Figure 1.--This Sears advertisment for long stockings with latex tops appeared in the 1939 catalog. They had the advantage of holding up the stockings without restricting stocking supporters.

Also available besides the traditional gartered stocking options were "latex" rubberized banded tops for boys stockings that were advertised to "stay up" on their own without the need for garters. This made putting on long stockings much simpler. They were advertised for both boys and girls. HBC has no information on how popular this style was with boys. The fact that they didn't require a restrictive stocking supporter must have been a real plus. Convenience is a very important factor for boys. For some reason they were only available in tan shades. This style was made in the same sizes as the other types of long stockings, 6 through 10 years. They had a specialize strengthened ("scuff-top") foot extended over the area covered by the shoe for more duravle wear.