Stockings in the 1920s...

[Ruby Kitten]

Hello there everyone,

I'm off to a 1920s party on New Years Eve and was just wondering about hosiery. I have several pairs of seamed stockings, and I've often read that ladies of the 20s rolled them down and rouged their knees to show them off.

I would love to do this, but I've no idea how to make them stay up if they are below my knees! Were they much tighter in those days?!

I would buy some knee highs, but I can't find any seamed ones in the shops. Any advice gratefully received!

Otherwise I'm all sorted - a lovely fringed dress and I had my hair bobbed today, so I'll post pics once I get them on my 'puter.

Many thanks!

Ruby xx

 

[BegintheBeguine]

Yowza!

They held them up with roll garters, which are like thick ponytail holders. They used to sell them in the fabric department of the local department store but there are no more fabric departments and no notions counters anymore, and no department store. Maybe Jo-Ann Fabrics notions wall? They are packaged in a plastic hangbag. I have never worn them but my friend has and after a whole day they start to pinch but should be comfortable for a party. Or Wal-Mart fabric department? They are displayed near the bra strap repair kits if they have them at all. Hope this helps.
While I was typing I couldn't see where you are located. Now I see you are in the UK. Your chemist's shop may have this item. Or your department stores may yet have a notions counter.

 

[Ruby Kitten]

Thanks!

Aha - thanks for that! I will have a look next time I venture into town.

In the case of tomorrow night, I shall see if I can improvise!

Ruby xx

 

[CanadaDoll]

I bet if you hid them, you could use elastic bands as makeshift garters too.

Though they're not as cute as the real deal

 

[Paul]

I have made a pair of roll on garters , and have a workshop on my web site about how to make a re pro pair one along with some research along with photo of original ones.

It's not working at the moment but i will fix it tonight and post a link in a few hours for you.

 

[Ruby Kitten]

Fantastic - thanks for all your suggestions!

Ruby xx

 

[Paul]

Here is my Roll on garter workshop
If you have any question then just ask.

 

[JazzBaby]

Here is my Roll on garter workshop
If you have any question then just ask.

What a lovely site - the decorative garters are so pretty! Didn't Sugar (Marilyn Monroe) have something similar in Some Like it Hot? I think she kept a hip flask in it or something...the stockings covered the knee though as far as I can remember. Good excuse to watch the movie again!

 

[BegintheBeguine]

Turned-up nose, turned-down hose
Flapper? Yes, Sir, one of those
Has anybody seen my gal?

 

[Paul]

I would buy some knee highs, but I can't find any seamed ones in the shops. Any advice gratefully received!

I would very much like to see your flapper look please post a photo some time.

The seams of 20's silk stocking are not as prominent compared to nylons which are a lot sheerer.
And 20's stockings were thicker any how so you night be able to find a pair of modern opaque stocking that would do the trick and people may not notice that they do not have seams if every thing else look great.

Thank you also JazzBaby hosiery is a sensitive subject but very interesting from a historical perspective.