Contents

The history of socks
Origin of stockings and pantyhose
Beginnings of the knitted sock / socks

The history of socks

The history of socks begins very early on. One must look back to the ancient Assyrian era (1800 B.C. – 1350 B.C.) to already find stocking-like leg clothing. This leg clothing had little in common with today's stockings. They weren't knitted, but were instead sewn from cloth. However, round, knitted socks are already known from the time of the Pharaohs (1400 B.C. - 950 B.C.) The Romans and other peoples wore woollen socks when riding and illustrations on Grecian vases show that close fitting, stocking-like leg clothing existed.

From the 7th century on knitted socks appear in individual cases. However, as late as the 13th century, knitted socks were familiar only in Italy , while the rest of Europe was familiar only with the stockings made of cloth. Henry IV of England (1367-1413) is said to have worn knitted wool socks.

The 15th century: the origin of stockings and tights

During the 15th century, the woollen but also leather stockings were sewn together to form closely fitting tights. Especially popular were stockings and tights made of stretchable scarlet, a luxurious wool yarn. Appearing with two differently coloured stockings was at that time considered chic and elegant. This ensured a colourful street scene. Around the 16th century, the sewn and then the knitted silk stockings began to gradually appear. The tights were once again separated into socks and trousers. The silk stockings adorned with gold worn by the nobility became luxurious accessories due to the artful embroidery.

Beginnings of the knitted sock

In 1589, the Englishman William Lee constructed the first stocking frame with which socks could be mechanically flat knitted. This was the actual beginning of the history of the knitted sock, although these socks were initially very rough and unable to compete with the fine silk stockings. The socks were initially worn almost exclusively by men. However, the appearance of stylish stockings made them increasingly popular to the ladies. Although the socks now also clothed the feet and legs of women, these remained invisible, as skirts continued to reach the floor. Feminine stocking fashion began around 1720 in the form of the crinoline. The white socks were held by garters below or above the knee. The advance of long trousers at the time of the French Revolution meant the end of the century-long era of men's stockings, which from this point on were no longer worn visibly. Although pantyhose for men with complicated embroidery appeared again in court circles at the end of the 18th century, these could no longer assert themselves as a fashion. Instead, the ladies of the 19th century took over a clothing article previously reserved for men.  In 1866 the American Lamb built the first "useable" knitting machine. The daily production was 10 pairs of long ladies' stockings or 20 pairs of men's socks.

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Terms on this page: pantyhose, socks, thigh high, stockings, tights, silk stockings