Fashion and Beauty

The Invention of Nylon

Nylon stockings first emerged in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1939, thanks to the invention of nylon by Wallace Hume Carothers, a chemist working for DuPont. Nylon, a synthetic fabric made from “carbon, water, and air,” quickly gained popularity due to its stretchy, durable, and washable properties.

The Rise of Nylon Stockings

As hemlines rose throughout the 1930s, stockings became an essential part of women’s wardrobes. Nylon stockings, with their superior qualities, quickly replaced silk and rayon as the preferred choice. DuPont’s clever marketing campaign, touting nylon as “no run” (nuron spelled backwards), further fueled the demand.

Wartime Rationing

However, the outbreak of World War II in 1941 brought an abrupt end to the nylon stocking craze. Nylon was deemed essential for the war effort, being used in the production of parachutes, tire cords, and other military supplies. As a result, nylon stockings were severely rationed, leaving women to resort to creative measures to enhance their leg beauty, such as paint-on stockings.

The Nylon Riots

After the war, nylon stockings returned to stores with a vengeance. In 1945, “nylon riots” erupted across the country as hundreds and thousands of women lined up to purchase the coveted stockings. The situation reached its peak in Pittsburgh, where 40,000 people queued for over a mile for 13,000 pairs.

Nylon in Modern Clothing

Today, nylon is still used in the production of stockings, tights, and knee-highs. However, its presence in the fashion industry has declined due to the rise of natural fabrics. Nylon’s durability and versatility have found new applications in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices, primarily in the form of plastic products.

History of Swimwear: From Ancient Rome to Modern Day

Bathing Suits in Ancient Times

The earliest known depiction of women wearing bathing suits can be traced back to the 4th century in Sicily, where a mosaic in the Villa Roma de Casale portrays women exercising in bikini-like garments. However, for many centuries afterward, there is little evidence of people venturing into the water.

Bathing in the 17th and 18th Centuries

In the late 17th century, English traveler Celia Fiennes described the typical bathing costume for women: a loose, yellow canvas garment that concealed their bodies completely. These “bathing gowns” were used for public bathing, which was a common practice at the time.

Modesty and Bathing Dresses

In the 18th and 19th centuries, modesty prevailed in swimwear design. Women wore long dresses made of heavy fabrics that would not become transparent when wet. Some even sewed lead weights into the hems to prevent the dresses from floating up and revealing too much.

The Rise of the One-Piece Suit

In 1907, Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman caused a scandal when she was arrested for wearing a more form-fitting, one-piece suit in Boston. Her arrest paved the way for a new era of swimwear that emphasized comfort and function.

Jantzen and the “Red Diving Girl”

In 1915, Jantzen, a knittery in Portland, introduced the term “swimming suit” and coined its iconic “Red Diving Girl” logo. This image, which embodied the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, helped popularize swimwear and make Jantzen a household name.

The Bikini Revolution

In 1946, French engineer Louis Réard unveiled the bikini, named after the recent atomic tests at Bikini Atoll. Initially met with resistance, the bikini quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of liberation and female empowerment.

Swimwear in the Modern Era

From the 1960s onward, swimwear has evolved in countless ways. Blouson bathing suits, retro two-pieces, Burkinis, UV-protective swim shirts, and thongs are just a few examples of the diverse range of options available today.

Farrah Fawcett and the American Dream

In 1975, Farrah Fawcett’s iconic poster wearing a red one-piece bathing suit became a cultural sensation. Her image represented the height of the sexual revolution and captured the spirit of a generation.

American Attitudes Towards Swimwear

While the bikini may have originated in France, American attitudes towards swimwear have always been characterized by a sense of modesty. Even today, many Americans prefer swimwear that suggests sexuality rather than flaunting it openly.

Nylon Stockings: A Historical Journey from Wartime Rationing to Nylon Riots

Nylon Stockings: A History of Wartime Rationing and Nylon Riots