Nothing but Seamed Stockings

BonnieJean · Jan 9, 2008

Lady Day said:
I got a slew (5 pairs) of cotton/silk blend FFs from one of my fave costume/vintage stores. They were mixed in with the 'costume' hose. I got them for $6 a pair! Squeeee!!! I dyed one black (they were all tan). Very comfy

LD

Lady Day, I think you're the bargain-treasure queen of the Lounge! Woo-eee!
I recall you found all those vintage 30s sewing patterns for a song too! I just might have to follow you around and maybe get a few of your leftovers!

BonnieJean · Jan 9, 2008

KittyT said:
I've always found the opposite. I think the non-stretch ones feel much finer and silkier!

I agree. I didn't think there was a difference (I'd worn Hanes stretch stockings for years), but after I wore my first pair of FF seamed stockings, I threw out everything stretchy. There's just something so feminine about wearing fine nylon stockings. No wonder the guys oogle and aah over them!

NoirDame · Jan 9, 2008

Sizing Question

Okay, ladies...not sure what size to order for FF stockings...

I am 5'5 but a size 18, carrying much of my weight in my hip and thigh area. With modern hosiery with stretch I usually go a size bigger than I think I will need because of my hips, but that is not a consideration here. My calves are average size.

I found a site that carries sizes up to 5'11. Does the thigh size change in the height/stocking sizes? I have never bought a pair before.

Site I'm browsing: http://www.stockingshq.com/sheertemptation/index.htm

Help is appreciated.

Lady Day · Jan 9, 2008

Okay, as a plus size gal (size 16 and up) on the hunt for FF stockings, I find that if you are looking for real nylons, youll have to go for the modern plus size or the vintage 'out size' sizing which are always more expensive/hard to find.

Your best bet for outsize is eBay. I always snatch up those because they are cut for an 'ample leg'. Regular FF stockings (vintage or otherwise) are sized by the foot size and dont have much wiggle room for the thigh. Remember, the stocking should fit the thigh, NOT cut into it (even with garters).

The stockingstore has some plus size stockings, but at $50 a pair, PLU-EASE!
I got a lot of 16 pairs (outsize) for $80. Hold out, look online and grab em.

Depending on your thigh width, youre gonna want a welt width of over 14.5" MINIMUM!

Trust me, I know

Good luck!

LD

Miss 1929 · Jan 9, 2008

Size chart!

I have found this page to be invaluable when buying vintage stockings! It has so many ways to tell what the heck size you want:

http://www.sleeknchic.com/html/generalinfo2.htm

NoirDame · Jan 9, 2008

Lady Day said:
Okay, as a plus size gal (size 16 and up) on the hunt for FF stockings, I find that if you are looking for real nylons, youll have to go for the modern plus size or the vintage 'out size' sizing which are always more expensive/hard to find.

The stockingstore has some plus size stockings, but at $50 a pair, PLU-EASE!
I got a lot of 16 pairs (outsize) for $80. Hold out, look online and grab em.

LD

Thank you. Secrets in Lace has plus size stockings but WITHOUT seams or heel detail.

So sad.

Lady Day · Jan 9, 2008

NoirDame said:
Thank you. Secrets in Lace has plus size stockings but WITHOUT seams or heel detail. So sad.

www.stockingshowcase.com has some.

Here, and here.

The last pair is the real deal. But you get the idea. Happy searching! (And remember to get them in your foot size!)

LD

Laura Chase · Jan 9, 2008

BonnieJean said:
I agree. I didn't think there was a difference (I'd worn Hanes stretch stockings for years), but after I wore my first pair of FF seamed stockings, I threw out everything stretchy. There's just something so feminine about wearing fine nylon stockings. No wonder the guys oogle and aah over them!

You are misunderstanding me.

The nylons I am talking about are indeed fine nylon. When I say stretch, I do not mean microfiber or anything like that. I mean stretch nylon, brands like Moderator Edit: Ladies please do not post links to websites that have nudity make the nicest, smoothest, stretch seamed nylons, and they too are fully fashioned.

Nylon can be both stretch and non-stretch, it all depends on the way the yarn is knit together. I have not experienced nylon stockings that were as stretchy as for example microfiler, thouhg. The ones in the picture are stretch nylons, and they are delicious. The picture is from What Katie Did.

From Ho Hose Glossary:

Raw Yarn
Filament yarn which has no stretch and is untextured.

Filament
The finished fibre used in sheer hosiery is called filament yarn. It is characterised by continuous length and is extruded either as monofilament yarns, which is composed of one single strand, or multifilament yarn which is made up of several filaments bundled together.

Monofilament Yarn
Yarn made of one single filament of fibre. We use this term to define a non-stretch nylon thread.

Multifilament Yarn
Yarn made of several filaments twisted or bundled together.

Stretch Yarns
Continuous filament yarns (e.g., nylon) that have been textured to give them elasticity.

