As with any garment, stockings should be treated carefully when worn. Placing them in a laundry bag and washing them gently under cool water will extend their lifespan and help ensure you get years of use out of each pair.
RHT, or reinforced heel and toe stockings, is an enduring classic, featuring a darker welt at both heels and toes for an authentic appearance.
Fully fashioned
Fully fashioned stockings provide something with more flair. Produced on vintage flat bed 400 needle machines, these entirely contrast black heel and toe with seam, heel-toe seam contrasted heel-and-toe patterns add luxury, while their classic welt top makes these sensual stockings timeless additions to your wardrobe.
These stockings feature a back seam, keyhole at the top, and welt that’s darker than its leg – all hallmarks of genuine fully fashioned stockings that require much craftsmanship! Woven by vintage Reading machinery at around 30 stockings per hour before glass ironing for glass ironing before dyed and steamed on flat metal legs (that look like something out of Jules Verne!), they genuinely represent history! This special treat can only be appreciated as part of history itself!
The back welt of stocking has an additional keyhole that allows the seamstress to finish it by hand and add that final touch of quality by hand finishing. Seamless stockings and pantyhose gradually replaced these classic pieces of hosiery after the 1960s.
Sizing correctly when ordering these tights can be challenging due to their reduced stretch. We provide a general size guide. However, it may be beneficial for you to have professional stocking sizing services provided as an additional service – something we offer all our customers!
Seamed
Fully fashioned stockings feature narrow seams, just enough to create an eye-catching texture finish. However, their material can be very delicate and easily torn; so care should be taken when handling. Keep away from anything that might snag it – from bra hooks to embellishments on briefs – that could cause it to unravel or knot two pairs together so they won’t stretch out of shape over time.
Before sewing stockings onto an actual pair, it’s wise to select fabric with good widthwise stretch and recovery (the ability to snap back into shape without losing its form). Before stitching an actual pair with it, test your pattern on scraps of similar fabric – too much stretch or poor recovery can result in stockings that are too large and have an uneven appearance.
One of my customers recently shared with me a fantastic tale: one of her family worked at a factory during the fifties that produced fully fashioned stockings as well as socks of different colors. To add even more color, they took these colorful yarns and overlocked them onto ordinary, fully fashioned stockings, creating bright, seamed stockings no one else had! This process produced truly unusual and one-off socks!
An increasingly popular option is bronze reinforced heel and toe (RHT) stockings, which resemble fully fashioned stockings but offer a slightly firmer feel. They shouldn’t be seen as a replacement; instead, they make for great options if you require something a bit more durable.
Opaque
RHT stockings, also known as reciprocal heel and toe (RHT) stockings, are seamless hosiery knitted on circular machines. As opposed to hand-knit or traditional style stockings, which contain seams for seam-tieing purposes, RHT (reciprocal heel and toe) stockings provide seamless support.
Advantages of tights with smooth edges include being worn for longer without discomfort or itching, while they look much more luxurious than plain or hand-knitted nylons. They’re often chosen by women looking to add glamour or sophistication to their attire.
Opaque stockings offer an ideal compromise for those who prefer something warmer than sheer tights without opting for full pantyhose. You’ll find them available in an array of colors and fabrics; some opaque tights even feature wool-knitted stockings to offer warmth with a pleasing appearance.
Hold-ups, which feature silicone bands around their top that grip the legs, offer additional support than standard pantyhose. While more costly, hold-ups can offer increased lace support or plain top options depending on personal preferences and preferences. It is essential to avoid using talcum powder or creams, which could compromise how securely these stay in place.
Sheer
No matter the occasion, finding sheer stockings that suit both day wear and evening events can be dauntingly easy. From basic styles like plain models to more elaborate models with intricate details or unique models – there’s sure to be something that fits. Additionally, there are multiple colors and finishes available, making finding just the right pair easy.
If you wear sheer nylon stockings, hand washing them is the ideal way to maintain their quality and keep them free from snags or tears. Just add one teaspoon of mild detergent into a basin of cool water, let your stockings soak for 20-30 minutes, then drain and rinse under cool running water without stretching or wringing – finally, blot them gently with a towel to absorb any remaining water and allow to air dry naturally.
Hold-up styles offer another stylish option, often made with elastic threads in their waistband that help hold them up. You don’t need a suspender belt with these stylish stockings – wear them alone for an effortlessly chic and fashionable look! Bronze reinforced heel and toe stockings – commonly referred to as RHT stocks – may provide extra strength as an additional layer.
RHT stockings use a technique known as reciprocating, in which the heel and toe sections fold back upon themselves for extra reinforcement. This results in a darker appearance while making these stockings stronger than regular stockings – helping ensure they last longer!
Heels
Bronze-reinforced heels and toe stockings (RHT stockings or reciprocal heel and toe stockings) are an ode to 1950s fashion. Made of flat knit non-stretch material with reinforced stitching that provides more seductive movement when crossing legs, RHT stockings have a retro appeal that brings back memories.
Like full-fashioned stockings, these tights can also be worn with suspender belts for extra support. Available in various heel designs – Cuban (rising higher at the back and sharpening off into a point) and Manhattan (wider and shorter), reinforcement can add visual interest; folding techniques strengthen heel and toe seams, creating more robust soles less likely to hole or tear.
