Figure 1.--This ad for the Dr. Parker's waist "for growing boys and girls" was published in the "Wisconsin State Journal" (September 8, 1943). The illustration pictures a girl, perhaps an indicaton that by 1943 they were mostly being sold for girls. Notice that Wisconsin is a northern tier state. We suspect that climate was a factor in long stockings still being popular. Long stockings persisted longer in the northern than the southern states. We know for example that they were still common across the border in Canada.

The last time stocking supporters were worn to any extent was the 1940s, although they did not disappear entirely until the early 1950s. They were still prominently advertised in the 1940s, especoally the early 1940s. They were available in quite a wide range of different types. Most Wards and Sears in 1943 had quite a range of offerings. The photographic record suggests that they were rapidly declinng in popularity. Advertisements for stocking supporters , however, show that they were still being marketed. We suspect that sales by 1943 were mostly for girls, but we can not yet confirm this.

Sears Waists

Sears offered "garter waists". Many were clearly targeted for younger children. The ad shows the proud children, beaming "See mommie, now we can put on our own garter waists." They were not just worn bu very young children, however, as they were made up to size 12 years. Several different styles were available from Sears. Sears in 1943-44 offered two different styles of garter waists in the ad here. There was a Child's all-purpose waist and a Kern's garter waist.

Dr. Parker's Waist

This ad for the Dr. Parker's waist "for growing boys and girls" was published in the Wisconsin State Journal, September 8, 1943, p. 12. The illustration pictures a girl, perhaps an indicaton that by 1943 they were mostly being sold for girls. Notice that Wisconsin is a northern tier state. We suspect that climate was a factor. Long stockings persisted longer in the northern than the southern states. We know for example that they were still common across the border in Canada.

Ward's Hose supporters

A Ward's page for children's bath robes, suspenders, and hose supporters. The combination of these items on the same page of the catalog (Ward's Fall and Winter catalog, p. 313) seems a bit unusual. Possibly the idea of warmth or coziness is what links the bath robes with the necessary devices for long stockings. All these items seem to be gender neutral--equally suitable for both boys and girls. The ad copy reads, "Comfy, Flexible, Strong Supports for Stockings ... Shoulders ... Clothing ... Children's and Misses' Sizes."

Created: 11:06 PM 2/27/2009
Last updated: 11:06 PM 2/27/2009