Vintage Nylon Stockings Size Table - How to find your size of Authentic Real Nylon Stockings?
Vintage Nylon Stockings Size Table - How to find your size of Authentic Real Nylon Stockings?
To find your size in authentic vintage nylon stockings, it's important to understand that sizing differs from modern stretchy hosiery. Vintage nylons were typically made without elastic and relied on precise knitting to fit the leg shape. Here's a breakdown of how to find your size:
1. Foot Size is Key:
Measure your foot length: Place your foot flat on the floor and measure from the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel in inches.
Vintage stocking sizes correspond to foot length: These sizes generally range from 8 to 12.5. A size 9 stocking, for example, indicates a foot length of approximately 9 inches.
Consult a brand-specific size chart if available: Some manufacturers of authentic vintage-style nylons provide charts that correlate shoe size to stocking size.
2. Determine Stocking Length:
Measure your leg length: Measure from the bottom of your heel to the top of where you want the stocking to reach on your thigh (typically where your garter belt will attach). Pull the stocking taut when measuring.
Vintage stockings came in different lengths: Common designations were Short (S), Medium (M), Long (L), and Extra Long (XL). If no length was indicated on vintage packaging, it was usually assumed to be Medium.
Look for length indicators: If you see a letter after the foot size (e.g., 9 M), it signifies the length.
3. Consider Fit:
Snug but not tight: Authentic nylon stockings should gently hug your leg without feeling restrictive.
Underwelt placement: The underwelt (the small section below the welt) should sit around the middle of your thigh. The welt (the thicker top band) should be on your upper thigh.
No sagging or wrinkling: If the stockings feel loose or wrinkle, they might be too big.
Account for potential shrinkage: Vintage nylons can become slightly brittle over time and may have minimal give. It's better to err slightly on the larger side if you're between sizes to avoid runs.
4. Vintage Size Designations:
You might encounter older sizing terms on vintage packaging. Here's a general guide:
W / WMS / WMNS: Women's (Standard)
SW: Small Women's
WX: Women's Extra
OS: Outsize
XOS: Extra Outsize
XXOS: Extra Extra Outsize
Where to Find Size Charts?
Table of stocking sizes and corresponding shoe sizes in US, UK, and Europe
Specialty Vintage Hosiery Retailers: Websites that sell authentic or reproduction vintage nylon stockings often provide detailed sizing charts that take both foot size and leg length into account. Examples include Nylon Nostalgia and Stocking Showcase.
Individual sellers may provide some sizing information in the product description. Don't hesitate to ask for measurements if they are not provided.
Important Considerations for Vintage Nylons:
No stretch: Unlike modern hosiery with Lycra or Spandex, true vintage nylons have very little to no stretch. Accurate measurements are crucial.
Denier: Denier refers to the thickness of the yarn. Lower denier (e.g., 7-15) is ultra-sheer, while higher denier (20+) is more opaque and durable. This doesn't directly impact size but affects the look and feel.
Gauge: Gauge refers to the closeness of the knit. Higher gauge generally means a more snag-resistant stocking.
By carefully measuring your foot and leg and consulting available size charts, you can increase your chances of finding authentic vintage nylon stockings that fit well and feel fabulous!
Also interesting:
The Truth About Nylon Stockings
... great information about the maintenance of nylons. Every vintage woman knows the importance of never baring her legs. (Knows, but doesn't necessarily uphold. :x) A large problem with wearing nylons so often is that they tend to get snagged, or stretch out in an unflattering manor after some time. I often grumble that I am cursed because I seem destined to ruin every pair of nylons I get after one or two wears due to my nails that simply adore snagging on things regardless of how smooth they are.
