Fully Fashioned Stockings
Genuine Fully Fashioned Stockings
There’s nothing quite like the timeless elegance of genuine Fully Fashioned Stockings. Carefully crafted on original Reading knitting machines from the 1950s, these beautifully seamed stockings are the pinnacle of vintage hosiery. At What Katie Did, we’re proud to offer authentic Fully Fashioned Stockings made in England, using non-stretch 15 denier nylon to replicate the exact feel and appearance of mid-century designs.
These special nylons are shaped to the contours of the leg as they’re knitted, which results in their famously flattering fit. Each pair is created flat rather than in a tube, then sewn together with a back seam that is both functional and decorative. This seam is finished by hand using traditional overlocking, giving each pair a crisp, vintage-correct look that no modern alternative can replicate.
What makes these Stockings so desirable is not only their authentic construction but their rarity. Only a handful of specialist mills around the world are still able to produce them, making each pair something truly special. For fans of retro glamour, burlesque performers, and fashion historians, these stockings represent the gold standard in hosiery design. Their scarcity and craftsmanship have helped them earn a cult following among those who appreciate old-school elegance.
Unlike mass-produced hosiery, these nylon Stockings are made in limited runs by skilled technicians in the north of England. Every pair is individually checked and matched to ensure consistency and quality. We offer a range of vintage-inspired heel styles—including Cuban and Point heels—that capture the spirit of the 1940s and 1950s. Whether you’re attending a vintage event or simply elevating your everyday wardrobe, these stockings bring unmistakable authenticity and sophistication.
Since 1999, What Katie Did has championed the production of Seamed Stockings, supplying everyone from Hollywood costume departments to pin-up icons. Our stockings have graced the legs of Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, and countless customers who understand the value of traditional craftsmanship. While our Glamour Seamed Stockings remain a popular everyday alternative, it’s the true Fully Fashioned style that continues to steal the spotlight for those seeking an uncompromising vintage finish.
Genuine FF stockings can be identified by small, unique details that mark their authenticity. Features like picot lines—tiny stitch marks down the back of the leg—and a finishing loop in the welt are clues that you’re wearing the real thing. These small imperfections are not flaws but reminders of the intricate, hands-on production methods used to create each pair.
Whether you know them as FF stockings or full fashioned stockings, one thing is certain: they remain a symbol of timeless glamour and impeccable style. Add a pair to your collection and experience why these vintage nylons continue to captivate, decade after decade.