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Nylon stockings, post-World War II C018 / 0642
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Nylon stockings, post-World War II C018 / 0642
Nylon stockings. Woman in the street putting on nylon stockings in the USA after World War II. Nylon was a new material discovered by the DuPont Company in 1935 and used from 1939 in products such as stockings. Nylon stockings were immensely popular, but had to be discontinued due to nylon being reserved solely for wartime applications. When nylon was once again allowed for the domestic market, women were eager to start wearing them again and queued in sales such as this one. Photographed in San Francisco, USA, in around 1945 or 1946
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9237515
© HAGLEY ARCHIVE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1940s 1945 Application Applications California Clothes Clothing Consumer Crowd Culture Customer Dupont Dupont Company Fashion Legs New Material North American Nylon Polymer Product Queue Sale San Francisco Second World War Stockings Street World War 2 World War Ii World War Two Wwii 1946 Donning Hosiery Kerb Putting On Stocking
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in post-World War II America, showcasing the excitement and eagerness of women to embrace the return of nylon stockings. Taken in San Francisco around 1945 or 1946, it depicts a bustling street scene where women patiently queue for their chance to purchase this highly sought-after fashion item. Nylon stockings were revolutionary when they first hit the market in the late 1930s, but their production was halted during the war as nylon became exclusively reserved for wartime applications. However, once nylon was made available again for everyday use, it sparked a frenzy among women who yearned to adorn their legs with this luxurious and durable legwear. In this monochrome image, we see a diverse crowd of men and women gathered on the sidewalk outside what appears to be a store hosting a sale of these coveted stockings. The anticipation is palpable as one woman stands near the kerb expertly donning her newly acquired pair while others eagerly await their turn. This photograph not only reflects an important chapter in fashion history but also serves as a testament to how material innovations can profoundly impact society's desires and aspirations. It encapsulates both the cultural significance of nylon stockings and the resilience and determination of American consumers after enduring years of wartime scarcity. With its rich historical context and timeless appeal, this print from HAGLEY ARCHIVE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY offers us an intriguing glimpse into an era defined by shifting social norms, emerging consumer culture, and newfound possibilities in fashion.
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