Figure 1.--Here we see the various types of long stockings Wards offered in a full page devoted to stockings in its 1930-31 Fall-Winter catalog. There were eight different types of stocking done in a range of colors. |
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The Wards Fall and Winter 1930-31 catalog had a full page devoted to long stockings. The age sizes go up to 10--old enough for middle teenagers. This is page 116 of the Wards Fall and Winter catalog for 1930-31. Wards offered eight different types of long stockings here offered in a range of colors. Some are specifically for boys or girls while others are presented as appropriate for boys and girls. The difference has to do with the colors and ribbing among other factors. The variety of stockings is an indicator that they were still very popular. Notice that the sizes are basically the same whether they are for boys or girls.
A banner claims "Tests Prove Their Superior Wearing Qualities." Wards explains, "Ward's stockings have now been examined and endorsed by the famour Proving Plant of Modern Priscilla which so many women confidently rely on when buying equipment of every sort for the home. After scientific testing of materials, color, and workmanship, the Priscilla Proving Plant has found these hose exactly as fine as they are represented and has awarded them its value certificate of merit.
Wards offered long stockings for boys and girlsthat were guaranteed to last 3 months. They even printed the guarantee. GUARANTEE: "We guarantee our hose to > wear as stated--three pairs for three months. Should they fail to do so, return them to us and we will replace them with new stockings without any expense to you. It is understood they are to be worn by only one person, and in rotation." I'm not sure how Ward's made sure only one person wore them or how many people retuned worn out stockings. One interesting point here is that long stockings wore out faster than anhle socks. This was the case because active boys often wore out the stockings at the knee.
This type was for both boys and girls (figure 1). The Wards ad copy read, "Never Before Priced So Low! Combed Cotton. 3 Pairs for 50 cents. Hard Wear without Tear. 30 G 201 Fine Rib. 30 G 219 Derby Rib. Colors: Black, medium brown, champagne, nude, French tan. Sizes 6, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2. State size and color. We Pay Postage. Both boys and girls need a whole lot of strong but good looking stockings for every day school wear. They need a quality that stands a lot of playful punishment, at a price that fits in mother's crowded budget. These are soft cotton, elastic knit to the legs and plain knit in the feet. They're comfortabale, seamless, reinforced at heel and toe.
The Wards ad copy read, "Choice. 3 Pairs for 59 cents. Look! A New Low Price. Sturdy Two-Ply Mercerized Cotton For Active Boys and Girls. 30 G 185--Fine Rib. 30 G 214--Derby Rib. Colors: Black, French tan, champagne, nude, white. Sizes 6, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2. State size and color. We pay postage. Playhards are made to please mothers who know the serious side of buying play-clothes. they're stockings that live up to their name by resisting all the ups and downs of young knees. They save mother's time, trouble and a worthwhile amount of money too. Smooth fitting, reinforced, two-ply
cotton. Flat knit feet, reinforced heel and toe.
The Wrds ad copy read, "Choice. 38 cents a Pair. Rayon and Mercerized. Strongly knit,
Smooth fitting. 30 G 176 Fine Rib. 30 G 151 Derby Rib. Colors: White, champagne, nude, French tan. Sizes 6, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2 9, 9 1/2. State size and color. We Pay postage. It's a great convenience for mothers to buy stockings that are trim enough in
appearance for dressy wear and yet quite practical for every day. But hose like that are a bargain at this particularly low price. Rayon plated over two-ply mercerized cotton. Reinforced at heel and toe. Well liked by both boys and girls. Quick Same Day shipping
service.
The Wards ad copy read, "3 Pairs for 38 cents. 30 G 226--Colors: Black, French tan, buff light tan. Sizes 6, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2. State size and color. We pay postage. It's easy to understand the popularity of these strong cotton stockings for children. Derby rib is always smart; and this good quality yarn lives up to its reputation for long, hard wear. They are styles to give comfort to growing feet; seamless and reinforced at the heel and toe. Comfortably sized from growing feet."
The Wards ad copy read, "3 Pairs for 59 cents. Playhard with 3 Threads at the Knee. 30 G 236. Colors: Black, medium brown, French tan. Sizes 6, 6 1/2, 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2, 10. climbing and wrestling, sledding and skiing--sports every real boy knows the fun of--and every wise mother knows the benefits of. They know these strenuous activities are hard on a fellow's knees and consequently hard on mother's time and budget. Reinforced Where Wear is Hardest. Here is why so many busy and thifty mothers are enthusiastically buying these strong ribbed Stockings that are specially reinforced at the knee. The legs are made of two-thread serviceable weight cotton and a third thread is knit in from below the knee to the top. This means knee protection for boys and stocking protection for mothers. Of course the feet are smooth and seamless with reinforced heel and toe. Buy them for more wear, less mending and less money.
The Wards ad copy read, "3 Pairs for 38 cents. Fine cotton. 30 G 245 Colors: Black, medium tan, and brown. State color and size. How many mothers have experiences in economizing on hosiery! There's all the difference in the world between "cheap" and good quality stockings. These fine ribbed cotton stockings make for wise economy. They have ribbed legs and plain knit feet, reinforced at heel and toe. They're seamless,
comfortable, and shapely. Order them now."
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