It is intriguing how modernity shapes our concepts about clothing and it’s structure and design. If you read the description of the 18th century clothing worn by the main character, Claire Beauchamp, in Diana Gabaldon’s novel Outlander, “a pair of brown-striped stockings of wool and a pair of yellow slippers completed the ensemble.”

What is the immediate image that the phrase “brown-striped stockings” conjures up? If you are like me, perhaps you envision horizontal stripes. But that design would be far from the historical actuality.

Read more about stripes in “ The Devil’s Cloth: A History of Stripes and Striped Fabric” and in the article in the PieceWork Sept/Oct 2015 issue.

These stockings are perfect for historical reinactments which exclude horizontal (nonperiod) socks/stockings.