Pantyhose during WWII

September 19, 2012 12:33 PM

The unexpectedly fascinating story of pantyhose in wartime, via Smithsonian Magazine (part 1, part 2).
posted by mudpuppie (4 comments total)

In 1945, “nylon riots” ensued around the country when hundreds, and sometimes even thousands of women, queued up to try to snag a pair.

I am enjoying this article greatly.
posted by carsonb at 12:47 PM on September 19, 2012

Now go watch The Marriage of Maria Braun.
posted by sibboleth at 1:57 PM on September 19, 2012

I'm currently reading through the New Yorker archives from the year or two before we entered WWII - it'll be interesting to see if/how this is addressed. Thanks for the post!
posted by acanthous at 2:33 PM on September 19, 2012

Interesting stuff. Leg makeup is still a thing, but I haven't worn hose in ... ten years? Longer, maybe.
posted by purpleclover at 2:33 PM on September 19, 2012