Last updated on April 23rd, 2025 at 05:23 pm

• Brief History of Cervin Stockings
• What are Fully Fashioned Stockings?
• Why Choose Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings?
• My Top 5 Fully Fashion Stockings From Cervin For an Authentic Vintage Look
• Examples of Vintage Looks with Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings
• Cervin Sizing Guide: Getting the Perfect Fit
• Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings Size Chart
• How to Care for Your Cervin Stockings?
• What Colour Were the 1950s Fully Fashioned Stockings?
• A Brief History of Stockings
• What Was the Story Behind the 1930s Stocking Burnings?
• “Life Without Silk: From Morning to Midnight in Cotton and Rayon.”

Best Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings

Who Makes the Best Fully Fashioned Stockings?

In this article, I’m excited to share my heartfelt review of the five best Cervin fully fashioned stockings for an authentic vintage look, my personal favourites, which I have tried, tested, and worn with several of my 1940s and 1950s ensembles. Once an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe, this garment continues to evoke the grace and sophistication of bygone eras. When it comes to capturing this classic charm today, one name certainly stands out, and is on every vintage fashionista’s lips: Cervin, a brand synonymous with exquisitely designed fully fashioned stockings, commitment to quality and craftsmanship, a true celebration of timeless style.

Ever since I tried on my first pair of Cervin’s fully fashioned stockings, from the Tentation collection, which is nothing short of perfection, I began to truly understand what it means for my legs to be wrapped in pure luxury. And I can’t help but wonder what on earth I’ve been wearing for the past twenty years. 

These exquisite creations aren’t just accessories; they have the, almost magical, ability to transform any (not only vintage) outfit into a breathtaking homage to Old Hollywood glamour. So, let me show you the most fabulous pairs of fully fashioned stockings from Cervin that will help you complete your true vintage or retro look!

But before we dive into these amazing finds, let’s take a journey through the mesmerizing history of the brand beloved by celebrities like Dita Von Teese, Marilyn Monroe, and the incomparable Catherine Deneuve who starred in one of my favourite films of all time, The Hunger (1983).

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DISCLOSURE: I am a part of an affiliate program, meaning I may earn a commission when you buy a product through the links on this post. This commission helps keep my website alive, and I am grateful to you for that! Shopping through my affiliate links won’t cost you any extra money. Please note that all opinions expressed on this website are mine, and I only endorse the products I genuinely love. Cervin kindly gifted all stockings for this article.

Brief History of Cervin Stockings

Cervin stockings have a rich history deeply rooted in the artisanal craftsmanship of southern France. Founded by Germain Massal in the 1920s, the company originally crafted silk stockings for European royal and imperial courts, gaining a reputation for luxurious, high-quality hosiery. Based in the Cévennes region, Cervin continues to uphold its legacy as the last 100% French manufacturer of fully-fashioned stockings, employing traditional flat-knitting techniques on historic machines.

Their out-of-this-world hosiery is deeply embedded in the tradition and aesthetics of vintage fashion, making them a cornerstone for everyone who seeks authenticity and that je ne sais quoi.

The brand has maintained its status as a symbol of sophistication and heritage, making products celebrated for their fine fit – I’ll talk about this later – and distinctive features, such as hand-sewn back seams and reinforced heels. Their collections cater to various personal tastes and preferences, from classic elegance to modern reinterpretations of vintage styles. Style icons, movie stars, and royals have been known to favour Cervin stockings, further cementing the brand’s place in fashion history.

What are Fully Fashioned Stockings?

Let’s step into the world of vintage elegance with fully fashioned stockings from Cervin, but before we do, an explanation of what fully fashioned means might be in order.

In a Nutshell: What are Fully Fashioned Stockings?

FF (fully fashioned) stockings are expertly knitted on traditional flatbed machines into flat sheets of high-quality nylon tailored to the leg’s contours. It’s worth mentioning that these beauties have no stretch, allowing them to retain their original shape while delivering an impeccable fit. The top welt is designed with a doubled-over construction and reinforced stitching for added durability, featuring a refined keyhole loop at the centre. Fully fashioned stockings have a real back seam and a reinforced heel, setting them apart from modern alternatives that add seams for decorative purposes only.

Why Choose Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings?

What sets Cervin apart is the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to preserving the art of traditional hosiery manufacturing. Each pair of stockings is carefully knit to ensure seamless quality and a flawless finish. The intricate patterns and designs add a touch of vintage charm, making them a must-have for anyone looking to channel old Hollywood glamour. From sheer to opaque, matte to glossy, there is a pair of Cervin stockings for every occasion and mood, but be warned that once you succumb to buying your first pair, you will crave more.

