About Nylons

🧵 Real nylons – Authentic nylons made from 100% nylon

Genuine nylons enchant a woman’s legs with timeless sensuality – and at the same time represent a piece of fashion history that has lost none of its fascination to this day.

But what exactly are “real nylons”?

Genuine nylon stockings are made from 100% nylon (polyamide) and are manufactured without elastane. They are only slightly stretchy, are worn with a suspender belt and are characterized by their unmistakable sheen and authentic vintage look.

Vicky’s Nylons specializes in authentic nylon stockings made from 100% nylon and has been personally advising customers on the perfect fit for many years.

⭐ What are real nylons – briefly explained

Genuine nylons are classic nylon stockings made from 100% nylon (polyamide) without elastane.
They are traditionally knitted flat, then sewn up and worn with a suspender belt.

Typical features of real nylons:

Characteristic silky sheen
low stretch and precise fit
Authentic vintage look from the 1940s and 1950s
Production on traditional flat knitting machines

Real nylons are therefore fundamentally different from modern tights or elastic stockings.

The history of real nylons

Back in the 1940s and 1950s, so-called “English nylons” were a symbol of style, elegance and sensuality. After the Second World War, nylon stockings were a coveted luxury item – so rare that women drew the characteristic seam on their legs in black paint.

Before the invention of tights, nylon stockings were the only form of fine legwear. It was only with the mini skirt of the 1960s that tights became increasingly popular, causing many manufacturers to discontinue the production of classic nylons.

Today, there are only a few producers in the world who still manufacture genuine nylon stockings using traditional machines of the time.

How real nylon stockings are made

Authentic fully-fashioned nylons are still produced today using traditional methods:

knitted flat on original Reading knitting machines
then sewn together by hand (real seam)
shaped on historic Heliot steam engines
Tested several times during production

Only a few pairs are produced per hour – genuine craftsmanship that is visibly and tangibly different from modern mass production.

Why real nylons fit differently to modern stockings

As little or no elastane is used:

A genuine nylon stocking behaves differently to modern hosiery.

real nylons only have low stretchability
are manufactured in exact lengths
often last longer than expected outside the packaging
do not adapt arbitrarily, but must be selected correctly

The fine creases that can occur when wearing them are not a fault, but a typical quality feature of genuine nylon stockings and part of their authentic appearance.

Why nylon stockings instead of tights?

Tights are practical – but real nylons are a conscious style choice.

A classic nylon stocking:

ends elegantly at the thigh
is worn with a suspender belt
does not have a constricting waistband
creates a clear, feminine silhouette
offers an incomparable shine

While modern tights are designed for elasticity and suitability for everyday wear, real nylons stand for elegance, tradition and conscious wear.

Personal size advice – exclusively at Vicky’s Nylons

As real nylon stockings have only a small amount of stretch, the right size is crucial.

That’s why we at Vicky’s Nylons offer a free personal size consultation.

When choosing the right stocking size, we take the following into account:

Body size
Weight
Shoe size
Leg shape (slim, normal or stronger)

Our handmade garter belts are also checked against your natural waist size before we ship your order.

This individual advice is part of our quality promise – because real nylons deserve a perfect fit.

The special features of real nylons at a glance

Feature	Real nylons	Modern tights
Material	100 % nylon possible	Nylon with elastane
Extensibility	Low	High
Carrying method	With suspender belt	Integrated waistband
Optics	Shiny, vintage	Mostly matt
Fit	Precise size selection	Flexible

Are there also “fake” nylons?

The term “nylons” is used very differently today. Many modern stockings contain a high proportion of elastane or Lycra and therefore differ significantly from classic nylon stockings.

Genuine nylons, on the other hand, are made of 100% nylon (polyamide) and follow a traditional manufacturing process. It is not only the material that is decisive, but above all:

the quality of the yarn used
the flat knitting technique
the subsequent sewing of the seam
shaping through steam processes
Careful quality controls

This elaborate production process gives real nylons their characteristic appearance, their special feel and their unmistakable sheen.

Frequently asked questions about real nylons

Why do real nylons last longer than expected?
As they contain hardly any elastane, they are made in fixed lengths and appear longer than modern stockings outside the packaging.

Are real nylons sensitive?
They are finer than modern hosiery and should be treated with care and ideally washed by hand.

I am unsure about the size – what can I do?
Simply contact us. We will advise you personally and help you choose the right size.

👉 You can find more answers in our detailed FAQ section.