How a wartime shortage sparked the infamous American nylon riots
In 1939, DuPont introduced a miracle fabric that Americans bought by the millions. But when World War II redirected production to parachutes, the sudden disappearance of nylon stockings triggered a desperate black market and violent civil unrest in American stores.
The history of the stocking is a journey from functional warmth to high-fashion aesthetic. In the medieval period, men wore what were known as 'hose.' By the 15th century, the concept of 'stocks' even referred to a one-piece garment covering the lower trunk and limbs, divided into upper-stocks and nether-stocks. For centuries, these garments were hand-knitted or woven from wool, linen, or silk. Even royalty were subject to the complexities of supply; in 1560, the merchant Thomas Gresham had to coordinate with Spain to secure silk hose for Elizabeth I after failing to find them in Antwerp.
The 20th century brought a radical shift in both material and purpose. Before the 1920s, stockings were primarily worn for warmth. However, as hemlines rose and central heating became less common, women transitioned to sheer, flesh-colored varieties made of silk, rayon, or eventually, nylon. The introduction of nylon by DuPont in 1939 revolutionized the industry, creating a demand so massive that up to 4 million pairs were purchased in a single day in the United States.
This prosperity was short-lived. During World War II, DuPont re-tooled its factories to produce essential war materials like airplane cords, rope, and parachutes. The resulting shortage created a thriving black market and led to the 'nylon riots'—a series of disturbances in American stores as consumers struggled to find the elusive fabric. While the 1959 introduction of commercial pantyhose eventually caused a dramatic decline in traditional stocking use, the garment remains a staple of high fashion, valued for the allure of lace, garters, and the aesthetic of the exposed thigh.
Source: Stocking