As I’ve already mentioned, Cervin’s authentic fully fashioned stockings are made using original flatbed knitting machines. This traditional and labour-intensive method guarantees exceptional quality, which I have never experienced with other brands. The hand-sewn signature back seam and reinforced heels and toes enhance durability while preserving a classic vintage look that we love so much.

The brand offers a large selection of timeless styles so that you will be spoiled for choice, but if you are not sure where to start, I created a list of my absolute favourites Cervin fully fashioned stockings, each reflecting the elegant designs, constructed from luxurious materials such as pure silk and high-quality nylon, that were particularly popular from the 1930s to the 1950s.

These stockings offer an authentic vintage appeal that beautifully complements period-specific attire. They pair wonderfully with elegant suits and dresses from the 1940s, and waist-accentuating pencil skirts made famous thanks to Christian Dior who introduced them in his collection in 1954. And let’s not forget that fully fashioned stockings are an integral part of a classic pin-up look.

My Top 5 Fully Fashion Stockings From Cervin For an Authentic Vintage Look

The Best Fully Fashioned Cervin Stockings to Complement Your Vintage Outfit

In the picture, I am wearing my most treasured vintage garment designed by the legendary Irene Sharaff for Faye Dunaway’s character in the film Mommie Dearest, where Faye portrayed my beloved Joan Crawford. The dreamy So!! fully fashioned stockings from Cervin look like they were made for the dress!

Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion, although I’m a true believer that beautiful clothes, accessories and lingerie should be worn every day, and not left for a special occasion, or looking to add a touch of retro glamour to your everyday wardrobe, these stockings serve as the perfect finishing touch for any true vintage or retro ensemble.

Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings Review

• Tentation Fully Fashioned Seamed Nylon Stockings (15 Denier) were my very first Cervin stockings and the reason, I instantly fell in love with the brand. They also happen to be true perfection. Delicate and sensual with a chic pointed French heal and as if with a touch of magic wound make my legs look incredibly long. Ok, for full disclosure, I’m 5″10 so one could argue that my legs are long anyway, but the Tentation style makes me look 6 feet tall. I would recommend them—perhaps out of pure sentiment, or because they make legs look so incredibly long—to those just starting with the Cervin adventure.

As you can see, the Tentation line goes beautifully paired with my 1940s dress.

• Havana Seam Stockings – Havana nylon couture stockings feature elegant and very sexy Cuban heels and are crafted from 15 DENIER nylon with a classic seam. The distinctive knitting technique employed in the creation of these stockings results in an exceptional level of transparency, allowing the skin to show through subtly. This innovative approach not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also creates a remarkably slimming optical effect that flatters the legs making them a must-have to add to your collection of FF stockings.

• Bas So!! Fully Fashioned Stockings (15 Denier) are So!!…jaw-dropping! Embracing femininity has never been more delightful, all thanks to this 100 % made-in-France Vintage—oh, so!!—Sheer Nylon creations that truly take my vintage outfits to the next level. They are an authentic Fully Fashioned Nude Seam Nylon Veil with a transparent Black Outline Heel. And every time I wear them, I feel an incredible sense of elegance. Apart from being a real work of art, they are also a real head-turner. At a cocktail party, several ladies approached me, complimenting my fabulous Grey Bas So!! It reminded me that the most meaningful flattery comes from women uplifting each other.

I paired the Bas So!! with one of my favourite authentic Victorian capes.

• Bas Tenue de Soiree Bicolore Fully Fashioned Stockings are my best friend’s absolute favourite, the Queen of British Burlesque, and I certainly share her obsession with them. They are as spectacular as she is and deserve to be in the spotlight. Pun intended. I love the Manhattan-inspired heel, after all, I spent the most incredible years of my life on that tiny island, and let’s not forget that those sexy two-toned show-stoppers come in six colour combinations such as Nude/Noir, Tan/Noir and Cappuccino/Noir to complement any vintage outfit.

• Bas FF Swing Time Logo Cervin’s superb stockings are highlighted by lovely motifs on the lower calf reminiscent of an army-inspired “Wings” style that adds a unique flair to all my 1930s outfits. The decreasing picots on the back, the reinforced point heel with eye-catching open stitches, and the RHT toe complete the look beautifully. Plus, the under-welt with open stitches and the brand’s logo adds a subtle touch of sophistication. And yes, only the wearer knows it’s there, but after all, what is underneath, counts! Wearing these stockings is more than just a style choice—it’s an experience that makes me feel like I have wings.

