market for it given its lack of glamour appeal.

 

[bunnyb.gal]

What is service weight?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Stockings that are four times heavier than the common dress sheers.

 

[sheeplady]

Ebay's the best bet -- you've got to keep a sharp eye, though, because they're often poorly described. Check the pictures -- it'll often say "Service Sheer" or "Service Weight" on the welt, but that phrase will show up nowhere in the description.

I'd like to see one of the repro makers do service weight, but I doubt there's much market for it given its lack of glamour appeal.

One would think with the popularity of tights that such things would come back into style, but I'm sure they won't. What Katie Did has a retro stocking (sewn seam) that is 80 denier: http://www.whatkatiedid.us.com/product/831-h2010-opaque-contrast-retro-seamed-stockings

But it's got a flaming red seam. I can't see that going down well at work.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Yeah, that's a bit much. I don't think I've ever come across an actual pair of service-weight hose with any kind of a novelty seam or contrast seam whatsoever -- they're always the same color as the rest of the stocking. No fancy heel designs either.

 

[rue]

Is a black seem on a sheer hose period correct though?

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

I have seen service weight stockings on www.DandelionVintage.com

Great tips and advice Lizzie and Sheeplady.

I forgotten about this.
For myself. I have taken my tights and cut the legs off and wear these as mock heavy weight "newly fashioned" seamless stockings with a garter belt. They fit a whole lot better this way,too. Plus when I wear my tights this way they stay up and do not sag and twist around my legs.

 

[Lady Day]

Sure, Rue. Contrasting seams are different than what you find in repros or ones that sew the seam up the back. They were more subtle. Often a colored thread woven into the seam.
I have a picture somewhere in this thread...

 

[Miss Sabrina Fairchild]

Thanks guys...this is so helpful. Will have to have a look because as lovely as my gio stockings are...I have 4 kids and homeschool and was not sure they would hold up much during the everyday running around I do.

 

[rue]

Sure, Rue. Contrasting seams are different than what you find in repros or ones that sew the seam up the back. They were more subtle. Often a colored thread woven into the seam.
I have a picture somewhere in this thread...

Thanks LD. I've been wearing these, but I wasn't sure if they were right or not.

 

[Sharpsburg]

Has anyone found Magnolia Hosiery's service to be quite slow? I ordered stockings from them 2 weeks ago and have heard nothing. My order still says "processing". No response to emails so i'm rather disappointed.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I haven't ordered from them in a while, but I usually had delivery within a week.

 

[Lady Day]

Thanks LD. I've been wearing these, but I wasn't sure if they were right or not.

You can click it for a larger image.

Here is a vintage contrasting seam. Note the seam is actually made of the stocking material but the contrast is cosmetic, a thread looped through the real seam. It's a much, MUCH more subtle look instead of the crayon marker down the legs of modern 'contrast seam' stockings. These are 100% nylon, no stretch. They are not stockings with a line down the back.

 

[rue]

You can click it for a larger image.

Here is a vintage contrasting seam. Note the seam is actually made of the stocking material but the contrast is cosmetic, a thread looped through the real seam. It's a much, MUCH more subtle look instead of the crayon marker down the legs of modern 'contrast seam' stockings. These are 100% nylon, no stretch. They are not stockings with a line down the back.

Thanks a bunch LD

 

[Alice~]

Does anybody know anywhere that sells higher denier (20+) seamed stockings? I really liked the What Katie Did retro seamed stockings - and they were such a bargain too. They're discontinued now unfortunately. The 15 denier replacements are far too thin for me.

 

[Louise Anne]

Does anybody know anywhere that sells higher denier (20+) seamed stockings? I really liked the What Katie Did retro seamed stockings - and they were such a bargain too. They're discontinued now unfortunately. The 15 denier replacements are far too thin for me.

Those could be very hard to find in the UK, I keep a look out at the moment i no idea where you find any from .

 

[Louise Anne]

A slightly usually request here.
I looking for photographs of ladies wearing ff seamed stocking for my hosiery history page on my web site.
I am NOT looking for stocking tops or lingerie style photos just more every day photos wearing original vintage clothes in the right context with stockings to illustrate the history of hosiery, any thing from 1900 to the 1960 would be very welcome,
in return I can put a link to your blog or any where else
Please PM me if you interested.
Thank you very much.

p.s any hosiery adverts photo would also be welcome.

 

[Jannie]

Does anybody know anywhere that sells higher denier (20+) seamed stockings? I really liked the What Katie Did retro seamed stockings - and they were such a bargain too. They're discontinued now unfortunately. The 15 denier replacements are far too thin for me.

Yes, such stockings are undoubtedly not easy to finde any more – have a look here, however:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VTG-ARISTOC-FULLY-FASHIONED-SEAMED-DULCIMA-STOCKINGS-LARGE-10-1-2-11-ALLURE-NIP-/120918463282?pt=UK_Hosiery_Socks&hash=item1c274d5332#ht_500wt_1001