Red stockings were especially fashionable during the Victorian era. Sometimes they were plain red. Other times they were embellished with decorative patterns or embroidery. The red, silk knit stockings below feature a design of playing cards.
What was in a Victorian stocking?
Victorian stockings were very beautiful as they used to be the children’s main present. Santa Claus would fill them with fruit and nuts and a piece of candy or two. There would also be some bright new pennies and a lump of coal for luck.
What were stockings made of in the 18th century?
In the eighteen century, stockings were made from wool, silk, linen, cotton, and mixtures of fibers. Yarns varied from thick (modern worsted weight, with about 4 stitches per inch) to very thin (modern lace weights, with 28 or more stitches per inch).
When did people start wearing stockings?
Pantyhose were invented in the late 1950s and went on sale in 1959. They didn’t become popular until the mid-1960s (thanks to the mini-skirt). They were revolutionary because women no longer needed to wear a girdle or garter belt.
Did men wear stockings in the 1800s?
From the 1770s until into the 1820s, many men padded their hose with “artificial calves” strapped to their legs, if needed, to create the shapely leg demanded by fashion ideals.
Did the Victorians have Christmas stockings?
Victorian Christmas stockings: filled with sweet treats
Just like today, Victorian children looked forward to opening their Christmas stockings. During the 19th century, handmade presents were the order of the day. Sweets were a particular favourite.
Did Victorians wear stockings?
In the Victorian Era, stockings (a.k.a. hose) for men, women, and children were knitted but did not have the elastic ability to remain in place like socks do today. Without use of a garters or hose supporters, stockings would fall immediately.
What were blue stockings in Victorian 19th century?
Bluestocking, any of a group of women who in mid-18th-century England held “conversations” to which they invited men of letters and members of the aristocracy with literary interests. The word has come to be applied derisively to a woman who affects literary or learned interests.
What was originally put in Christmas stockings?
According to tradition, the original Saint Nicholas put gold coins in the stockings of three poor sisters. One night, the girls left their stockings drying over the fireplace. Saint Nicholas knew the family was very poor, so he threw three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The money landed in the sisters’ stockings.
What was traditionally put in stockings?
Traditionally they are filled with small gifts such as fruit, nuts, sweets, or toys. But over the years people have been getting more creative and using them as a way to gift other small presents.
Who wore stockings first?
Believe it or not, “hose” or “hosiery” were worn as early as the 15th and 16th centuries. At first, hose was worn almost exclusively by European noble men. This was for practical reasons of the era such as better mobility while riding horseback. King Charles IX of France wearing padded hosiery in 1566.
When did stockings go out of fashion?
By the 90s, women looking for comfort and freedom began to go au-natural, leaving their legs bare as often as not. In 2006, the New York Times referred to the hosiery industry as “An Industry that Lost its Footing.”
When did stockings become a Christmas tradition?
As far back as 1823, when Clement Clarke Moore (or possibly Henry Livingston Jr.) wrote “A Visit From Saint Nicholas,” stockings were hung near the fireplace, awaiting a visit from Santa Claus.
How did Victorian stockings stay up?
A garter is an article of clothing comprising a narrow band of fabric fastened about the leg to keep up stockings. In the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, they were tied just below the knee, where the leg is most slender, to keep the stocking from slipping.
Why did Victorians wear stockings?
These stockings were worn for warmth, but also to protect the silk from the wear of outdoor boots and shoes, and to provide more padding between the flesh and stiff leather.
Who wore pantyhose first?
The story of pantyhose runs in the Gant family. Since the late Allen Gant Sr. introduced the first pair in 1959, his descendents have watched the garment move from high fashion to optional accessory.
What were Victorian Christmases like?
The Victorians also transformed the idea of Christmas so that it became centred around the family. The preparation and eating of the feast, decorations and gift giving, entertainments and parlour games – all were essential to the celebration of the festival and were to be shared by the whole family.
How to decorate for Christmas like a Victorian?
Drawing on traditions from Albert’s childhood in Germany, Victorian Christmas trees were decorated with candles, sweets, fruit, small gifts and handmade paper decorations. Dress your tree in Victorian fashion with handmade paper chains, orange pomanders and paper angels!
What would a poor Victorian child get in their stocking?
In a “poor child’s” Christmas stocking, which first became popular from around 1870, only an apple, orange and a few nuts could be found. Father Christmas / Santa Claus – Normally associated with the bringer of the above gifts, is Father Christmas or Santa Claus.
What Colour stockings did they wear in the 1920s?
Skin-colored stockings were by far the most popular. As the decade wore on, however, women started to make a statement when it came to their stockings. Ivory or light pink were also popular color choices during this decade.
Did Victorians ever wear their hair down?
Victorian Historical Hairstyles
Some women in Victorian times often wore their hair long, down to the ground. Hairstyles were a reflection of a person’s station in life or class. Upper class women rarely wore their hair down in public in the Victorian era, since a women’s hair was considered her most valuable asset.