When it comes to sourcing the best fully fashioned stockings from Cervin, you are not just buying a piece of hosiery; you are investing in a piece of history and elegance. With Cervin, you can embrace vintage glamour and add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe without even trying. So, are you ready to step back in time with one of my top 5 classic Cervin fully fashioned stockings?

LINGERIE THAT WILL GO PERFECTLY WITH FULLY FASHIONED STOCKINGS

Examples of Vintage Looks with Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings

Everything looks better with fully fashioned stockings. And here are my tips for pairing them with 1930s evening gowns, 1940s wartime outfits, and 1950s pin-up styles.

Dominique de Merteuil

The image below showcases two elegant 1940s skirt suits, complemented by stockings with Cuban heels. The Cervin Havana style would perfectly complete a true 1940s or retro outfit.

In the picture below, I’m wearing an authentic 1940s evening dress. I paired it with the Cervin Tentation fully fashioned stockings in Cappuccino.

I can’t imagine a pencil skirt without fabulous, fully fashioned stockings. Tentation in Nude would look incredible for Maggie the “cat” from a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof look.

A woman’s education consists of two lessons: never leave the house without stockings, and never go out without a hat.

Coco Chanel

For my Marlene Dietrich in Wheels & Dollbaby outfit, I opted for the So! in black to add some of that Femme Fatale vibe that Dietrich was famous for.

The hottest thing in the world? Pants with stockings.

Diana Vreeland

Cervin Sizing Guide: Getting the Perfect Fit

Vintage advice, still valid today, on buying the right stocking size from an ad from 1944.

Be Stocking Wise. Buy the Right Size! How To Make Sure:

‘Place the ruler flat on the floor with one end squarely against the wall. Place the heel against the wall with foot flat along the ruler. your big toe will indicate the right foot size.

DON’T wear rings and bracelets when handling stockings.

DON’T clutch at stockings with fingers and nails when on.

DON’T fasten suspenders below the welt or near seams.

DON’T pull stockings off and let them drop on the floor to snag.

DON’T throw stockings in a drawer or clothes basket to snag. Wash immediately.’

Cervin Fully Fashioned Stockings Size Chart

I don’t think I have to tell you how important it is to choose the right size of stockings. However, If you are new to the fully fashioned variety, you need to understand that picking the wrong size will be unforgiving. It’s like buying an authentic pair of 1940s Celanese knickers with zero stretch.

Cervin has a size chart on its official website, but if you are still confused, here are a few pointers I would like to share that will ensure you choose the correct size for comfort.

Please remember what I said earlier about fully fashioned stockings having no stretch, and if you buy them too big, they will be uncomfortable to wear and look awful.

When determining the right size of fully fashioned stockings you must pay attention to the length of your legs—I can’t stand when stockings are too short on me—and not just shoe size.

For reference, I’m 5″10 and my measurements as of 2025 are 36-24-36. My legs are slender, certainly not as muscular, especially my calves, since I stopped ballet training due to a lower back injury. The right size of Cervin fully fashioned stockings will also depend on your thigh size.

The perfect Cervin size in fully fashioned stockings for me is Taille 3. I love the length of Taille 4 but they are way too big around my thighs.

If at some point you decide to also buy the RHT Cervin stockings, please keep in mind that the are made using different knitting techniques. Don’t be surprised if you need to go a size up depending on how long you like your stockings to be. Taille 4 in the RHT range works better for me than 3 as I like my stockings to come up very high on my thighs.

How to Care for Your Cervin Stockings?

Better care means longer wear.

Washing, drying, and storage tips to extend the life of your Cervin stockings.

What is the best way to care for fully fashioned stockings?

• Caring for Cervin stockings properly is essential to preserving their delicate craftsmanship and extending their lifespan. After all, luxury comes at a price and these beauties are the epitome of luxurious stockings.
• As I always say, handwashing is the best method, using lukewarm water and a mild detergent free from harsh chemicals that can weaken fine silk or nylon fibres.
• Gently swish the stockings rather than wringing or stretching them, as excessive force can lead to serious damage.
• When drying, lay them flat on a clean towel away from direct heat or sunlight, which can cause fading and fibre breakdown. Avoid hanging them, as this may distort their shape over time.
• For storage, I keep them in a silk or satin lingerie bag, in a dedicated hosiery drawer, ensuring they are free from rough surfaces or sharp objects that could cause damage.
• Folding them loosely rather than rolling or knotting helps maintain their integrity while adding a sachet of lavender or cedar can deter pests. You can, of course, use a Tyvek cover for archival storage, but it might be a tad extreme.
• With these careful washing, drying, and storage techniques, Cervin stockings will retain their luxurious feel and timeless elegance for many years to come.

