Seamed Stockings
Our seamed stockings combine the distinctive look of 1940s and 1950s hosiery with comfortable modern stretch. Made in Italy exclusively for What Katie Did, these sheer 15 denier stockings feature deep, stretchy welts and are designed to wear with a suspender belt. Choose subtle tonal seams, classic black or contrasting colours to complement your outfit.
A back seam can change the whole character of an outfit, whether it peeps beneath a tailored skirt or follows the line of your leg below a favourite vintage dress. Our Glamour seamed stockings bring that mid-century detail to hosiery designed for regular wear, with stretch for a more accommodating fit.
Made exclusively for What Katie Did in Italy, they combine sheer 15 denier nylon with elastane. The deep, stretchy welt—the band at the top of the stocking—provides room to attach your suspenders comfortably, while the heel and back seam create the distinctive vintage finish.
For a subtle effect, choose a stocking close to your skin tone with a tonal seam. A slightly darker seam adds definition without a strong contrast, making it an easy choice with daytime dresses and tailoring.
Black seamed stockings give a more pronounced look, while a black seam against a lighter leg makes the detail particularly noticeable. Coloured seams offer another way to bring an outfit together: pick up a shade from your dress, shoes or accessories, or use the seam as the single contrasting detail in an otherwise simple outfit.
The colour of the stocking’s leg and the colour of its seam both affect the finished look. Check the individual product photographs and descriptions to find the combination you prefer.
Our stretch seamed stockings recreate the appearance of vintage hosiery using modern manufacturing methods. They are knitted on circular machines, and the back seam is decorative rather than the join that holds the stocking together.
Fully fashioned stockings are different: they are knitted flat, shaped during knitting and joined at the back. Our fully fashioned range is made in England from non-stretch nylon, whereas the stretch seamed stockings in this collection are made in Italy.
Choose stretch seams if you enjoy the vintage look with a more forgiving fit. Choose fully fashioned stockings if you prefer traditional construction and the distinctive feel of non-stretch nylons.
Yes, these stockings are designed to be worn with suspenders. They are not hold-ups and do not have a silicone band to keep them in place.
A well-fitting suspender belt helps support your stockings throughout the day. We recommend six straps, with three attached to each stocking, to help keep the welts secure and the seams aligned. A girdle or corselette with suspender straps is another option if you prefer additional shaping.
Use the size guidance on the individual product page, taking account of both your height and the fullness of your legs. Stretch makes the fit more flexible, but stockings that are pulled too tightly will be less comfortable and harder to position correctly.
Gather the stocking gently towards the toe, position the heel and ease it up your leg a little at a time. Check the seam before attaching your suspenders. If it has twisted, roll the stocking back down far enough to reposition it rather than tugging the seam sideways.
Adjust your suspender straps so they support the stockings while allowing you to sit and move comfortably.
Fine hosiery benefits from careful handling. Remove jewellery and check for rough nails before putting your stockings on; hosiery gloves can help prevent accidental snags.
Hand wash gently in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, avoid wringing and allow to air dry away from direct heat. Keep each pair separate from bra hooks, zips and other items that could catch the nylon when stored.
