Dear readers,

The first attempt to put on the nylons… Hmm, well, it was only half successful. I wore cotton gloves, but it didn’t make a difference with or without them. However, if you have particularly rough hands, calluses, or brittle nails, I would definitely recommend gloves.

I have to say, the nylons – I tried on Vicky’s Oh Là Là Couture – are of very good quality compared to my usual run-of-the-mill tights, which I usually destroy on the first wear. Here’s the nylon:

I noticed that after taking them off, the nylons had small holes in the sole area, despite the reinforcement. Apparently, you don’t necessarily have to shave your legs, but you do have to make sure there are no rough spots, edges, or corners on your feet. With the Oh Là Là Couture, I wore the new “Venice” Pull-On Suspender Belt, because without a suspender belt, it’s impossible; the stockings just slide right down your leg. The suspender belt is really easy to put on, like a pair of jeans – it is a pull-on, after all. Since it has no hooks at the back, it feels soft and comfortable all around on the skin; nothing pinches. I have both “Venice” and “London”, a suspender belt, at home, both in the same size. What I did notice, however, is that the “Venice” suspender belt runs very small. But if you look closely at the products in the online shop, you’ll notice that the widths vary for the individual sizes. So always take a close look.

Nevertheless, both fit and look absolutely beautiful.

Taking one’s measurements correctly is also a difficult thing – for me – which I will look into more closely next time.

Here’s a picture of the Pull-On Venice, which is now my absolute favorite:

But back to putting them on: So, carefully pull up the stocking, hold it with one hand, and clip the first suspender with the other hand. It sounds easier than it is. The Oh Là Là Couture is, as the name “Couture” (French for seam) already suggests, a seamed nylon, and when I looked in the mirror after my first attempt, the seams around my leg were almost twisted to the front. So… new attempt, this time sitting down, which might be better because the nylon lies better on the thigh and doesn’t slide down as quickly, and you can also better control that it sits straight. After a few attempts, I found that if you have a straight posture, it’s best to put them on standing in front of a mirror. I recommend starting with the back suspender, then the seam will definitely be positioned correctly. Ultimately, it’s a matter of practice, and everyone has to find their own preferred method. What I can say for sure is that Velcro and cat paws are not good company for nylons.

For those interested, here is a short video from NDR.

Then the question remains, what is nylon?

The chemical company DuPont succeeded in producing a synthetic fiber from carbon, water, and air that was finer and more tear-resistant than conventional fibers. Many myths surround the name Nylon; the fact is, it’s a fantasy name. Since the company had not fully registered the patent, a German company was able to bring the same product to market under the name Perlon. The market was divided; some were allowed to sell in the East, others in the West. Nylons were a product for the wealthier class, as production was still very expensive. Work was underway on mass production for everyone, but the war intervened, and the fiber was then only used for military purposes. Nylons were only available on the black market. When nylons were produced again after the war, demand was huge, and production was enormous. When official sales began in New York on May 15, 1940, there was a huge turnout of women; everyone wanted to buy nylons. Shortly after sales began, they were already sold out; the day went down in history as “N-Day.”

Also here is a link to a, let’s say, unconventional article from “Die Zeit.”

See you in two weeks

yours Julia