Stockings

Unknown

1880–99 · silk · Costume Institute

Stockings, originally designed for practical purposes, soon transformed into a fashionable accessory with the invention of the knitting frame in 1589 and then the circular-knitting machine in 1816. This technology allowed for a tighter weave and a better fit. Also, it was much easier to produce stockings, making them more affordable and readily available to a larger public. Plain white stockings were in mode for quite some time, until the mid to late-1800s when hemlines rose, and the ankle was revealed. This change in fashion called for colorful and fanciful motifs to decorate the lower leg, a visually appealing effect. The colorful, striped patterning of this pair of stockings gives them a modern sensibility. Overall, they have a sporty feel, yet their sheerness adds a touch of elegance. It is very likely, that these would have been worn during the afternoon, appropriate for one of the sports of the day such as tennis or bicycling.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1880–99

Medium

silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Frederick H. Prince, Jr., 1967