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As the production of nylon decreased in abundance during the war, women started to draw seams on their legs, to create the impression of nylon stockings.
Manufacturing Process of Thigh Highs
Modern stockings, pantyhose, and thigh highs are made by either two methods: flat knitting or the use of circular machines. Following the original hosiery manufacturing techniques of the 30s - 50s, flat knitting is one of the methods used -- one that was used before the invention of the circular machine. After the fabric has been produced, each thigh high is individually seamed. The top of the seam has a 'finishing loop', a small hole that every seamed thigh high has as a result of the machinist turning the welt -- the thigh high top -- inside out, in order to finish off. Once sewn, the thigh highs are 'boarded'. This is a process where each thigh high is stretched over a flat metal leg form and 'set' with steam. The knit tightens, creases are eliminated and the leg is correctly shaped. Because the process is time consuming, seamed thigh highs are never cheap. Couple this with the fact that around a third of production -- especially during the production of sheer stockings -- is discarded during quality control.