The history of stockings, starting with medieval bandages

Stockings, as an element of clothing, have come a long way - from utilitarian bandages to a symbol of elegance and style. They not only warmed the legs, but also reflected fashion trends, social status and technological achievements of their time.

The predecessors of stockings were bandages that were used to warm the legs. They were worn by representatives of both sexes, without dividing this item of clothing into male and female. Medieval stockings were made by hand, strictly according to individual orders. The seams were decorated with decorative embroidery.

Bright stockings were especially popular. For example, in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" there is a mention of a weaver in red stockings. And in those times, when fashion allowed, each leg could have a stocking of a different color - this emphasized the originality of the owner.

In the 14th century, short stockings appeared, which were attached to the leg with garters. It is with this accessory that one of the most romantic legends is associated. When the Countess of Salisbury lost her garter during a ball, King Edward III picked it up and said: "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Let him be ashamed who thinks ill of it"). This phrase became the motto of the Order of the Garter - the highest knightly award in England.

By the end of the 15th century, stockings began to be connected at the top, creating the prototype of modern tights. However, the real revolution in production happened later.

In 1589, English inventor William Lee created a knitting machine, explaining this by the desire to ease the work of his wife, who knitted stockings by hand. Although Queen Elizabeth I did not appreciate the invention, the French King Henry IV saw its potential. Soon the first stocking factory was opened in Rouen, and machine production became a new era in the textile industry.

Significant changes occurred in 1938, when the American company DuPont developed nylon. This material, according to the company's description, combined the strength of steel and the fineness of spider web. In 1940, sales of nylon stockings began in the United States, which immediately gained popularity: 4 million pairs were sold in two days.

However, during World War II, the production of nylon stockings practically ceased, since this material was used to make parachutes. Women had to draw "stockings" on their legs using cosmetic pencils.

After the war, stockings became available again, and their production and popularity only grew.

Later, technology made it possible to create products of different densities, colors and textures, and innovative materials made them as comfortable as possible.