I always wash my precious lingerie and hosiery in Eucalan, and if you wish to learn why, take a look at my article on the best detergent for delicates.

SHOP HERE OR REGRET LATER

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What Colour Were the 1950s Fully Fashioned Stockings?

The colour palette of fully fashioned stockings in the 1950s was both practical and stylish, encompassing shades such as black, tan, skin tone, bronze, beige, and taupe—the same colours were also popular in the 1940s—these hues were chosen to complement a variety of outfits, from everyday wear to more formal attire.

The choice of stocking colour was influenced by both fashion trends and the desire to achieve a polished, elegant appearance.

As shown in the fashion guide for the fall and winter of 1952-1953¹, the popular colours of fully fashioned stockings were:

• Honeysun is an alluring suntinted shade harmonizing with aqua, turquoise, beige, and other pastels.
• Ultra Beige is a modern, medium beige blending softly with ruby, garnet and rosy reds.
• Tropic Gleam is a vibrant toast shade giving a dashing note to bright copper and tawny tones, Very striking with yellowish greens, king-fisher blues, vivid browns and black.
• Cocoshell is a rich, light cocoa that blends beautifully with beiges and browns in the caramel, maple and vanilla ranges.
• Townhaze is a misty taupe that combines gently with carbon grays, smoky amethyst, mulberry and purplish shades. Also flatters wine pink, cherry, metallic blues, navy and black.
• Blush Brown is a smart, light brown distinctive with mocha and chocolate shades and particularly favoured with greens, bronze tones and deep greenish blues.

Colourful stockings appeared in advertising in the second half of the 1950s and gained some popularity in the 1960s, but I need to do a little bit more research on the topic of coloured nylons to share with you all the facts. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a ‘Color Crazy” stockings ad from 1955 shot by Leslie Gill, and a DuPont-dyed nylon stockings ad from the 1960s.

FASHION HISTORY

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A Brief History of Stockings

Stockings: Period: ca. 1550 onwards. A close-fitting covering for the foot and leg. Although worn from Saxon times they were called by other names (hose, nether stocks, stocks) until the mid-16th cen- tury. “For two lambes skynes to make a paier of stock- ings 16d. For silke to stitche the clockes 2d. For cloth to sole them 2d” (1570, Petre Accounts, Essex Record Office).“Stocking of hose” in the early 16th century indicated the stocking portion of trunk-hose, the leg portion of that garment rather than a separate item. Stockings for men and women might be knitted in the late 16th century. The materials and colours varied: wool, cotton, thread and silk, plain or embroidered, a tradition which lasted well into the 20th century for female stockings, even after nylon revolutionized their appearance in the 1940s.

The Dictionary of Fashion Valerie Cumming, C. W. Cunnington and P. E. Cunnington

History of Stockings:

• Stockings, as we recognize them today, have been around since 1589 when Reverend William Lee invented a knitting machine capable of producing wool, cotton, linen, and silk versions of the garment, primarily for men. The name “stockings” comes from the word “stock,” which refers to the lower part of the body. For nearly 400 years, stockings served mainly to provide warmth.

• During the Victorian era, stockings gained popularity as decorative fashion items, featuring lace and intricate embroidery. These made them essential components of women’s attire and indicators of social status.

• It was not until the 1920s, when women’s hemlines began to rise, that silk stockings became a fashionable item. At that time, stockings were typically designed with a seam at the back, which, although functionally unnecessary today, still adds a stylish touch and I can’t imagine a vintage ensemble without them.

• A significant change in the stocking industry occurred in 1935 when scientists developed nylon, a more affordable alternative to silk. DuPont patented nylon (Fibre- 66) on September 20, 1938. Nylon stockings were first introduced to the public at the 1939 New York World’s Fair and became commercially available in 1940. This synthetic material was created as an alternative to silk, and nylon stockings quickly gained acclaim for their durability and cost-effectiveness. They cost between $1.15 and $1.35, and according to the Time’s article, in early 1940, they were available only to residents of Wilmington, the hometown of DuPont company.

• However, World War II disrupted their commercial production as nylon fibres were repurposed for military applications. And in the end, nylon was “the fibre that won the war.”

