There are two types of vintage nylon stockings:

• Vintage-inspired styles, which look vintage - but they’re modern because they’re made using new methods and materials.
• Or, truly authentic vintage nylons that are new (not from a thrift shop) - they’re made today, by only a few brands, using the same knitting technique used during the 1940s.

How do you spot a truly authentic vintage style?  How can you tell the difference between an authentic vintage style, and stockings that just have a vintage-inspired look?


 

It’s easy to tell, when you know the details that are shared by all authentic vintage nylon stockings. Here’s 5 features to look for, shown in photos. Here are a few of the differences, to help you decide which style to choose.

Should You Buy 100% Nylon, or a Modern Blend? 

Some brands make authentic vintage styles that are 100% nylon, just like the glamorous post-war nylons made during the 1940s. But there are pros and cons to buying this style. 

If you are a fanatic about vintage lingerie, or a collector, and want to by an authentic style, then look for stockings that are 100% nylon. If they’re 15 denier, and made on an authentic fully fashioned knitting machine, will be pretty close to an exact replica of authentic vintage stockings.

But here’s the downside - if they are 15 denier, which is extremely sheer and delicate, then they are likely to run after wearing them less than a dozen times. Despite this, burlesque star-turned lingerie designer Dita Von Teese (shown) likes the glamorous look of these nylons so much that she asked Secrets in Lace to create a collection for her.

But unless you show off your legs for a living, it’s hard to justify spending money on a style that’s so delicate. But if you do want to try a pair, save them for a special occasion - and be extra careful putting them on.

To keep nylons that are this sheer and delicate run-free for as long as possible, Daniel Whitsett, president, of Secrets in Lace, suggests filing your nails, smoothing your cuticles, and moisturizing your skin - on both your hands and feet - before trying to put them on.

It’s a lot more practical to look for stockings that are made from a nylon blend instead of 100% nylon. When nylon is mixed with spandex, it’s a lot more durable and long-lasting. Some brands make stockings like this, which still have every other authentic vintage detail.

The Stretch Factor

If you do decide to buy an authentic pair of fully fashioned stockings in 100% nylon, remember that they won’t stretch - and won't stay up unless you also buy the right type of garters.

Stockings made from a nylon blend will stretch, and are easier to keep up. But even if they have elastic at the top, you can still wear garters fro extra help keeping them in place, and a sexy retro look. 

Seamed stockings by Kiss Me Deadly, available here, stretch. A pair that's dyed fuchsia is shown. They're a retro-inspired style, made with a modern blend of 97% nylon and 3% Lycra, so they won't run as easily. 

The Back Seam - Is it Real?

Authentic vintage stockings have a ‘real’ back seam, from the knitting process - but vintage-inspired styles will have a seam that’s just a decoration. Here’s more about the seam and why it was created. 

But as far as looks go, whether or not the seam is “real” isn’t that big of a deal. Vintage-inspired styles with a faux seam look just as sexy - and are made in a greater variety of styles. 

Color Options

Authentic vintage stockings that are made by brands that stick to replicating the styles worn during the 1920s through the 1950s usually also stay true to the limited color and style options that existed during the time. Brands that make vintage-inspired styles, or brands that describe themselves as retro-inspired, offer a lot more variety.  

When the latest remake of The Great Gatsby movie was released, Fogal made modern versions of the stockings flappers wore. Secrets in Lace is most known for its vintage stockings, in styles that are authentic and stay true to original designs.

Brands like Kiss Me Deadly, as well as What Katie did, make nylon stockings with authentic vintage details - but, they come in modern colors, with lots of style options.