Description
A delicate and beautifully patterned pair of antique ladies’ lace mesh stockings dating to the late Victorian or early Edwardian era, showcasing fine openwork knitting and the graceful elegance of turn-of-the-century hosiery.
A lovely pair of antique ladies’ openwork mesh stockings, dating to the late Victorian or early Edwardian period, circa 1895–1910. Knitted in a fine, airy lace pattern with vertical openwork stripes, these stockings reflect the refined hosiery fashions worn with dress and evening attire at the turn of the century.
The stockings are worked in a delicate, fine-gauge yarn with a soft, supple hand. The body appears to be mercerized cotton or possibly a cotton blend with silk, while the heel and toe are reinforced in plain cotton knit for durability — a practical and commonly seen construction detail in quality hosiery of the era. The warm tan tone has mellowed naturally over time and age.
These stockings were designed to be worn with garters and do not have elastic tops, as expected for the period. The decorative open mesh suggests they were intended for fashionable wear rather than purely utilitarian use.
Condition:
Good antique condition overall. There is light, age-related storage staining and a couple of small holes, consistent with gentle wear and more than a century of age. The structure, length, and lace pattern remain intact and visually appealing, making them well suited for textile study, display, or collection.
A charming and increasingly scarce example of authentic late 19th–early 20th century women’s hosiery.
📏 Measurements
Length, top to toe: 27 inches
Toe to heel: 8 inches
Circumference at top: 12 inches
🧵 Collector’s Note
Decorative mesh stockings such as these became fashionable in the late Victorian period, when improved knitting technology allowed for intricate lace patterns. They were often glimpsed beneath lifted hems and were an understated but important element of a well-dressed woman’s wardrobe.
