Kous van effen zwarte katoenen tricot c. 1925 - 1950

These black cotton stockings were produced by Maison de Bonneterie, a Dutch chain of fashion stores. Stockings like these offer a glimpse into the everyday lives and social norms of the time. Consider the role of hosiery as both a functional garment and a signifier of status and gender. During this period, clothing often reinforced societal expectations, particularly for women, and items like stockings were integral to maintaining appearances. The choice of black cotton tricot speaks to both practicality and perhaps a somber aesthetic, as black was often associated with mourning or formal attire. How might the wearing of such stockings feel on the body, and what unspoken messages did they convey about the wearer's identity and place in society? These stockings offer a tangible connection to the past, prompting us to reflect on the intimate relationship between clothing, identity, and social history.