Tights have always been one of the types of hosiery but for many years were the preserve of stage performers and dancers.
Up until the mid 1960’s 95%+ of the hosiery produced was stockings but by 1970 this had switched with tights taking a big majority of the market share.
The reason for this change – the arrival of the mini skirt, with 1967 being the pivotal year. With hemlines at least 6” above the knee stockings and the attendant suspenders were simply not practical.
Hold Ups also first appeared in 1967 for the same reason, but did not provide the satisfaction and security of tights – or “panti hose” as they were then usually called.
