Stockings
Stockings are where What Katie Did began in 1999, and over two and a half decades later, our sheer nylon stockings remain the gold standard for vintage glamour, combining specialist craftsmanship, authentic 1940s–50s design and experience you can feel in every pair.
Seamed Stockings
Colourful Seamed Stockings
Seamed Tights
Seamless Nylon Stockings
Fully Fashioned Stockings
Tights
Vintage Fishnet Tights
At What Katie Did, stockings are where our story began.
Founded in 1999 as a specialist stocking shop in Camden, London, we started by recreating the exquisite seamed and fully fashioned stockings of the 1940s and 1950s. While we have since expanded into vintage reproduction lingerie and fashion, sheer nylon stockings remain at the heart of everything we do.
Today we offer one of the world’s most carefully developed collections of sheer nylon stockings, designed not just for the boudoir, but for everyday elegance.
Stockings are sheer nylon legwear that reach the upper thigh and are traditionally worn with a suspender belt. Unlike tights, stockings come as two separate pieces and are attached with adjustable clips.
Classic mid-century stockings were:
Our collection recreates these iconic designs using authentic techniques wherever possible.
We specialise in:
Each style is developed to combine vintage authenticity with modern wearability.
Our most popular stockings are our exclusive Glamour Seamed Stockings, made to our own specifications in Italy — the home of luxury hosiery manufacturing.
Modern seamed stockings often have narrow welts (the stocking top), which can dig into the thigh and feel uncomfortable. We worked closely with our factory to develop a wide, stretchy welt, inspired by 1950s originals, for a more comfortable and flattering fit.
Available in:
Perfect for an authentic 1940s or 1950s look.
Made from super sheer, translucent 15 denier nylon, these tones suit all but the darkest skin tones.
A skin tone leg in Champagne or Nutmeg, finished with a vibrant contrast heel, seam and welt for a playful retro look.
Before elastane existed, stockings were “fashioned” to fit the leg.
Fully fashioned stockings were knitted flat on vintage Reading machines, then sewn together to create the iconic back seam. The knitting process reduced stitches through the calf and thigh to shape the stocking precisely to the leg.
Today, true fully fashioned stockings are still produced on original Reading machines, with the seam sewn by hand. Only a handful of these machines remain in operation worldwide.
Our fully fashioned stockings are made in one of just two remaining UK factories producing them today.
Production is limited, and demand often exceeds supply.
If you love the feel of sheer nylon but prefer a seam-free look, our RHT stockings are an elegant alternative.
Made from the super sheer 15 denier nylon they feature:
Manufactured in specialist UK and italian factories.
Stockings:
Tights:
For the most authentic 1940s or 1950s look, stockings with a well-fitted suspender belt are essential.
The secret to comfortable stockings is a well-fitting suspender belt.
We recommend:
When fitted correctly, stockings feel secure and comfortable enough for everyday wear — something our team can personally confirm.
If you prefer not to wear a suspender belt, we also offer a small collection of seamed tights, popular for historical events such as Goodwood Revival and for film and TV productions.
Stockings are not an afterthought for us, they are our heritage.
If you prefer not to wear a suspender belt, we also offer a small collection of seamed tights, popular for historical events such as Goodwood Revival and for film and TV productions.