• In an era where stockings were scarce, women sought innovative ways to retain their fashionable edge. One of the most creative solutions was the use of leg cosmetics, known as “liquid stockings,” which provided an illusion of hosiery by applying makeup directly to the legs. This clever approach allowed women to achieve the sleek, polished look of stockings even when they couldn’t wear them. These creative adaptations demonstrated the lengths women would go to maintain their sense of style and elegance, even in challenging times.

• This scarcity of stockings led to a dramatic increase in their demand after the war, marked by events known as the “nylon riots.” During the 1940s and 1950s, nylon stockings became emblematic of femininity and elegance, with seamless designs gaining particular recognition for their sleek appearance, which defined mid-20th-century fashion.

• While the rise of pantyhose and more casual clothing trends in later decades reduced the visibility of stockings, they continue to hold a nostalgic and glamorous appeal, especially among us, vintage fashion enthusiasts. Today, stockings have evolved beyond their practical beginnings to become lasting symbols of fashion’s evolution.

What Was the Story Behind the 1930s Stocking Burnings?

In the 1930s, the average American woman bought around 15 pairs of silk stockings each year, a trend that changed dramatically due to a nationwide boycott of the fabric. This consumer-driven movement arose just before the United States entered World War II, particularly in response to Japan’s invasion of China, which escalated into the Sino-Japanese War.

As Lawrence B. Glickman highlights², American public opinion grew sympathetic toward China, influenced by writers like Pearl S. Buck³, who vividly portrayed the Chinese experience in her works most notably in her bestselling novel ‘The Good Earth’ which won her a Pulitzer Prize in 1932.

The silk boycott, a prominent consumer campaign in American history, united various social and political factions. Buying silk became synonymous with complicity in horrific events such as the Rape of Nanking, where thousands, including children, lost their lives.

However, the boycott sparked considerable debate. Some labour unions, traditionally aligned with consumer rights, opposed the boycott on ethical grounds. They warned that switching to non-silk alternatives could lead consumers toward products made under questionable labour practices by non-union workers.

“Life Without Silk: From Morning to Midnight in Cotton and Rayon.”

In 1938, the Wardman Park Theatre in Washington, D.C., hosted a fashion show titled “Life Without Silk: From Morning to Midnight in Cotton and Rayon.” This event was organized by the League of Women Shoppers (LWS), a group advocating for the boycott of Japanese silk as part of a broader movement promoting ethical consumerism.

The show featured a group of young socialites, who took on the role of models to proudly display a range of stylish non-silk garments crafted from cotton, rayon, and wool. These outfits were designed to cater to various occasions, demonstrating that one could maintain elegance and sophistication without using silk. The event’s highlight came when the famous movie star and dancer, Eleanor Powell, graced the runway. She concluded the show by showcasing a striking pair of cotton stockings, symbolizing the transition away from silk and reinforcing the event’s central message. However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm for this silk-free initiative.

As noted by Glickman, outside the theatre, a dedicated group of women from the American Federation of Hosiery Workers (AFHW) marched in protest against the boycott.

Some 300 hosiery workers had travelled by train from Reading, Pennsylvania, the heart of the country’s full-fashioned hosiery industry, to challenge the premises of the silk-free fashion show. Refusing to cede the moral high ground to the LWS, the hosiery workers argued that the dictates of both ethical consumption and good fashion required not a boycott but the continued purchase of silk.

‘Make Lisle the Style’: The Politics of Fashion in the Japanese Silk Boycott, 1937-1940
Lawrence B. Glickman

They argued that the boycott not only threatened their jobs but also undermined the fabric of American industry. They believed that ethical consumption should not equate to a rejection of silk, emphasizing that the ongoing purchase of silk was vital for preserving jobs and ensuring the health of their industry. This perspective highlighted a significant conflict: while the LWS aimed to promote ethical choices in consumption, the hosiery workers contended that such a boycott would ultimately inflict greater harm on American workers than on the Japanese economy, creating a moral dilemma in the realm of fashion and commerce.

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1. “Nylon Hosiery Sample Books – Science History Institute Digital Collections.” Science History Institute Digital Collections ↩︎
2. ‘Make Lisle the Style’: The Politics of Fashion in the Japanese Silk Boycott, 1937-1940 Lawrence B. Glickman Journal of Social History Vol. 38, No. 3 (Spring, 2005), pp. 573-608 (36 pages) Published By: Oxford University Press ↩︎
3. Spurling, Hilary. Pearl Buck in China. Simon and Schuster, 2010. ↩︎