Fay Button-on Stockings (United States, 1911)


Figure 1.--Long stockings were very widely worn by both boys and girls. We note button-on long stockings in 1911. They were not common. Most boys wore various types of stocking supporters to hold up their long stockings.

Long stockings were very widely worn by both boys and girls. We note button-on long stockings in 1911. They were not common. Most boys wore various types of stocking supporters to hold up their long stockings.

Fay Stocking Compny

These button-on stockings were manufactured by the Fay Stocking Company. The compasny was located in Elyria, Ohio.

Ladies Home Journal

The ad here appeared in "The Ladies Home Journal (January 1911, p. 52). As the oldest still publishing, most respected women's service magazine in the country, The Ladies' Home Journal has always focused on issues of crucial importance to millions of women. Since its first issue in December 1883. This long history make The Ladies Home Journal and invaluable source of information on American fashion trends. Its covered an incredibly wide range of topics beyond just fashion, from the latest medical research and consumer news to parenting know-how, workplace survival, good skincare, nutrition facts and much, much more. It was The Ladies Home Journal who sucessfully merged the elements and produced the right formula, becoming the top ladies magazine in America. The Ladies' Home Journal both empowered women and applauded their growing power.

Construction

These stockings buttoned on to an underwaist and therefore required no hose supporters to hold them up. These stockings were designed for both boys and girls and also for women. They were available in different weights.

Color

No color choice is mentioned, so we must assume, I think, that they came only in black (as shown in the illustration). br>

Popularity

We are not sure when these button-on stockings first appeared. We note an earlier ad in 1901. This may be about the time they were first marketed. This is the first advertizement we have noted. We see them again here in 1911. Button-on stockings had a brief revival in America in 1939-40 but didn't last very long. Wards sold button-on stockings in their 1939 catalog and again in the 1943 catlog.

Gender ad Age

This ad also offers men's socks in addition to stockings for children and women, so the Fay Stocking Company was catering for the entire family.

Ad Copy

The ad copy read, "Fay "Ideal" Stockings. Button at waist, no supporters. High grade for health, economy and comfort. fit fine, Feel fine, Look fine. Wear fine, Are fine. Stay up smooth. All weights for boys, girls and women. 25 cents to 50 cents. Fay Knit Regular lengths for women, boys and girls. Have special expansion tops for women. Fine fitting ankles and feet. Extra wear. 25 cents to 40 cents. Fay Sox for men. Wear, fit and comfort combined. Least darning. 25 cents to 35 cents. Try a pair and see the difference. Buy of your dealer of by mail. One order free. SAtisfaction or money back. Fay Stocking Co. Box 104, Elyria, Ohio.







HBC






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Created: 6:14 AM 11/21/2005
Last updated: 8:10 PM 1/31/2007