Tights and stockings: A story of legs and fashion

Distant and unisex origins

The history of tights and stockings dates back to ancient times, where the Egyptians and Romans wore leather or fabric bands to protect their legs. During the Middle Ages, stockings became a more elaborate garment, made of silk or wool and worn by both sexes. Garters, often decorative, were used to hold them in place.

A symbol of femininity and evolution

From the 16th century, stockings became a symbol of femininity and social status. Upper-class women wore them in embroidered silk, while the working classes wore them in simpler wool. The French Revolution marked a turning point, with the adoption of trousers by men, making stockings less popular for them.

The invention of nylon and the reign of tights

The invention of nylon in 1935 revolutionized the stockings and tights industry. This synthetic material was cheaper, stronger and easier to maintain than natural fibers. In the 1950s, the arrival of tights, a shapewear garment that covered the entire legs, signaled the decline of stockings.

Stockings and tights for all tastes

Today, stockings and tights come in a multitude of styles, colors and materials. Tights remain the most popular choice, but stockings, particularly sheer stockings and fishnet stockings, continue to have their fans. Synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, lycra and polyester, are the most used for their resistance and ease of maintenance.

Accessories and celebrities

Garters, once essential for holding up stockings, have become fashion accessories rather than functional items. Celebrities, past and present, have helped popularize tights and stockings, from Marilyn Monroe to Beyoncé.

Differences in preferences and socio-cultural factors

The choice between stockings and tights often depends on personal preference, occasion and cultural context. Tights are generally considered more comfortable and practical, while stockings can be more stylish and flirty. Social differences and backgrounds can also play a role in clothing preferences.

Sustainability and innovation

Modern stockings and tights are generally stronger than their ancestors thanks to advances in manufacturing technology. New innovations, such as shaping tights or antiperspirant stockings, continue to improve the comfort, functionality and aesthetics of these garments.

Conclusion

Tights and stockings, over the centuries, have evolved to become essential elements of the women's, and sometimes men's, wardrobe. Their rich history and their multiple associations make them clothes that are both practical, elegant and imbued with symbolism.