Nylon Stockings Day

What Is Nylon Stockings Day?

Every May 15th is "Nylon Stockings Day" (ストッキングの日, Sutōkingu no Hi) in Japan. On May 15, 1940, DuPont Corporation of the United States launched nationwide sales of nylon stockings across America — introducing what became one of the most revolutionary textile products of the 20th century. Nylon (ナイロン), the world's first fully synthetic fiber, had been developed by DuPont chemist Wallace Carothers, and its application to women's hosiery created a product that combined the appearance of silk stockings with far greater durability and affordability.

Nylon: The Synthetic Revolution

The 1940 nationwide launch of nylon stockings followed their successful introduction at the 1939 New York World's Fair and regional test sales in 1939-1940. The product's reception was extraordinary — an estimated 72,000 pairs were sold on the first day of national availability; within the first year, approximately 64 million pairs were sold. The combination of silk-like appearance, extraordinary durability compared to silk, and significantly lower cost created an immediate mass market that transformed women's fashion and hosiery consumption.

Nylon in Japan

Nylon stockings became widely available in Japan in the postwar period — their association with American affluence and modernity made them highly desirable consumer goods during Japan's economic recovery. Japan subsequently developed a significant synthetic fiber and hosiery manufacturing industry, with companies including Kanebo (鐘紡) and Teijin (帝人) producing nylon and polyester fiber and hosiery products that became major consumer and export goods.

Fun Facts

• Wartime deprivation: The US entry into WWII in December 1941 — just 18 months after nylon stockings' national launch — redirected nylon production to military uses (parachutes, ropes, tires) and virtually eliminated civilian nylon stocking availability. The phrase "Do you have any nylons?" became a shorthand for wartime material deprivation among American women.
• Pantyhose revolution: The introduction of pantyhose in the 1960s — combining stockings and underwear in a single garment — further transformed women's hosiery, eventually making traditional stocking-and-garter-belt combinations obsolete. Japan became a major pantyhose manufacturer and consumer through the late 20th century.