1930s Stockings, Nylons, Tights & Socks

1937 stockings colors

Women in the 1930s continued to wear seamed stockings just as they did in the 1920s. Colors were shades of tan or nude and usually darker than the skin-tone. Pure sheer nude was best for evenings, although the dresses were so long that you never saw them. Shades of grey were also very popular in the 1930s. Ivory or white was another option for summer clothing as well as nursing and household servant professions.

1937 Sheer Nude Stockings

Stockings were held up with garters and came to thigh height. Knee high socks were a more comfortable alternative to stockings. Made of the same silk, cotton or rayon material, the knit tops held them up over the calf.

1930s Knee High Stockings

Stockings were fully fashioned — meaning they were sewn, with a seam, into the shape of a leg. Sizes were based on shoe size, with wider cut sizes for full figured legs. The back seam always matched the stocking color, never contrasting.

1932 wide leg stockings with back seams plus sizes

1932 wide leg stockings with back seams and cuban heels

Socks were worn by women for sporting activities. They were colorful ankle socks, with either a ribbed top or a single fold down. Blue, green, white, yellow, and pinks in both solid and stripes were common.

Ladies with dark skin tones choose one shade darker or lighter than their natural skin tone.

When shopping for 1930s style stockings, for the vintage look you’ll want to choose nude, tan or taupe, or black back seam stockings or knee high stocking socks. Consider grey or white stockings for summer. This advice goes for all skin tones.