Figure 1.--Eatons in its 1949-50 Fall-Winter catalog offered four types of long stockings. The ad copy describes them as suitable for both boys and girls. The models are both girls. We suspect that by 1950, long stockings were mostly worn by girls.
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Figure 1.--Eatons in its 1949-50 Fall-Winter catalog offered four types of long stockings. The ad copy describes them as suitable for both boys and girls. The models are both girls. We suspect that by 1950, long stockings were mostly worn by girls. |
There were four other styles of long stockings offered on this Eaton's page. These other styles were apparently more for girls. We are not sure yet what about these stockings made them appropriate for girls and not for boys. One factor is length. The two styles that specify girls are thigh-high. The other two styles are the regulr length and there is no gender specified. Mid-fawn was the principal color, but some were done in black and white as well. The heading read, "COMFORT AND WEAR IN EVERY STITCH OF THESE STOCKINGS FOR ACTIVE YOUNG".
CANADA
The Eaton's ad copy read, "THIGH HIGH HOSE for girls or misses. Cosy, winter-warmCotton and
Wool Stockings in the extra-long, togh-length (about three inches longer
than average) that goes with school tunics, etc. Seamless knit in 1/1
ribbing widened at the top. Colors Mid beige or Black
1-2217 . Sizes 7, 71/2. Pair............................. 89¢
Sizes 8, 81/2. Pair........................... 1.00
Sizes 9,91/2,10,101/2..... Price pair 1.10" A Canadian reader writes about these stockings, "About E stockings, I remember that Montreal English Speaking girls were dressed with tunics (gum slips) like those uniforms worn in British Schools for
girls. They were really short. I remember it was around 1955. To hide the garters, the girls worn a kind of navy or black bloomer.
I remember also this experience told by a New York reader who
complained that his pants were short and long stockings not enough
long. That is for answering this that long stockings were made longer. For a same size heel to toes, stockings were really longer in the 40s and 50s. But because boys thought they were too girlish. they were mostly worn by girls by the 50s. Also, because girls
complained that ribbed stockings were chafed on their skin, the plain H style stockings became more popular. It is interesting to note that in 2005 the fashion house Hanna Andersson still makes colored ribbed tights.
The Eaton's ad copy read, "WOOL AND COTTON HOSE- excellent quality , to give comfortable, husky
service, with show-off ribbing to the toes. Generous-lengh legs;
plain-knit feet. Color Mid-Fawn only. Please state size wanted when
ordering.
1-2220 . Sizes 5, 51/2 . Pair...................... 65¢
Sizes 6, 61/2 . Pair...................... 75¢
Sizes 7, 71/2 . Pair...................... 85¢
Sizes 8, 81/2 . Pair...................... 95¢
Sizes 9, 91/2,10 . Pair.................1.05"
The Eaton's ad copy read, "RAYON PLATED on Cotton and Wool- dressy hose, but hardy enough for
schoolor everyday wear. Legs knit in 1/1 ribbing; plain knit feet;
reinforceed heels and toes. Colors White or Mid-Fawn.
1-2222 . Sizes 5, 51/2 . Pair...................... 45¢
Sizes 6, 61/2 . Pair...................... 50¢
Sizes 7, 71/2 . Pair...................... 55¢
Sizes 8, 81/2 . Pair...................... 60¢
Sizes 9, 91/2,10 . Pair................. 65¢"
The Eaton's ad copy read, "PLAIN KNIT COTTON AND WOOL. Stockings styled for growing daughter's
taste but comfortable and serviceable to please a parent, too ! Smooty plain knit with seamed backs for trim look and fit, reinforced heels and toes and double garter welts. Colors Mid-Fawn or Black. Sizes 71/2,8, 81/2, 9, 91/2, 10, 101/2. When ordering, please be sure to state size and color.
1-2214. Price, pair..... 79¢"
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