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Stockings Sizing & Information


Sizing has changed over the years to what it is today so, when purchasing vintage items, one needs to understand that your current size will not necessarily correspond with the sizes from the past. This is the reason we have developed sizing chart(s) to assist you in your selection of goods.

Stockings - Sizing:

When measuring stockings, the foot is measured from the tip of the toe to the rear of the heel. The length is measured from the top of the welt to the bottom of the heel.

There has never been set standard for the sizing of stockings. Each manufacturer developed their own sizing scale which can play havoc when purchasing items. You must also take into consideration that the fabric is knit, which has always been a problem on its own, with the amount of stretch varying. Over the years, there have been different types of sizing so we at Sleek 'n Chic have put them all together to assist you when ordering.

1. Start by using the chart below to find your 'American Shoe Size':

USA/Canada
UK
Europe
Australia
Japan
China
Mexico
5
2.5
35
3.5
21
335.5
-
5.5
3
35.5
4
21.5
36
-
6
3.5
36
4.5
22
37
-
6.5
4
37
5
22.5
37.5
-
7
4.5
37.5
5.5
23
38
-
7.5
5
38
6
23.5
39
4.5
8
5.5
38.5
6.5
24
39.5
5
8.5
6
39
7
24.5
40
5.5
9
6.5
40
7.5
25
41
6
9.5
7
41
8
25.5
-
6.5
10
7.5
42
8.5
26
42
7

2. Now follow the next steps to determine your stocking size:

1. In the table below, locate your US shoe size in the white column and go across to the column showing your foot width (based on the blue boxes at the top of each column).
SLEEK 'N CHIC - FOOT SIZE CHART
US Shoe Width
AAAA to AA
(Very Narrow)
A or B
(Normal)
C or D
(Wide)
E or EE
(Very Wide)
US Shoe Size STOCKING SIZE
Up to 3 1/2 8 1/2 8 1/2 8 1/2 8 1/2
4 8 1/2 8 1/2 9 9
5 9 9 9 9 1/2
5 1/2 9 9 1/2 9 1/2 9 1/2
6 9 1/2 9 1/2 9 1/2 10
6 1/2 9 1/2 9 1/2 10 10
7 9 1/2 10 10 10 1/2
7 1/2 10 10 10 1/2 10 1/2
8 10 10 1/2 10 1/2 10 1/2
8 1/2 10 1/2 10 1/2 10 1/2 11
9 10 1/2 11 11 11
9 1/2 11 11 11 11 1/2
10 & up 11 1/2 11 1/2 11 1/2 11 1/2
2. Now, using the "Stocking size" determined from the chart above, go to the "Leg Size Chart" below and locate your stocking size in the left column and match it with your height and weight in the center columns. Continue to follow across to the "Stocking Length", which is shown in the yellow boxes in the far right column. So, the result should be your Stocking size & Length (example: Stocking size 9 1/2, Medium)
LEG SIZE CHART
Hose Size Height Weight (lbs) Stocking Length
8 1/2 4 ft 8 in to 5 ft 1 in 90-110 Short
8 1/2 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 6 in 111-140 Medium
9 4 ft 8 in to 5 ft 1 in 90-110 Short
9 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 6 in 90-120 Medium
9 5 ft 2 in to 5 ft 7 in 121-150 Long
9 1/2 4 ft 10 in to 5 ft 2 in 95-115 Short
9 1/2 5 ft 2 in to 5 ft 6 in 95-125 Medium
9 1/2 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 7 in 126-160 Long
9 1/2 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 1 in 161-185 Extra Long
10 5 ft 2 in to 5 ft 6 in 100-130 Medium
10 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 7 in 131-165 Long
10 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 1 in 166-190 Extra Long
10 1/2 5 ft 2 in to 5 ft 6 in 100-130 Medium
10 1/2 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 7 in 131-165 Long
10 1/2 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 1 in 166-190 Extra Long
11 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 7 in 135-169 Long
11 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2in 170-195 Extra Long
11 1/2 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2in 170-200 Extra Long
The contents of this website including all sizing charts is copyright 2000-2008
Sleek 'n Chic. This chart may not be reproduced without the written consent of Sleek 'n Chic. However, you may link to the above URL.



3. To convert your "Stocking Length" into inches, the following conversion table is provided
(most of our stocking listings will show a length - if it does NOT show a length, then you can assume the length of that particular pair of stockings will be a 'Medium' or 31-32"):

Short 29 - 30"
Medium 31 - 32"
Long 33 - 34"
Extra Long 35 - 40"
Tall Girl or Opera Length 37- 40"

Should you be unable to determine your proper stocking size from the above charts, please email us and we will be happy to assist. (If you email us, please provide us with your shoe size, foot width, height and weight)

Some manufacturers used other means to size their hose. This chart will give you your size based on the A, B, C...sizing:

A
8 1/2 - 9
B 9 1/2 - 10
C 10 1/2 - 11
D 11 - 11 1/2 Tall
E 11 1/2 - 12 Tall


Stockings - Proper Care Means Long-Lasting Wear:

The wear and care of hosiery is something that is frequently overlooked. With the proper care and following some basic tips on wearing, your lovely vintage hosiery will give you extended wearing pleasure.

TIPS FOR WEARING:

To avoid catching your stockings on eyelets, nails, laces or even finger rings, it is best to wear gloves while putting on your stockings.

To put on your stockings, first roll the entire stocking down to the toe cap, slip over the toe, smooth over foot and adjust the heel. Smooth up the front of the leg with one hand while you trace the seam with the other.

Fasten garters to the welt fabric only starting with the back garter clips first, then while sitting, attached the front clips.

Alternate several pairs of the same shade and construction. "Resting" makes stockings wear longer.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

Your stockings will last longer if you wash them gently by hand, after each wearing, in mild suds in luke warm water. Work the suds gently through the stockings taking care not to rub, twist or wring. Rinse thoroughly in cool, clear water. Roll them in a towel to remove excess moisture. Hang them to dry over a smooth rod or preferably over a folded towel. Dry at normal room temperature; do not dry in excess heat or direct sunlight.

Store in smoothly lined box or hosiery box with each pair wrapped individually in tissue to insure protection against snags.

Stockings - General Terminology:

 

DENIER: The weight and thickness of the thread. In nylon, 15 and 20 deniers are used for sheer stockings; 30 denier is the weight most acceptable for all-around wear.

GAUGE: The number of tiny loops per inch and a half in a single knitted row. 51 gauge means 51 loops per 1 1/2 inches...60 gauge means 60 loops..etc. The more loops, the higher the gauge.

LENGTHS: Very sheer stockings, 15 denier or less, are sometimes knit a little longer than 30 denier stockings.

STYLES: RHT or reinforced heel and toe are stockings that have a reinforced area at the toe and the heel to provide greater protection against runs.
Full Fashioned stockings usually have a reinforced foot with the heel going up the ankle and forming a rectangle or Cuban Heel or a pointed heel or French Heel. From the heel a seam runs up the entire length of the leg, to include the welt, and a keyhole loop is formed in the underside of the welt in the seam. These type of stockings come in many various designs and colors at the foot and heel.

 

Pantyhose Information

DRESSING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PANTYHOSE:

Pantyhose are put on by gathering up the length of each leg and stepping into the foot. Draw upward from the ankle so that the garment is equally stretched from toe to waist.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

Squeeze lukewarm suds gently through fabric repeatedly; do not rub or wring. Rinse well. Roll them in a towel to remove excess moisture. Shake out and hang them to dry over a smooth rod or preferably over a folded towel. Dry at normal room temperature; do not dry in excess heat or direct sunlight.

 

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