Miss 1929 · Jan 9, 2008

Love those stockings!

The heel is fabulous!

Laura Chase · Jan 9, 2008

Miss 1929 said:
The heel is fabulous!

Yes, can you believe it, it's so gorgeous. Manhattan heels are so lovely!

NoirDame · Jan 9, 2008

Lady Day said:
www.stockingshowcase.com has some.

Here, and here.

The last pair is the real deal. But you get the idea. Happy searching! (And remember to get them in your foot size!)

LD

I was ready to buy the last pair but as I understand the sizing the shoe size is not right. I need the 10.5 since I am a 8.5-9 shoe size.

Here's what I'm going to do for now. I found a site with a huge panty girdle sale (not sure if I can link it??? mods?) but they also have french point look nylon/lycra blends that will fit me and hold me over while I scour ebay for outsize ones as you suggest LadyDay!

Lady Day · Jan 9, 2008

Hmmm... Im a 9 1/2 10 shoe size and I wear a 9 1/2 10 stocking. I guess depending on how wide your foot it, this may vary, but you dont want to go too far over your size. There is a bit of stretch in nylons, and if the foot is too large, your seam may twist.

LD

PS, stay ups dot stay up. Garters will only rip the lace welt of you use them.
Wear hose till you can find some stockings. Easer on the wallet, and if that rip, big woop!

NoirDame · Jan 10, 2008

You know, for 23$ I may just get those stockings, then. I do have a little bit of a wide foot, but it's not huge! I should snap up outsizes when I see them at a good price, right?

Oh, look out wallet. Friday is coming and I'm a shoppin!

*edit* ok. I bought them. But Friday is GIRDLE DAY. Thanks for your help, LD!

Etienne · Jan 10, 2008

Noir Dame, I wear an 8/12 to 9 shoe and I wear 10 1/2 L or tall stockings. (I am 5' 8 1/2"). If I wear anything shorter than a 10 1/2, I pop right through the toes!

SarahLouise · Jan 10, 2008

jitterbugdoll said:
I do not have any pairs myself (they've all been too short for me), but I have seen them in my travels. Here are a few photos for reference:

I got a pair of these zig zag heel stockings the other day. I was so surprised that nobody else bid on them. I can't wait to wear them!

KittyT · Jan 10, 2008

SarahLouise said:
I got a pair of these zig zag heel stockings the other day. I was so surprised that nobody else bid on them. I can't wait to wear them!

Yeah, these are great and some of my favorites. I've been lucky enough to snag some fancy heeled stockings, usually for around $6/pair. I don't wait them too often though, because I know they're not easily replaceable!

I have a bunch of photos of fancy-heeled and flocked stockings that I own in this post. http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=451022&postcount=314

I'm still interested in seeing photos of the more interesting items in everyone's collections!

SarahLouise · Jan 10, 2008

KittyT said:
Yeah, these are great and some of my favorites. I've been lucky enough to snag some fancy heeled stockings, usually for around $6/pair. I don't wait them too often though, because I know they're not easily replaceable!

I have a bunch of photos of fancy-heeled and flocked stockings that I own in this post. http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=451022&postcount=314

I'm still interested in seeing photos of the more interesting items in everyone's collections!

You have a great collection Kitty! I especially like the flocked ones, the green pair are so pretty.

I agree, I would never wear fully fashioned stockings everyday. I know everybody hates hold ups but I wear Pretty Polly seamed ones for work as they are less hassle and ¬£5 a pair, so it's not too pricey to keep replacing them. They are very comfortable and the rubber top doesn't leave a rash, unlike other hold up brands I have tried.

Mojito · Jan 11, 2008

You ladies have sold me on the concept of trying ff stockings!

I would never have even contemplated this once upon a time - I'm so harsh on pantyhose, and have always had trouble buying them with my height, so the thought of anything more complex was terrifying. But after reading this thread through - several times over the past couple of months - and following up all the research and buying suggestions, I've taken the plunge.

Can't wait for everything I've ordered to arrive!

Goldfish · Jan 12, 2008

i wish i could wear them but I am too clumsy, would destroy them withhin 10 minutes...

NoirDame · Jan 12, 2008

How Do You Tell if the Foot Fits Properly?

I just got my first pair of ff stockings, so I am clueless about them. The leg fits perfectly!!!!!

I'm not sure about the foot, but it is cut differently that modern hosiery, so I thought I'd ask you ladies.

Is there a right and left stocking or does it matter?

How is that toe part supposed to look? I understand the seam is supposed to go up the middle of your foot on the sole.

I am worried that my toes are going to put holes in them the first time I wear them. The length of the foot is perfect...the toe feels narrow. I can post a pic of it on my foot if needed. Maybe it is supposed to be the way it is and I just have no idea.

Nothing but Seamed Stockings

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