And on this day, women found happiness: 78 years ago, nylon stockings went on sale

Today is considered a kind of birthday of nylon stockings: on October 24, 1939, nylon stockings went on sale for the first time in one of the department stores in Wilmington (Delaware, USA), creating an incredible stir among customers. Americans were told that the invention of nylon is no less important for humanity than the invention of the internal combustion engine, radio and telephone.

We have collected some interesting facts and photos from the history of this intricate piece of women's clothing.

1. So, in the laboratories of the DuPont chemical concern in 1938, the development of the synthetic nylon material ended, which was accompanied by an active advertising campaign.

2. A hosiery factory in Philadelphia. Photo: Lewis Hine.

I must say, the appearance of such an up–to-date product aroused tremendous interest among American women, but in the first months stockings were available only to employees of the manufacturing company.

3. An experimental pair of stockings made of nylon — a material that gives strength and elasticity to any fabric.

4. The solemn arrival of the "revolutionary clothing of the future", as the novelty was then called, in New York in 1939 at the presentation of its invention organized by DuPont.

Since stockings were previously made of natural silk, as part of an advertising campaign, Americans were told that "wearing silk stockings instead of nylon ones is like preferring a horse to a car."

5. Vintage advertising of a miracle product. Compared to silk, nylon stretched well, kept its shape and made stockings resistant to frost and moisture.

6. National sales of stockings in America began on May 15, 1940, provoking giant queues.

7. Some lucky owners of the novelty wore it right on the street. In just one first day in New York, sales totaled 780 thousand units. By the end of the 40th year, sales reached three million pairs, with demand noticeably exceeding supply.

8. Advertising photo shoot of those times.

9. In 1941, due to the needs of the Second World War, nylon production was directed to the manufacture of parachutes, clothing and various materials for the army. Nylon stockings have become a rarity.

10. However, the desire of women to follow fashion and look spectacular turned out to be stronger than the difficult events of those years. Thus, a way out was found — stockings can be... drawn!

11. If suddenly a pair of stockings was urgently needed for a festive dinner in the 41st for a cocktail dress, then they were made with varnish, and a dark pencil drew the famous "seam at the back".

12. This is the case when "beauty requires sacrifices", as well as time and special skills.

13. 1942. The girl creates a drawing of a stocking by means of an original device made of elements of a screwdriver, a bicycle pedal and a cosmetic pencil. Photo: Bettman/Corbis.

14. The varnish for these purposes, respectively, was produced on an industrial scale.

15. During the war, cotton stockings were also advertised as a replacement for nylon, but they were expensive and not widely distributed. Pictured is actress Ann Sheridan.

16. After the end of the war, in the fall of 1945, the "revolutionary product" reappeared in the assortment of stores, and again women stood in queues for hours to buy it.

17. Fitting stockings.

18. 1947. Customers at the counter.

19. A model in an advertisement for stockings in the early 1950s.

20. Photos from Marilyn Monroe's Christmas photo shoot.

Later, short skirts began to come into fashion, and stockings "fused" and acquired the appearance of nylon tights — ladies no longer had to worry about the elastic bands opening up to the passionate gaze of men.