Deep thoughts

Why is it that a single pair of nylons can survive more than ten trips through the wash and dry cycle and live to see the light of day intact, and yet another pair of the exact same brand develops runs in both ankles within ten minutes of pulling them on?

And whose idea were nylons anyway?

Author: DaniGirl

Canadian. storyteller, photographer, mom to 3. Professional dilettante.

10 thoughts on “Deep thoughts”

  1. Oh my goodness, you have nylons that last 10 wash cycles? What’s your secret?! I think the nylons that last are more of an anomaly than the ones that develop runs within minutes. I somehow only manage to purchase the latter.

  2. nylons that last 10 washes?
    i’m lucky if i get to wear mine twice before they run.
    but i hardly wear skirts/nylons anyway…

  3. Nylons and kids don’t mix. Everytime I wear them my 2 almost 3 year old tears them to shreds with the velcro on his shoes. I said go nude or go home.

  4. Now you’re going to be sorry you asked:
    “Nylon was the first fiber to be synthesized from petrochemicals and became known as the “miracle fiber.” Its inventor was American chemist Wallace Carothers of the DuPont Company. Introduced in 1931, it was first called “66.” By 1938 Paul Schlack, a German chemist from the I.G. Farben Company, created a different form of the fiber known as nylon 6. In 1941, British Nylon, Inc. began nylon 6 production in Great Britain. Invented two decades after rayon and acetate, nylon opened the door for synthetic fiber inventions that revolutionized the global textile industry.
    DuPont began commercial production of nylon in 1939 by featuring women’s hosiery at the San Francisco Exposition. It was one of the most exciting fashion innovations of the age, and women were intrigued by the strength, beauty, and low cost of nylon stockings compared to silk stockings. World War II diverted production of nylon to the war effort as it was used in products like parachutes, ponchos, tires, ropes, tents, and even U.S. currency. When commercial production resumed after World War II thousands of women lined up in New York City to purchase nylon hosiery.”
    Nylon. Carol Salusso. Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. Ed. Valerie Steele. Vol. 2. 1 ed. Detroit: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 2005. p461-462. 3 vols.
    I’m a librarian–I couldn’t help myself!

  5. My problem is finding nylons to match my pasty shins. The colour “linen” is usually closest to my skin tone. Even nude makes me look like George Hamilton. So I found a great soloution – I wear trouser suits.

  6. Oh how I miss nylons. Especially the ones with control top, I was sure they helped keep my tummy in shape, now look what has happened 🙂
    Anna

  7. You know men invented nylons. No woman would ever willingly invent something that strongly resembles a sausage casing and expect herself to wear it!

  8. Kris, I’m so glad I asked!! (I think)
    Nancy, shoe polishing? Thanks for the tip. I use my old nylons inside the thingee that goes over the doorknob to keep preschoolers from opening the door (they figured out how to defeat that in about 3 minutes, but the nylons make it slippery enough that even we can barely open the door. Many cross-legged guests have had to ask for assistance getting into the bathroom thanks to nylons!)
    Kerry, definitely!
    Anna, you like nylons? Yuck! To be honest, I love a good pair of 100% cotton opaque tights, but I hate the feeling of nylons.
    xo Dani, happily in trouser socks today

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *