Between Fascination And Fetish: History of nylon stockings
Nylons - a collective term for suspender stockings, hold-ups, or pantyhose, are leg flatterers in stocking form that lightly shape and make legs appear slimmer and longer. The often sheer fabric allows the skin to show through, but conceals small blemishes, making the skin appear smoother and more even.
They are easy to wear and a great addition to almost any feminine outfit. Today we give you a glimpse into the History of nylons and uncover why the fascination for nylons is so great - and why the passion for nylons often extends to a stocking fetish!
The History Of Nylons
Just a glance at history shows how popular nylon stockings are: Nylon is a trading name for a polyamide (polyamide 6.6, the exact chemical name is polyhexamethylene adipic acid amide) and was the first fiber ever made entirely synthetically. It was developed in 1935 by the American company DuPont, which gave it the name nylon with the aim of establishing it as a synonym for its stockings. Before that, fine stockings were still made of real silk. Incidentally, the fact that the name derives from "Now You Lousy Old Nippon" - since it could now be used to make your own parachutes - is a myth. In 1938, a counterpart appeared in Germany that had the same properties as nylon without infringing patent rights: Polycaprolactam (polyamide 6) from company I. G. Farben, better known under the trade name Perlon. The alternative, which was produced in the GDR in 1959, was called Dederon and was known less for stockings than for smock aprons and shopping bags.
In 1939, the first 4,000 pairs of nylon stockings were sold in a very short time in a DuPont test sale, although they cost a hefty $250 at the time. May 15, 1940, went down in history as "N(ylon) Day," when DuPont offered the first mass-produced nylons in a few select stores in major American cities. Riots broke out, women eager to buy had to be held back with police barriers, and they brawled at the racks - DuPont made millions selling them. Demand was so high that it took until March 1946 to meet the need. But this was due in part to the fact that nylon stocking production had been severely cut back during World War II because the material was needed to make war-related manufactures.
Reportedly, 65% of young American women said at the end of the war that they missed nylons the most, while only 35% answered the question with "men".
The American nylons were brought to Germany by the occupying forces, and like cigarettes or chocolate, were a currency of their own on the black market. They were also called bed edge currency, as some women were even willing to perform sexual favors to get their hands on the beloved fine stockings. For those who could not afford the nylons, there was tinted "leg makeup" to simulate the effect, or they rubbed themselves with coffee grounds to get the brownish tint. Eyebrow pencil was used to trace the stocking seam on the back of the legs because seamless nylons could not be produced until 1955. Suspenders or garters were also still a necessity at that time.
Halterless stockings ("stay-ups" or "hold-ups") have only been around since the 60s. At that time, however, pantyhose were much more in demand, as the miniskirt was all the rage, and the flashing of garter rims or even suspenders too frowned upon. The fact that nylons with back seams still exist today is probably due to the fact that they visually slim the leg and act as a guideline for glances that wander along them up the legs. In addition, they exude the glamor of movie stars or mannequins from the "good old days".
What is the fascinating thing about nylons?
Nylons are leg flatterers that easily shape and make legs appear slimmer and longer, especially when combined with high heels. The often sheer fabric allows the skin to show through, but conceals small blemishes, making the skin appear smoother and more even. They are easy to wear and a great addition to almost any feminine outfit. Whether on dates, on your wedding night, on the job, or in everyday life, nylons are an indispensable fashion accessory for quite a few women.
Nylons are always associated with eroticism. A closure made of fine lace, which cheekily peeks out from under a short skirt, fires the imagination. For sensual lingerie sets, overknee stockings are the icing on the cake that enhances the erotic effect. The combination of lingerie, suspenders, and nylon stockings is particularly exciting for many. Instead of suspender stockings, there are now many models that have a built-in rubber coating - usually made of silicone - which guarantees a secure fit on the leg even during a night of dancing through the party.
Hold-up stockings offer a much more comfortable feel and allow greater legroom. In addition, no girdle stands out under a tight-fitting outfit. The hold-ups can be combined with a suspender belt for a provocative effect, but many are too thick to attach suspenders to because of the reinforced edge.
Fashion has a great influence on our body perception and many women enjoy the good body feeling of nylon on their legs. Others especially like how their nylons turn on the male sex. There is probably hardly a heterosexual man who can resist the sight of women in nylons. "Almost every man has a stocking fetish," says sex therapist Dr. Monika Wogrolly. Sexpert Paula Lambert, on the other hand, suspects, "In my experience, what men like about halter stockings is not so much the stocking itself, but the attitude of the woman wearing it. If clothing makes a woman feel sexy and desirable [...] then she is nothing less than the most desirable woman in the world." Perhaps Brigitte Bardot's quote sums it up best: "Fashion may not be a woman's weapon, but at least it provides her with ammunition." And even feminist Simone de Beauvoir has had to admit "that the thinnest stockings are unfortunately the most elegant."
Nylons As A Fetish
Fetish generally refers to a preference for inanimate objects or individual idealized parts of the body. There are various theories on the origin of fetishes, although none is fully accepted. In sexual medicine, fetishism is considered to require treatment only if it serves as a substitute for partnered sexuality, and/or sexual satisfaction is difficult or impossible without it, and consequently, distress results. In the current diagnostic system for psychiatric disorders, ICD-11, which came into force on January 1, 2022, fetishism was deleted as a separate disorder.
Just because you find nylon attractive, however, does not mean that you have a nylon fetish. In fact, this fetish is relatively widespread and comes in many different forms. The focus of the fetish is the erotic fixation on the material, but also the effect that can be achieved with it. While some simply like to look at nylons (when worn by someone else) and get aroused by them, others like haptics and even the smell of the material. The "classic" nylon fetishist: favors suspenders in the style of the 40/50s with the obligatory seam of all. But fishnet stockings are also quite popular. Feeling the slippery, thin fabric against the skin is the ultimate thrill for them. While many men in particular like to see and touch women in these garments, others put on nylon lingerie themselves because they like the feel of it (though the travesty aspect - wearing garments connoted as women's clothing as a man - may play a role in this).
Some like to rip the nylons like to rip the crotch of pantyhose to then perform sexual intercourse - in case it's less about the destruction than having sex in nylon pantyhose, the Ouvert pantyhose and bodies were invented. Also in the BDSM environment, the nylon fetish is widespread - Dominas like to dress in this material, and if the inclination goes in the direction of BDSM, nylon fetishists: inside also like to be tied up and/or gagged with stockings. Not infrequently, a foot fetish is added, where the best piece is stimulated with the stockinged feet, the so-called foot job. Others like to combine the nylons with pee games or to dirty them.
In our store, you can also find fashion for patent leather and latex fetishes.
